Defense Systems
NDAA gets new wave of Solarium cyber amendments
Much of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's agenda is being pushed into this year's defense authorization process, including its crown jewel idea of a national cyber director.
Defense Systems
House panel advances FY2021 DOD spending bill
The House Appropriations Committee passed its 2021 defense spending bill along party lines, 30-22, including funding for COVID-19 procurement and support for cyber workforce recruitment.
Defense Systems
How DOD's executive exodus could affect tech modernization
Back-to-back resignations raise concerns about how things will be run without permanent leadership in key areas from policy to tech development.
Defense Systems
DIU issues $13 million in drone contracts to fight COVID
The Defense Department's innovation arm has fast-tracked $13.4 million in small-drone contracts under the Defense Production Act.
Defense Systems
White House CTO to take over DOD's top research role
Defense Secretary Mark Esper names U.S. CTO Michael Kratsios to be acting undersecretary of defense for research and engineering after Michael Griffin's resignation from that post took effect July 10.
Defense Systems
Deadline looms for contractors to ditch banned Chinese equipment
A broad federal prohibition on contractors that use gear from a host of Chinese tech makers goes into effect in mid-August.
Defense Systems
DOD CMO boasts $11B in savings as Congress moves to cut position
The Defense Department has saved $11 billion in the past two years thanks to reform efforts, said Lisa Hershman, DOD's chief management officer.
Defense Systems
Navy, Marines look to boost virtual ‘sailorization’ for recruits
Wwhile recruits are under restricted movement orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19 , the Navy and Marine Corps are using a distributed learning environment where lessons to recruits are pushed to wireless devices.
Defense Systems
JADC2 tops Pentagon’s artificial intelligence efforts
The Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is focused on overlaying AI tools on the military’s mega information-sharing platform effort, called Joint All Domain Command and Control.
Science & Tech
Coronavirus ‘Shattered the Myth’ that Defense Civilians Can’t Telework, Official Says
The workforce's response to the pandemic is reshaping ideas about the "new normal" work setup, two Defense Department officials said.
Defense Systems
Defense contractors mount pressure for more pandemic stimulus funds
Major defense company executives are pushing the White House and Pentagon for additional financial relief due to increased costs caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Science & Tech
White House ‘Very Confident’ on Coronavirus Vaccine By Year’s End. But Supply Questions Remain
Officials say at least one vaccine candidate will soon move to Phase III trials.
Business
US May Need to Nationalize Military Aircraft Industry, USAF Says
That’s unless the Air Force can find a way to keep both competition and the few remaining U.S. plane-makers alive, the service’s acquisition chief said.
Policy
To Block Trump’s Troop Withdrawals, Congress Turns An Old Tactic Upside Down
Congress historically has tried to force presidents to bring troops home. But in the last three years, lawmakers have repeatedly tried to make laws to do the opposite.
Ideas
The Pandemic Shut Down Other DoD Innovation Efforts, So We Took Ours Online
Hackathons sponsored by the National Security Innovation Network are going virtual, starting with an urban-warfare challenge.
Science & Tech
Peter Thiel’s New Man In The Defense Department
The new head of defense research and engineering comes from the White House with a relatively light resume.
Business