Defense Acquisition Addressed in Authorization Bill
A provision in the defense authorization bill would let government buy through existing online marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, and Staples.
Survey: Agencies Ready If Gov’t Shutdown Occurs
Whether a shutdown is on the horizon for the holiday season, a majority of federal employees who took an anonymous online survey from Federal News Radio said their federal agencies are ready if a shutdown does happen Dec. 22.
355-Ship Navy Not a Wish. It’s Now Policy
President Trump’s 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision that calls for the US to build up to 355 ships “as soon as practicable.” That makes achieving a 355-ship Navy national policy.
Trump Signs FY18 Defense Authorization Bill
President Trump signs the FY18 Defense Authorization Bill. The nearly $700 billion authorization establishes the 2018 military pay raise at 2.4 percent and sets the stage for increased Pentagon spending in coming months.
Drones Sending Sensitive US Data to China’s Cloud
ICE intelligence suggests small drones by Chinese firm Da Jiang Innovations (DJI) and purchased in the US were likely downloading sensitive US infrastructure data to the Chinese government’s cloud.
Arms Sales Rise for First Time Since 2010
Global arms sales by the world’s top 100 defense contractors rose last year for the first time since 2010,
First DoD-Wide Audit Announced
The Pentagon’s office of the inspector general announced the start of the first agencywide financial audit. Beginning in 2018, audits will occur annually.
Boeing Loses Canada Hornet Deal to Australia
Canada dashes Boeing’s hopes for a buy of 18 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jets, instead seeking an interim buy of used F/A-18 Hornets from Australia.
F-35s, Microwave Missiles – US Counters N Korea
Weaponizing F-35s and new microwave missiles are among the developing arsenal of US counter measures in the face of North Korea’s continuing missile launches.
New Effort to Coordinate DoD Research, Development
The Pentagon is drafting a list of desired technologies as part of a new modernization strategy to coordinate DoD’s research and development, including at US laboratories and government-funded research centers. The goal is to make sure that the military is aligned across the services.
