Acquisition

NDAA includes new acquisition pilot for consumption-based solutions

The new pilot program based on the Section 809 panel recommendations could speed things up by allowing DOD to buy tech solutions based on how much they use.

Digital Government

House lawmakers push for veto-proof majority on defense bill

Lawmakers are counting on strong support to pass the 2021 defense authorization bill under threat of presidential veto, but concede that anything is possible.

People

Congress axes CMO office in 2021 defense bill

The Defense Department’s third top position will get eliminated after just two years in existence, according to language in the final version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

Cybersecurity

Cyber czar, CISA subpoenas included in must-pass defense bill

Lawmakers are poised to vote on a defense policy bill that would advance dozens of recommendations made by a cyberspace commission.

Digital Government

Congressional leaders push back on NDAA veto threats

Defense committee leaders plan to vote on the annual defense bill without key items on President Trump's wish list.

Digital Government

Dems brace for internal defense budget fight

Defense committee leaders look for a cohesive national security strategy that supports reductions without hampering readiness, but progressives might seek steeper cuts.

Acquisition

'Huawei ban' means contract modifications

The General Services Administration is seeing high rates of acceptance of contract modifications from contractors to comply with acquisition rules in the 2019 defense bill.

People

Don't expect finished defense bill soon, Thornberry says

Rep. Mac Thornberry, the House Armed Services Committee's ranking member, said the November elections could hold up negotiations over key provisions in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

Modernization

Speeding up the military's 'kill chain'

The military's need for quick technological development is hamstrung by politics, acquisition, and culture. FCW talks with former Senate staff director Christian Brose about his new book on the future of warfare.

People

SecDef: 'Murder of George Floyd was a wakeup call'

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he's heard similar stories from service members across the branches, which spurred DOD to stand up three initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion.

Modernization

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

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

Cybersecurity

Solarium commissioners focus on cyber director, better attribution

Negotiations between the House and Senate on a $740 billion defense authorization bill will determine which recommendations from the Cyberspace Solarium Commission make it into law.

Modernization

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.

People

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.

People

House-passed NDAA expands paid leave benefit to excluded feds

Title 38 employees, such as workers at the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Federal Aviation Administration were not included in the bill that established the benefit.

Digital Government

House panel advances NDAA with labor protections, spectrum rules

The House Armed Services Committee unanimously passed its version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act; tech provisions include spectrum sharing restrictions targeting Ligado 5G networks and new artificial intelligence initiatives.

People

House panel advances measure to eliminate CMO

The Defense Department's number three job would be eliminated thanks to a late-add amendment to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers, White House square off over new cyber post

The co-chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission said he has yet to hear from the White House on why they don't want a new top cybersecurity official in the executive branch.

Digital Government

Thornberry talks acquisition reform in 2021 NDAA

Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) is hopeful that lasting change comes with his latest provisions in what is set to be his last National Defense Authorization Act.

Cybersecurity

Lawmakers push cyber updates in Senate defense bill

Amendments filed to the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) and others would implement more than a dozen recommendations from the Solarium Commission report.