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Artificial Intelligence
Pentagon reductions set back critical AI-data platform
After users flocked to Advana, DOD’s AI office laid out a plan to keep it growing. Then came DOGE.
Cybersecurity
Small defense industrial base firms pose tempting targets for nation-state hackers, NSA official says
Some 80% of the defense industrial base are actually small firms, according to the NSA’s head of DIB security, who has helped over 200 providers identify thousands of vulnerabilities in their systems.
Acquisition
Pentagon halts $15B Advana recompete draft solicitation
DOD was previously looking to bring in new vendors to support its Advana data-analytics platform through a potential 10-year, $15 billion Advancing Artificial Intelligence Multiple Award Contract.
Cybersecurity
Pentagon not impacted by Microsoft Sharepoint hack, tech chief says
The department has been holding daily calls with Microsoft since the zero-day was discovered, the DOD CIO said at an event Thursday.
Cybersecurity
Salt Typhoon hacks into National Guard systems a ‘serious escalation’, experts warn
“Going forward, all U.S. forces must now assume their networks are compromised and will be degraded,” a former Air National Guard servicemember said.
Updated
Acquisition
Pentagon awards multiple companies $200M contracts for AI tools
Four tech firms just won big.
Cybersecurity
DOD gets millions for cyber capabilities under GOP reconciliation package
The law’s vast cuts to Medicaid, however, are putting rural healthcare groups on high alert.
People
More than 60,000 feds are still waiting for their 2025 pay raise
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision last spring to shutter a slew of advisory committees has imperiled already enacted pay raises for federal employees in blue collar jobs.
Cybersecurity
Iran-backed hackers may target US defense companies tied to Israel, agencies warn
“Despite a declared ceasefire and ongoing negotiations towards a permanent solution, Iranian-affiliated cyber actors and hacktivist groups may still conduct malicious cyber activity,” a government advisory says.
Artificial Intelligence
AI companies see openings to improve federal, defense operations
Executives at OpenAI and Anthropic have both championed artificial intelligence as the future of government workflows.
Acquisition
AWS launches second secret cloud region for defense, intel customers
The company intends to have the new region live by the end of the year.
Ideas
SecDef’s recipe for procurement: A dash of DOGE with a pinch of Obama
COMMENTARY | The Defense Department’s recent contracting directives are sweeping, but will they be successful?
Emerging Tech
Star Wars gets a step closer with new Space Force satellite jamming capabilities
In a world where code can neutralize a threat before the first missile is even launched, Space Force is betting big on systems to keep the upper hand in space without ever leaving the ground.
Acquisition
Pentagon heightens scrutiny on IT, management consulting contracts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's newest directive for the department zeroes in on providers of “system IT integration, implementation, or advisory services."
People
Intelligence agency employee arrested for trying to share classified info with foreign government
Nathan Vilas Laatsch was allegedly disgruntled by the Trump administration and willing to share sensitive data with the foreign country. The FBI set up a dead drop operation to intercept the classified materials.
People
Kirsten Davies tapped to be DOD CIO
Davies has a largely private sector background and would be expected to take the place of Katie Arrington, who is currently acting DOD CIO.
Acquisition
Pentagon seeks input on plan to streamline software authorizations
A new request for information follows a promise made by Katie Arrington to overhaul how the Defense Department runs its authority-to-operate process.
People
Air Force’s acting CTO officially assumes permanent position
Scott Heitmann has been serving in the acting role since former Air Force CTO Jay Bondi departed the military branch in October.
Acquisition
Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI authorized for IL6 Defense operations
Microsoft’s artificial intelligence offerings are now available at the highest impact level classification for the Department of Defense.
Artificial Intelligence