New Senate Armed Services chair takes his seat

With Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) as the new chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Democrats will set the tone on defense policy and budgets.

DISA taking over DOD cloud implementation

The Defense Department's cloud office is moving to the Defense Information Systems Agency later this month in a move that consolidates DOD's cloud strategy.

Software factories are the new target for cyber attacks, Air Force official says

Will Roper, the Air Force's acquisition chief, said the massive cybersecurity breach that's plagued several federal government agencies creates "a new kind of target for our adversaries" that must be protected.

NDAA includes pilots for consumption-based solutions

The 2021 NDAA includes a pilot program based on the Section 809 panel recommendations that will allow DOD to buy tech solutions based on how much they use.

DISA makes secure telework capabilities a top 2021 priority

Telework and cybersecurity tools top the Defense Information Systems Agency's priorities for 2021, including adding onto its cloud-based internet isolation browser solution as well as "gray networks" to enhance classified telework.

House lawmakers push for veto-proof majority on defense bill

Lawmakers are counting on strong support to pass the 2021 defense authorization bill under threat of presidential veto, but concede that anything is possible.

DISA's updated strategic plan puts focus on cyber, enterprise services

The Defense Information Systems Agency has refreshed its three-year strategy to better emphasize cyber defense and role of enterprise services.

Concerns grow about a lack of assessors for the CMMC

Katie Arrington, DOD's CISO for acquisition, said having enough assessors to do in-person audits of defense contractors is her biggest concern.

Cyber, AI investments could grow for DOD

Investments in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence efforts may increase even with flat defense budgets, but a worsening pandemic could dampen those projections.

DISA touts SETI for small business contracts

DISA is pushing the $7.5 billion Systems Engineering, Technology and Innovation vehicle as a tool to drive more opportunities to small businesses.

Contract changes needed to improve cybersecurity, Space Force leader says

Lt. Gen. John Thompson, a leader of U.S. Space Force, says cybersecurity is increasingly integral to space missions and infrastructure contracts need to change to keep up.

White House approves interim CMMC rule

The White House approved an interim rule to mandate defense contractors prove they adhere to existing cybersecurity standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

DOD floats idea to build its own 5G network

The Defense Department issued a request for information looking for ideas on implementing dynamic spectrum sharing to support 5G development and deployment for military and commercial users.

Shakeup at CMMC board

The independent board charged with implementing the Defense Department's unified cybersecurity standard has new leadership as it announces new milestone hit.

DOD looks to update acquisition policies

The Defense Department released a long-awaited update of policies governing its buying practices, with an eye to rapid technology acquisition.

DOD sticks with Microsoft for JEDI award

After a reevaluation of certain aspects of the $10 billion Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure solicitation, the Defense Department is sticking with its guns and giving the contract to Microsoft -- but that doesn't mean a long-running legal battle will just go away.

National Guard plans all-virtual cyber exercise

The National Guard is taking its annual Cyber Shield training exercise virtual due to COVID-19 with a spotlight on information operations.

Air Force looks to bridge 'valley of death' for small tech firms

The Air Force's acquisition chief hopes to change how small businesses interact with the service through its innovative research program and eventually adopting the In-Q-Tel model.

DOD's China-tech waiver targets high-volume buys, excludes major weapons systems

Nearly three-fourths of what the Defense Department buys will be temporarily exempt from the government-wide Huawei ban.

DOD considers lump COVID payment to contractors

Ellen Lord, the Defense Department's chief buyer, said DOD might make a single payment to contractors for COVID-19 claims rather than negotiating contract-by-contract.