Defense Systems

Could a new academy solve the AI talent problem?

The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence is recommending a new academy to train feds to take on federal agency jobs involving emerging technologies including AI.

Defense Systems

Understanding the DOD's ban on some China-made telecom gear

Alejandro Sarria and Jason Workmaster, two attorneys specializing in federal contracting, shed some light on the fast approaching government ban on contracting with companies that use certain telecom equipment and services.

Defense Systems

Trump's pick to head DOD's CAPE talks management

John Whitley, the nominee to lead the critical Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office talked with the Senate Armed Services Committee about the future of the chief management officer position.

Defense Systems

JEDI announcement slated for end of August, Pentagon says

Defense Department CIO Dana Deasy said that "barring any last minute unforeseen additional issues that are raised," the Pentagon expects to announce its "intentions to award" by the end of August.

Defense Systems

Culture, leadership are keys to DOD telework post-COVID

Peter Ranks, the Defense Department's deputy chief information officer for information enterprise, said continued leadership on flexible telework policies were needed to create a "new normal."

Defense Systems

Senate passes 2021 NDAA with veto-proof majority

The Senate passed its version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and the bill now heads to conference.

Defense Systems

DOD's cyber chief to exit this month

The Pentagon’s lead cybersecurity expert, Jack Wilmer, is leaving his post for an industry role at the end of July.

Defense Systems

Pentagon issues contract guidance on China tech ban

The Defense Department outlines how it will implement the upcoming government ban on doing business with companies that use certain Chinese telecommunications equipment.

Defense Systems

Sustainment issues plague F-35’s logistics IT backbone

Questions remain about the replacement for the F-35’s logistics infrastructure, Autonomic Logistics Information Systems, which has been riddled with errant alerts and corrupted data transfer.

Defense Systems

House passes NDAA with TikTok ban

The House of Representatives passed a defense bill for 2021 that authorizes $731.6 billion in defense spending, includes cyber, workforce, acquisition provisions and a ban on the popular social media app Tik Tok on government equipment.

Defense Systems

Army re-orgs tech directorate

The Army has a new strategic operations directorate under the department's management office, an organization said to be a "precursor" to the upcoming CIO reorganization.

Defense Systems

2020 election security is 'number one goal', NSA chief says

Gen. Paul Nakasone's remarks come as a group of former senior officials seek funds to counter the "extraordinary challenges" posed by coronavirus pandemic and foreign interference to state and local election administrators.

Defense Systems

Army stands up its first software factory

Army Futures Command announced it has launched its first software factory at its headquarters in Austin, Texas. The entity is expected to hit initial operating capacity in early 2021.

Defense Systems

Army tech chief: CIO split was 'right decision at the right time'

Army CIO/G6 Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford said the move, which follows his retirement, will allow the new CIO to focus more on big data, cloud migrations.

Defense Systems

DISA leans in on zero trust

The Defense Information Systems Agency is teaming up with the National Security Agency to deliver the first zero trust reference architecture guidance later this year.

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

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.