Defense

Lawmaker lays down markers on fiscal 2010 shipbuilding budget

Mississippi Democrat says Navy should abandon the DDG-1000 next-generation destroyer.

Defense

Defense outlines change in acquisition strategy

Larger procurement workforce, more competition, on the way, top agency official said.

Defense

Homeland Security panel sets priorities, stirring GOP discontent

Authorization and chemical-plant security bills are on the agenda.

Defense

State Department recruits for Civilian Response Corps

Agency seeks federal workers willing to deploy to war zones for reconstruction and stabilization.

Defense

Boeing canvasses lawmakers to build support for more F/A-18 aircraft

Unless the Pentagon pumps more money into the program, suppliers will begin wrapping up work on the fighter in October 2010.

Defense

Commission on wartime contracting hears advice from special IG

Recommendations include publishing new regulations for contingency environments and building pools of pre-qualified contracting officers and contractors.

Defense

McCain drops objections to Defense nomination

Nominee for Pentagon's number two civilian slot is an ex-lobbyist for Raytheon.

Defense

Legislators ask Defense agency to rethink public-private competition

Letter urges the Pentagon to consider an internal reengineering proposal.

Defense

Air Force scuttles plans for coal-to-liquids fuel plant in Montana

Service leaders aren’t ruling out coal as they seek a synthetic fuel blend for air fleet by 2016.

Defense

Aviation industry to seek funds for air cargo screening

Groups estimate that as much as $4 billion will be needed over 10 years to cover the costs of the 100-percent screening mandate.

Defense

State Department could replace Blackwater

The private security contractor has been denied a license to operate in Iraq, and State will not renew the firm’s contract when it expires in May 2009.

Defense

Senators demand answers from Defense nominee

Lawmakers criticize Bill Lynn's responses to questions on his former lobbying for contractor and his role as Pentagon comptroller under Clinton.

Defense

Report: U.S. needs to balance military force, 'soft' power

Roles and missions review focuses on irregular warfare, cyberspace, airlift and intelligence-gathering with unmanned aircraft.

Defense

IG: Energy fails to track tactical weapons and sensitive equipment adequately

Inventory audit shows some facilities hoard excess weapons while others have shortfalls.

Defense

Pentagon plans refueling tanker contract award in early 2010

Request for proposals in long-delayed program is expected to be completed by early spring of this year.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Defense Web portal not funded in fiscal 2010 budget

Joint group working on plan to fund Defense Knowledge Online , which provides e-mail, file storage and other services.

Defense

Gates names acquisition reform among Pentagon’s top priorities

Defense secretary vows to combat a culture that hinders effective procurement practices.

Defense

From Nexgov.com: Defense cybersecurity budget request likely a third more than reported

More than $1 billion in fiscal 2009 IT security budget request embedded in general program spending, not linked to networks, research group estimates.

Defense

Key Senate Republicans won't oppose Pentagon nominee

Graham and McCain signal they won’t hold up the nomination of Bill Lynn, though McCain asks for details on which issues the former lobbyist would be recused from handling.

Defense

Survey finds that majority of contractors increased revenue during 2007

Annual questionnaire shows only modest profits, despite greater revenue.