Author Archive

Lauren C. Williams
Senior Editor
Lauren C. Williams is senior editor for FCW and Defense Systems, covering defense and cybersecurity.
Prior to joining FCW, Williams was the tech reporter for ThinkProgress, where she covered everything from internet culture to national security issues. In past positions, Williams covered health care, politics and crime for various publications, including The Seattle Times.
Williams graduated with a master's in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and a bachelor's in dietetics from the University of Delaware. She can be contacted at lwilliams@fcw.com, or follow her on Twitter @lalaurenista.
Click here for previous articles by Wiliams.
Lauren C. Williams is senior editor for FCW and Defense Systems, covering defense and cybersecurity.
Prior to joining FCW, Williams was the tech reporter for ThinkProgress, where she covered everything from internet culture to national security issues. In past positions, Williams covered health care, politics and crime for various publications, including The Seattle Times.
Williams graduated with a master's in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and a bachelor's in dietetics from the University of Delaware. She can be contacted at lwilliams@fcw.com, or follow her on Twitter @lalaurenista.
Click here for previous articles by Wiliams.
IG Finds The Pentagon's Classification System Lacks Consistency
The inspector general wrote that inaccurate or incomplete security classification guides “increase the risk” of over- or under-classification due to incorrect interpretation or application.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Pentagon Should Keep Better Tabs on IT Cybersecurity, Supply Chain Risks, GAO Says
The findings come as the Defense Department continues to increase its investment in information technology and cybersecurity year over year—a trend that could likely mean more scrutiny.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
The Pentagon Is Closing in on 'Ethical' AI Implementation
The Defense Department released guidance for using AI responsibly last year.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams and Chris Riotta
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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."
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Brandi Vincent and Lauren C. Williams
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.
- Lauren C. Williams