Digital Government
Social policy takes center stage in 2021 NDAA
As the Defense Department's role in nationwide police brutality protests comes under scrutiny, expect social policy to be centered in the must-pass 2021 defense policy bill.
People
Pentagon starts reopening June 15
The Pentagon is moving to a restricted Phase One of its reopening plan June 15, the Defense Department announced, with essential personnel returning to headquarters.
People
Army splits CIO role
The Army announced June 11 that it will divvy up the CIO role to focus on policy and with a separate deputy chief of staff to lead military network communication challenges.
Acquisition
‘COVID penalty’ could cost Pentagon at least $10 billion in contractor claims
Ellen Lord, the Defense Department’s chief buyer, told Congress that defense companies coronavirus relief claims could cost upwards of $10 billion.
Acquisition
Air Force acquisition chief wants to reshape defense industrial base
Will Roper, the Air Force's acquisition chief, said the goal is to pivot away from the defense prime model and create a new industrial base that more easily allows tech companies to work with DOD and the commercial sector.
Modernization
Army to probe the economics of modernization
Bruce Jette, the Army's acquisition chief, said at an AUSA virtual event June 8 the Army is working on a "holistic economic model" that extends beyond the current two-year budget planning cycle, which can impede modernization efforts.
Cybersecurity
Essye Miller: The exit interview
Essye Miller, DOD's outgoing principal deputy CIO, talks about COVID, the state of the tech workforce and the hard conversations DOD has to have to prepare personnel for the future.
People
Military leaders try to walk a fine line amid protests against police violence
Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other senior officials signaled opposition to the use of active duty troops to police nationwide protests, but are running up against a commander-in-chief who appears to welcome conflict.
Modernization
Pentagon names 7 new military sites for 5G testing
The Defense Department has selected seven new military installations to conduct 5G testing and experimentation in several areas including augmented reality, wireless connectivity, and spectrum sharing.
Cybersecurity
DISA awards $87 million contract for classified mobile
The Defense Department’s IT support agency awarded Booz Allen Hamilton the new contract for classified mobile enterprise services for more than 4,000 users.
Modernization
The internal Air Force startup trying to drive mobile computing
COVID-19 and telework exposed the Air Force's lack of mobile capabilities. BESPIN is trying to change that, that one app at a time.
People
Pentagon considers reducing quarantine to 10 days
The Pentagon is considering compressing the COVID-19 quarantine period for personnel from 14 to 10 days, top officials said.
Modernization
Could personnel swaps help solve DOD's AI talent problem?
Talent and training are some of the biggest challenges in artificial intelligence strategy. But what can DOD workers learn from if they embed with private companies?
People
Pentagon readies reopening plan
The Defense Department is planning to shift from pandemic footing to more normal operations, and is using White House issued criteria on declines in reported symptoms, declines in new cases and hospital access to determine when restrictions will be lifted.
Modernization
Pentagon's AI chief: lack of enterprise cloud 'has slowed us down'
The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center has been hampered by enterprise cloud program delays, but is pivoting with the Air Force's help.
Cybersecurity
Pandemic duties for National Guard include cyber help
The Maryland National Guard is doing its part to help hospitals and local government detect and deflect malicious online activity during the pandemic.
Digital Government
Army eyes Kessel Run model to boost software capabilities
The Army's chief technology officer, William Robinson, said the service is planning to emulate the Air Force's model to improve computing at the edge.
Digital Government
COVID-19 constraints delay needed CMMC rule change
Social distancing requirements have delayed the public hearing needed for a rule change to enforce new cybersecurity standards for contractors.
Acquisition
DIU chief: Earnings focus thwarts innovation
The head of DOD's Defense Innovation Unit suggested that any technology race with China commands a dramatic shift in U.S. market strategies.
Modernization