Acquisition
NDAA redesigns oversight of $20B in health record modernization
A provision in the National Defense Authorization Act reconfigures the existing DOD-VA Interagency Program Office to serve as a hub for interoperability and management issues as the two agencies progress in separate but linked implementations of commercial health records systems.
Digital Government
18F gets into defense and intel
The innovation squad turns its talents to technology and acquisition challenges facing defense and intelligence agencies.
People
NDAA blocks OPM-GSA merger
The Trump administration's plan to merge the Office of Personnel Management with the General Services Administration is going to have to wait another year, if a provision included in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act is passed into law.
People
Family leave for feds would take effect in Oct. 2020
A provision in the defense bill would give feds with one year on the job the benefit of 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child.
Digital Government
Congress targets OTAs, cyber investments in defense policy bill
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act conference report homes in on other transaction authorities, drones and cybersecurity investments.
Acquisition
DOD wants prime contractors to be 'help desk' for new cybersecurity model
The Defense Department is pushing forward with its unified cybersecurity standard for contractors and wants large companies and industry associations to show startups and smaller firms the way.
Cybersecurity
Impeachment looms over shutdown talks
A third continuing resolution could be in the cards as lawmakers wrangle over funding levels.
People
Paid parental leave for feds in NDAA
The must-pass defense bill is set to emerge from conference committee with a provision that gives civilian feds 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Modernization
DOD seeks more 5G prototypes
The Defense Department detailed two more draft plans for proposed 5G testbeds at military bases around the country.
Modernization
AWS lawsuit alleges 'improper pressure' from Trump on JEDI
President Donald Trump personally steered a $10-billion cloud computing contract away from frontrunner Amazon Web Services out of personal and political animus against Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, according to the details of a lawsuit released publicly Dec. 9.
Modernization
Navy operations chief puts cloud, networks at center of maritime war strategy
Adm. Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, directs senior leaders to incorporate technology to enhance maintenance, training, and warfighting capabilities.
Modernization
DOD wants industry base to close IP theft gaps
The Defense Department is concerned about gaining and keeping a technological edge and is looking to private-sector companies to help seal their capabilities.
Modernization
DOD sets 5G prototype plans for two bases
The Defense Department has fleshed out draft plans for two of its planned 5G technology testbeds at military bases around the country.
Acquisition
GAO: DOD should take a closer look at contractor ownership
Some defense contractors may be disguising their owners and it’s costing the Pentagon millions, according to a new watchdog report.
Modernization
Zangardi takes new post at Leidos
After exiting the top tech job at DHS, Dr. John Zangardi is moving into a business development role at federal contractor Leidos.
Modernization
Will DOD's bases have infrastructure for new tech?
DOD materiel readiness leaders battle with getting military construction funding for tech infrastructure, which could mean slower adaptation and modernization.
Cybersecurity
With U.S. cyber policy, clear lanes still hard to come by
The elevation of CISA and maturation of Cyber Command have clarified "big picture" responsibilities for the U.S. government's cyber mission, but private-sector coordination remains a question mark.
Acquisition
How DOD plans to link readiness needs to budgets
Veronica Daigle, Assistant Secretary for Defense for Readiness, said updating its readiness reporting system using a new framework will help spot readiness deficiencies and predict future needs.
Digital Government
Norquist: Data trust key to improving DOD's audit
David Norquist, the deputy defense secretary and DOD's former comptroller, told Congress DOD needs to use data like the commercial sector.
People