Science & Tech
More Reality Checks Could Help Keep DOD Programs on Time and Budget, GAO Says
The Pentagon has long espoused “knowledge-based acquisition,” but doesn’t insist on it.
Business
How the Pentagon Plans to Manage Inflation in Contracts
Contracting officers are told to "be mindful" of rising costs but to "limit the scope" of adjustment clauses.
Threats
Pentagon Seeks to Update U.S. Weapons Stocks Depleted by Ukraine Donations
Defense Department's top acquisitions exec says Ukraine war is changing the way the U.S. thinks about stockpiles.
Ideas
Don’t Overinflate the Pentagon Budget
There are plenty of perennial problems draining the military’s coffers that need attention.
Exclusive
Policy
Biden’s No. 2 Defense Industry Policy Official Leaves Post
It’s unclear why Jesse Salazar has left, the latest in a string of recent Pentagon departures.
Threats
US Needs More Arms Factories, Says Chief Weapons-Buyer Nominee
Bill LaPlante also said he wants to speed up deliveries of weapons and equipment to Ukraine.
Ideas
The Defense Department Is a Bad Customer. Let’s Change That.
Two active duty officers spent time at tech firms. Here’s what they learned.
Policy
Project Maven Shows Need for Better Acquisition Policies, DOD Watchdog Finds
The Air Force's AI project moved fast. One of its lessons is the need for better acquisition policies and documentation.
Policy
Former Air Force Weapons Chief Tapped as Pentagon’s Lead Arms Buyer
Bill LaPlante has spent the past six years working on military-related tech.
Policy
Air Force’s Kendall Creates Space Acquisition Office, Accelerates Absorption of Space Development Agency
And the new service secretary is asking Congress to allow him to move faster yet.
Policy
Biden Nominee for Pentagon’s Top Weapons Buyer Withdraws
Michael Brown to remain at DIU for now, Pentagon says.
Exclusive
Business
Lockheed CEO Urges Pentagon to Enshrine COVID-Era’s Bigger Upfront Payments
The policy was created to shore up pandemic-weakened supply chains.
Ideas
What Blockchain Tells Us about the Pentagon’s Innovation Struggles
The obstacles to this new technology are hardly unique to it.
Business
Biden Nominees Want to Shake Up Pentagon Weapons Buying Process
Shyu, Blume tell Congress they plan to bridge the “valley of death” between the development phase and becoming a program of record.
Ideas
The F-35’s Painful Lessons Must Inform Future Programs
Congress and the Pentagon must question dubious technical requirements, rosy buy-in costs, and optimistic schedule promises.
Science & Tech
CIA’s Last Classified Fax Machines Are About to Retire
A secure email system dubbed Gray Magic will replace the legendary analog technology.
Ideas
Shake Off the Pentagon's Industrial-Age Bureaucracy
Five disciplines and five initiatives can help the U.S. military better adapt to 21st-century threats.
Policy
Biden Taps Frank Kendall To Be Air Force Secretary
Former Pentagon acquisition chief has relevant experience defining threats and modernization needs, colleagues say.
Threats