Oversight

Senators debate how to minimize the security risks of federal contractors working with China

Some agencies have blown past deadlines to implement certain requirements that address conflicts of interest in contracting while lawmakers weighed additional guardrails.

News

Legislation weighing contractors' national security risk heads to Senate floor

One bill would bar federal agencies from contracting with entities that consult with the Chinese government.

Defense

The inside story of how the Navy spent billions on the “little crappy ship”

A ProPublica examination reveals new details on why the LCS never delivered on its promises.

Oversight

Pentagon’s reversal on new travel expense system is “troubling,” key lawmaker says 

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said the Pentagon’s decision to terminate a multi-million dollar contract to replace its Defense Travel System “raises broader questions about DOD’s ability to manage its finances and information technology.”

Defense

Where’d the Money Go? Lawmakers Press Air Force on Planned Radar Plane

Congress approved $200 million last year to get the first E-7s faster. That’s not happening.

Workforce

Cutting Civilian Defense Jobs Won't Eliminate the Real Waste at the Pentagon, Union Says

If lawmakers want to find savings at the Pentagon, they should start with underperforming weapons systems and service contracts, AFGE officials said.

Defense

CEOs Downplay Anticipated Gridlock on Capitol Hill, Defense Spending Cuts

Lockheed, Raytheon chiefs also say pandemic-era supply-chain woes are subsiding.

Defense

What We Know About U.S.-Backed Zero Units in Afghanistan

Deadly night raids. Faulty U.S. intelligence. A “classified” war loophole. Reporter Lynzy Billing’s investigation offers an unprecedented insight into the civilian casualties of Afghanistan’s Zero Units.

Defense

Aides Recall How Ash Carter Changed Pentagon’s Weapons Buying

Over decades, the physicist-turned-defense leader worked to speed up and streamline arms procurement.

Defense

Why The Pentagon’s Crush on Elon Musk is Dangerous For Democracy

Once considered a cross between Thomas Edison and Moses, Musk is revealing himself to be an ill-informed, modern-day tyrant.

Defense

DISA’s Sweeping New Plan Takes Aim at Data Silos, Mistagged Info

The Pentagon’s IT agency has policy and culture ideas to encourage freer, more secure info-sharing.

Defense

The U.S. Military Is Buying Electric Jet-ski Robots

Tests will see whether battery-powered personal watercraft can help with search-and-rescue

Defense

Defense Firms Sound Inflation Alarm as Congress Mulls 2023 Budget

One trade association says Pentagon would lose $110 billion in buying power.

Defense

New Air Force Space Buyer Eyes Fixed-price Contracts

Frank Calvelli, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, said "fixed-price contracting is not a bad approach for space things" and could help keep acquisitions on time.

Defense

Boeing Can’t Find Enough Workers to Build the New Air Force One

A new GAO report details the latest setback for the presidential planemaker. 

Defense

Raytheon Technologies to Move HQ from Massachusetts to Northern Virginia

The move means the five largest defense contractors will all call the D.C. region home.

Workforce

Solarium Successor Wants the White House to Lead on Cyber Workforce Strategy

One recommendation: establish cyber excepted service authorities, like the Department of Homeland Security's newly launched cyber hiring initiative, government-wide.

Defense

Here's How the Pentagon Plans to Manage Inflation Costs in Contracts

The Defense Department urged contracting officers to "be mindful" of the varying impacts of inflation and "limit the scope" of equity pay adjustment clauses, according to new guidance.

Defense

The New Air Force Ones Are Late, So the Old Planes Need More Cash, Official Says

The Air Force acquisition chief cites a 2- to 3-year delay, which Boeing blames on subcontractor and supply problems.