Author Archive
Lauren C. Williams
Senior Editor

Lauren C. Williams is senior editor for FCW and Defense Systems, covering defense and cybersecurity.
Prior to joining FCW, Williams was the tech reporter for ThinkProgress, where she covered everything from internet culture to national security issues. In past positions, Williams covered health care, politics and crime for various publications, including The Seattle Times.
Williams graduated with a master's in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and a bachelor's in dietetics from the University of Delaware. She can be contacted at lwilliams@fcw.com, or follow her on Twitter @lalaurenista.
Click here for previous articles by Wiliams.
Policy
Fight With Information, Not Just Munitions, Marine Corps Tells Commanders
A new doctrinal document asks Marines to consider information warfare as they build their battle plans.
- Lauren C. Williams
Business
New Air Force Space Buyer Eyes Fixed-Price Contracts
Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration, said it's "not a bad approach for space things" and could help keep acquisitions on time.
- Lauren C. Williams
Threats
Major Pentagon IT Projects Lack Plans to Secure Networks, Supply Chains: GAO
Watchdog also noted cost increases among most of the Defense Department's top 25 IT efforts.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Lack of Space National Guard Could Hurt Training, Recruiting
Guardsmen in space-related jobs have trouble getting into Space Force schools, leaders say.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
How Much Does Bad Software Cost DOD? Lawmakers Want to Know
The House Armed Services Committee's version of the defense authorization act is getting a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
‘Cultural Artifacts’ Are Keeping DOD From Going Big on AI
Policy, budgets, and budget execution are getting in the way, the outgoing head of the joint AI center says.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
A Navy 'Cattle Drive' Has Saved $150M in IT Costs
The service's two-year-old effort to consolidate computer systems is to be duplicated across the Pentagon.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Pentagon Wants to Take the Time to Get Major Cloud Awards 'Right,' CIO Says
That's a lesson from past failures to apply to the Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract, John Sherman said.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
The Pentagon Is Closing in on 'Ethical' AI Implementation
The Defense Department released guidance for using AI responsibly last year.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Coast Guard Academy Graduates its First Cyber Majors
A "handful" of new cyber specialists will go to the service's Cyber Command headquarters for their initial assignment.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
US Army Is Battle-Testing Cloud Computing
Various commands are trying out the service's cArmy infrastructure for common operating pictures, training, and more.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
The Army Wants to Change How It Manages Cyber Risk
The service is working to stand up a risk management council in the coming month.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
The Military's 5G Gear Could Be Obsolete When It's Fielded
"Time to market" is the Navy's chief digital innovation officer's biggest 5G concern, after security.
- Lauren C. Williams
Business
Can Small Businesses Keep Up with Defense Cyber Requirements?
The Pentagon is going to start scrutinizing their security plans.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Pentagon Delays Department-wide Cloud, Again
Officials say they didn't expect to need so much time to choose among four bids for a $9 billion cloud contract.
- Brandi Vincent and Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Army's Augmented Reality Headset Program 'Alive and Well,' Despite Delays
The Integrated Visual Augmentation System has had problems with image resolution, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
DOD Wants More Software Factories
Defense officials outlined plans to make the Air Force's Kessel Run a model across the department.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Intelligence Agency Looks to Mix Cleared, Uncleared Workers
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency wants to build workspaces that can accommodate a hybrid workforce of people and organizations with and without security clearances.
- Lauren C. Williams