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.

People

Congress weighs fate of DOD's chief management officer

The Defense Department's chief management office is, again, fending off political pressure to eliminate it.

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

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.