Author Archive
Defense
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.
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
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.
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.
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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.
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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