Modernization

Walter Reed brings crisis communications system online

The Navy Yard shooting in D.C. and the Fort Hood attack in Texas have increased the focus on workplace security at government installations.

Acquisition

Supply-chain rules could blindside vendors

Some contractors could be excluded from working with the Pentagon without knowing they have been excluded, an industry group says.

Modernization

DISA piloting DOD cloud security model

DOD agencies are testing framework with controlled unclassified information.

Cybersecurity

Gates: NSA ‘primary weapon in this conflict’

The former Pentagon chief decried Obama administration leaks and privacy advocates who downplay the need for security.

People

Army looks to virtual training, shared intell amid budget cuts

The Army is planning to combine multiple training programs into a single environment to cut overhead costs.

People

DARPA in 2014: Director Arati Prabhakar looks ahead

The specific technologies change, but the research agency's director asserts that the "mission has been unchanged in 55 years."

Cybersecurity

Cyber Command, network defenses bolstered in spending bill

Spending on cybersecurity will be dramatically higher in 2014 -- and so will reporting requirements for the agencies getting the money.

Digital Government

Defense Health Agency focusing on IT for savings, efficiencies

Beyond migrating to a new electronic health records system, the agency is consolidating IT infrastructure, moving to DOD enterprise email and boosting R&D.

People

Former DOD official to lead industrial base review

One of Brett Lambert’s duties at the Pentagon was to lead efforts to improve communication between the department and the defense industrial base.

People

Elizabeth McGrath joins Deloitte

McGrath capped a 25-year Pentagon career when she retired in November after a stint as DoD’s first deputy chief management officer.

People

Changing of the guard at Army IT commands

The new commander of the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command is a 2012 Fed 100 honoree, Brig. Gen. John B. Morrison, Jr.

Modernization

DOD's cautious path to the cloud

The Pentagon wants controls that go beyond FedRAMP, but critics claim DISA officials are dragging their feet.

Digital Government

Commercial aerospace up, defense down

“Government customers of global defense companies continue to be challenged with affordability and competing domestic priorities,” says a new report from Deloitte.

People

Randy Forbes: Leading the fight for more military funding

Virginia Republican Randy Forbes argues that the Pentagon has absorbed far more than its share of budget cuts. But will his congressional colleagues listen?

Digital Government

Pentagon policy bill targets restoration, next-gen threats

Congress is requiring the appointment of a high-level cyber adviser to oversee offense, defense, resources, personnel, acquisition and technology.

Acquisition

Beyond better buying power: DOD acquisition reform needs a boost

A key finding of a new study: Competition can prod incumbents to perform well and incentivize others to come in and produce better solutions.

Cybersecurity

No split between NSA and Cyber Command

Despite task force recommendations, the White House makes clear that Alexander's successor will play both roles.

People

James confirmed as Air Force secretary

Confirmation had been slowed by an unrelated dispute over providing information to Congress about the A-10 program.

People

Defense bill leaves IT management in limbo

Some of the legislative proposals are in conflict with reorganization plans unveiled earlier this month by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Acquisition

FITARA axed from defense bill

A revised version of the Pentagon policy bill could be considered in the House this week, but IT acquisition reform will have to wait until at least 2014.