People
SecDef: 'Murder of George Floyd was a wakeup call'
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he's heard similar stories from service members across the branches, which spurred DOD to stand up three initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion.
People
Trump's pick to head DOD's CAPE talks management
John Whitley, the nominee to lead the critical Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office talked with the Senate Armed Services Committee about the future of the chief management officer position.
Cybersecurity
NSA wants NatSec users to mask location data
The spy agency is advising users of Defense Department and National Security Systems to take steps to mask their location data on mobile devices and computers.
Modernization
Understanding the DOD's ban on some China-made telecom gear
FCW spoke with Alejandro Sarria and Jason Workmaster, two attorneys specializing in federal contracting to get some clarity on the fast approaching government ban on contracting with companies that use certain telecom equipment and services.
Modernization
DOD 'on schedule' for August JEDI announcement
The Defense Department's CIO Dana Deasy said a re-announcement of the embattled cloud contract should come by the end of August.
Modernization
Could a new academy solve the AI talent problem?
The National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence is recommending a new academy to train feds to take on federal agency jobs involving emerging technologies including AI.
Cybersecurity
Navy shifts to zero trust mindset to deal with COVID-related telework
Yesterday's buzzword has become today's security imperative, according to the department's CISO.
Modernization
Pentagon issues contract guidance on China tech ban
The Defense Department outlines how it will implement the upcoming government ban on doing business with companies that use certain Chinese telecommunications equipment.
People
Culture, leadership are keys to continuing DOD telework post-COVID
Peter Ranks, the Defense Department's deputy chief information officer for information enterprise, said continued leadership on flexible telework policies were needed to create a "new normal."
People
Senate passes 2021 NDAA with veto-proof majority
The Senate passed its version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and the bill now heads to conference.
Cybersecurity
DOD's cyber chief to exit this month
The Pentagon’s lead cybersecurity expert, Jack Wilmer, is leaving his post for an industry role at the end of July.
People
House-passed NDAA expands paid leave benefit to excluded feds
Title 38 employees, such as workers at the Transportation Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Federal Aviation Administration were not included in the bill that established the benefit.
Modernization
Army re-orgs tech directorate
The Army has a new strategic operations directorate under the department's management office, an organization said to be a "precursor" to the upcoming CIO reorganization.
Cybersecurity
House passes NDAA with TikTok ban
The House of Representatives passed a defense bill for 2021 that authorizes $731.6 billion in defense spending, includes cyber, workforce, acquisition provisions and a ban on the popular social media app Tik Tok on government equipment.
Digital Government
House panel advances FY2021 DOD spending bill
The House Appropriations Committee passed its 2021 defense spending bill along party lines, 30-22, including funding for COVID-19 procurement and support for cyber workforce recruitment.
Cybersecurity
NDAA process is now loaded with Solarium cyber amendments
Much of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's agenda is being pushed into this year's defense authorization process, including its crown jewel idea of a national cyber director.
People
DOD CMO boasts $11B in savings as Congress moves to cut position
The Defense Department has saved $11 billion in the past two years thanks to reform efforts, said Lisa Hershman, DOD's chief management officer.
Cybersecurity
Deadline looms for contractors to ditch banned Chinese equipment
A broad federal prohibition on contractors that use gear from a host of Chinese tech makers goes into effect in mid-August.
Modernization
WH CTO to take over DOD's top research role
Defense Secretary Mark Esper names U.S. CTO Michael Kratsios to be acting undersecretary of defense for research and engineering after Michael Griffin's resignation from that post took effect July 10.
Acquisition