Acquisition

Let Me Start Weapons R&D Faster, Air Force Secretary Asks Congress

Frank Kendall wants freedom from rules that require lawmakers’ approval to get anti-China weapons off the ground.

The Army Is Putting All Its Network Efforts Under One Roof

By October, Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical is expected to absorb network portfolios from its sister PEO for enterprise services.

Air Force Slashes ‘Bridge Tanker’ Buy, Sets Deadline for Clean-Sheet Aerial Refueler

Stealthy new tanker jet should arrive in the 2030s, service’s top weapons buyer says.

Tougher Cybersecurity Rules May Be More than a Year Away—But Don’t Wait to Get Ready

Contractors should prepare for independent checks on their data systems, and maybe more reporting requirements as well.

DOD to Favor Small-Business Contracts Over 'Best-in-Class' Awards

Contracting officers will prioritize goals for small- and disadvantaged-business contracting over BIC objectives "if achievement of both goals is not possible."

Is the Pentagon Changing Fast Enough?

So far, two former defense insiders say, new service organizations are more promise than improvement.

It’s Official: Space Force Sets Sights on Smaller Satellites

The newest service’s acquisition chief also calls for more fixed-price contracts and fewer classified programs.

Aides Recall How Ash Carter Changed Pentagon’s Weapons Buying

Over decades, the physicist-turned-defense leader worked to speed up and streamline arms procurement.

Ukraine: Russia’s Draft, Setbacks Mean It’s Time for More Advanced Weapons

Kyiv’s winter wishlist includes long-range artillery, armored Humvees, kamikaze drones, and more.

USAF to Unveil B-21 Stealth Bomber in December

The strategic bomber has been developed in near-total secrecy at Northrop Grumman's plant in Palmdale, California.

Defense Firms Sound Inflation Alarm as Congress Mulls 2023 Budget

One trade association says Pentagon would lose $110 billion in buying power.

Get to Know the Middle Tier of Awesome…Er, Acquisition

Speeding good ideas into reality through rapid prototyping and fielding is awesome. Don’t let disbelievers muck it up.

The Pentagon’s Plan to Buy Weapons Software Faster

The DOD’s dedicated software acquisition pathway is nearly two years old, and is already being used by a few dozen programs.

HIMARS’ Hidden Superpower and Other Acquisition Lessons from Ukraine

With no U.S. troops on the ground, acquisition professionals are the operators making the difference.

Faster Attacks Have Cyber Command Looking to Add All-Too-Scarce Experts

“I think the only way that I'm going to be able to do that in the near term is to grow the workforce myself,” command official says.

Pass the CHIPS Act

Two former senior defense and intelligence leaders lay out the case for Congressional action to help the U.S. semiconductor industry.