Cybersecurity
Senate NDAA repeals protest pilot, seeks clarity on JRSS
Lawmakers in the Senate are running out of patience with the nebulous status of the Joint Regional Security Stacks effort and want to give new contracting authority to Cyber Command.
Cybersecurity
CMMC training registration opens, but implementation worries persist
The first cadre of DOD cybersecurity assessors is expected to graduate by early August, but concerns loom over Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.
Acquisition
Lawmakers skeptical of seaborne drone fleet
The House defense committee is looking to add some oversight for rapid procurement of unmanned vehicles and vessels, and wants more detailed plans on how the Army will use its newly developed augmented reality headset.
Acquisition
AI leadership restructuring, IT policy oversight on tap in 2021 NDAA
The House Armed Services Committee began marking up its draft of the 2021 defense policy bill with some focus on artificial intelligence efforts and oversight of IT policy.
Cybersecurity
NSA launches pilot program to secure defense contractors
The National Security Agency is testing a secure domain name system model to better secure companies in the defense industrial base, which houses much of the nation's weapons technology.
Modernization
DOD wants to overhaul its software development by 2025
The Defense Department wants virtually all of its new software initiatives to use modern software development methodologies, such as agile and DevSecOps, by 2025.
Cybersecurity
A look at how the IC is getting back to work
The coronavirus pandemic has pushed workers who are used to top-secret networks home. But as intel agencies begin bringing more personnel back, they'll have to contend with lingering anxieties.
Modernization
DOD looks for extension on Huawei ban
With a looming implementation deadline in August, DOD looks for leniency in anti-Huawei product requirements for defense contractors.
Digital Government
Social policy takes center stage in 2021 NDAA
As the Defense Department's role in nationwide police brutality protests comes under scrutiny, expect social policy to be centered in the must-pass 2021 defense policy bill.
People
Pentagon starts reopening June 15
The Pentagon is moving to a restricted Phase One of its reopening plan June 15, the Defense Department announced, with essential personnel returning to headquarters.
People
Army splits CIO role
The Army announced June 11 that it will divvy up the CIO role to focus on policy and with a separate deputy chief of staff to lead military network communication challenges.
Acquisition
‘COVID penalty’ could cost Pentagon at least $10 billion in contractor claims
Ellen Lord, the Defense Department’s chief buyer, told Congress that defense companies coronavirus relief claims could cost upwards of $10 billion.
Acquisition
Air Force acquisition chief wants to reshape defense industrial base
Will Roper, the Air Force's acquisition chief, said the goal is to pivot away from the defense prime model and create a new industrial base that more easily allows tech companies to work with DOD and the commercial sector.
Modernization
Army to probe the economics of modernization
Bruce Jette, the Army's acquisition chief, said at an AUSA virtual event June 8 the Army is working on a "holistic economic model" that extends beyond the current two-year budget planning cycle, which can impede modernization efforts.
Cybersecurity
Essye Miller: The exit interview
Essye Miller, DOD's outgoing principal deputy CIO, talks about COVID, the state of the tech workforce and the hard conversations DOD has to have to prepare personnel for the future.
People
Military leaders try to walk a fine line amid protests against police violence
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other senior officials signaled opposition to the use of active duty troops to police nationwide protests, but are running up against a commander-in-chief who appears to welcome conflict.
Modernization
Pentagon names 7 new military sites for 5G testing
The Defense Department has selected seven new military installations to conduct 5G testing and experimentation in several areas including augmented reality, wireless connectivity, and spectrum sharing.
Cybersecurity
DISA awards $87 million contract for classified mobile
The Defense Department’s IT support agency awarded Booz Allen Hamilton the new contract for classified mobile enterprise services for more than 4,000 users.
Modernization
The internal Air Force startup trying to drive mobile computing
COVID-19 and telework exposed the Air Force's lack of mobile capabilities. BESPIN is trying to change that, that one app at a time.
People
Pentagon considers reducing quarantine to 10 days
The Pentagon is considering compressing the COVID-19 quarantine period for personnel from 14 to 10 days, top officials said.
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