Defense

Lack of Space National Guard Could Hurt Training, Recruiting

National Guard directors are worried about losing key talent for space capabilities without the creation of a specified guard and reserve component.

Defense

Lawmakers Want to Know How Much Bad Software Costs DOD

When the House Armed Services Committee begins its markup process of the annual defense authorization bill on June 8, look out for a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.

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

This is How ‘Cultural Artifacts’ Impede the Defense Department's Ability to Go Big on AI

Pushing AI to the battlefield to help commanders make more informed decisions also means confronting the Defense Department’s worst enemy: the budget process.

Defense

DOD to Debut Virtual Desktops for Certain Highly Classified Programs

The effort, which sunsets "Chinstrap" desktop hardware, has been a key priority in the Pentagon's CIO shop.

Tech

The Pentagon Is Closing in on 'Ethical' AI Implementation

The Defense Department released guidance for using AI responsibly last year.

Tech

Some Defense-vetted Prototypes Could Be Fast-Tracked to Civilian Agencies under New Agreement

The Defense Innovation Unit signed a memorandum of understanding with the General Services Administration to make it "easier for federal agencies to access innovative technology solutions" that have been successfully prototyped by DIU.

Tech

The Coast Guard Graduates its First Class of Cyber Majors

A "handful" of newly minted cyber specialists will go to the Coast Guard’s Cyber Command headquarters for their initial assignment, the service's chief told Congress last week.

Tech

The Navy Needs to Do a Better Job Finding the Right Job for Its Cyber Specialists, Officials Say

Adm. Michael Gilday, the chief of naval operations, told the House Armed Services Committee the Navy has struggled with matching cyber talent with teams.

Defense

The Pentagon Wants to Prevent Personnel Data Tracking, Breaches

The Defense Department's innovation shop is looking for commercial solutions that can help better protect personnel data.

Tech

HBCUs Could Be One Key to Improving Equity in Federal Contracting and Technology

From expanding contracting opportunities for small, disadvantaged businesses to building out a more diverse federal workforce, federal agencies are increasingly aiming to partner with minority-serving institutions to ensure their equity goals are effective.

Tech

Space Force to Bring Data Scientists, Coders on Board This Summer

The military’s newest service branch is in the final stages of selecting a group of tech-forward personnel.

Defense

Pentagon Still not Taking Full Advantage of Rapid Acquisition Authorities, Former Official Says

Ellen Lord, the former undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment during the Trump administration, told senators "strong leadership" was needed to fully embrace rapid acquisitions policies.

Tech

Solarium Co-chairs Urge the White House to Maintain Trump-era Cyber Authorities

Lawmakers expressed concern that rolling back the authorities from a 2018 presidential memorandum would jeopardize national security efforts.

Defense

Warren Presses the Defense Secretary on Wasteful Contractor Spending

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said adding to the Pentagon's topline for 2023 to account for inflation would just invite "defense contractors to pick taxpayers' pockets."

Tech

Air Force Software Factory Looks to Unleash 'Chaos' on Civilian IT Shops

The Kessel Run group is currently developing a playbook that would make it easier for organizations across the federal government to adopt engineering and security best practices.

Tech

Pentagon’s Effort to Supply Departmentwide Cloud Capabilities is Delayed, Again

Officials say they essentially underestimated how long it would take to review plans from the four cloud service providers.

Defense

The Pentagon's Acquisition Reforms May Get More Scrutiny

William LaPlante, who has been nominated to be the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, indicated that he would review recent acquisition reforms and champion modern software practices if confirmed.

Tech

For Defense IT, Acquisitions Need to Be More Than 'Just in Time'

Contract planning and boosting small business in 2022 are top of mind for Debra Daniels, the vice procurement services executive for the Defense Information Systems Agency.

Defense

'Limited' Progress Made on the Pentagon's Plan to Deliver Real-Time Acquisition Data, Report Says

The Government Accountability Office found that the Defense Department's efforts to move to a new more automated, web-based reporting system have been limited despite plans to adopt a new system by fiscal 2022.