Modernization
Speeding up the military's 'kill chain'
The military's need for quick technological development is hamstrung by politics, acquisition, and culture. FCW talks with former Senate staff director Christian Brose about his new book on the future of warfare.
Digital Government
Senate Dems cast doubt on DOD watchdog pick
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) said Jason Abend's nomination circumvented a vetting process set up by the 2008 Inspector General Reform Act.
Modernization
Top secret telework 'is not a thing'
The National Security Agency is expanding its use of Microsoft Office 365 to support unclassified telework
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.
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.
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.
Acquisition
Sustainment issues plague F-35’s logistics IT backbone
Questions remain about the replacement for the F-35’s logistics infrastructure, Autonomic Logistics Information Systems, which has been riddled with errant alerts and corrupted data transfer.
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.
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.
Cybersecurity
Spy chief sees 2020 election security as 'number one goal'
Gen. Nakasone's remarks come as a group of former senior officials seek funds to counter the "extraordinary challenges" posed by coronavirus pandemic and foreign interference to state and local election administrators.
People
Outgoing Army tech chief: CIO split was 'right decision at the right time'
Army CIO/G6 Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford said the move will allow the new CIO to focus more on big data, cloud migrations.
Cybersecurity
DISA leans in on zero trust
The Defense Information Systems Agency is teaming up with the National Security Agency to deliver the first zero trust reference architecture guidance later this year.
People
Army stands up its first software factory
Army Futures Command announced it has launched its first software factory at its headquarters in Austin, Texas. The entity is expected to hit initial operating capacity in early 2021.
Digital Government