Procurement Policy

NASA chief calls out the 'plague' of cost-plus contracts

The space agency is hoping to increasingly use competitions among top vendors and fixed-price contracts as a new way of conducting business--and cutting steep costs for major projects.

  • By Chris Riotta

DIU boasts more rapid acquisition agreements but fewer new programs in 2021

The Defense Innovation Unit awarded out 72 new prototype contracts, but transitioned out only eight technologies – a dip compared to 2020.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Accounting for software in weapons systems

The Defense Department is still trying to figure out the best way to buy software and track that spending. But could the answer be in separating out those costs from the hardware required in major acquisitions?

  • By Lauren C. Williams

What’s next for CMMC

After the Defense Department revamped cybersecurity standards for contractors, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program’s accreditation body is making adjustments.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Could faster buying undermine electronic warfare prep?

Some measures that protect weapons systems against electronic vulnerabilities can be “pushed aside” during rapid acquisitions, according to David Tremper, the electronic warfare director for the Defense Department.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Biden taps former Air Force weapons buyer to lead DOD acquisition

The White House has nominated former Air Force acquisition chief William LaPlante to be the Pentagon’s top buyer.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Why DOD is so bad at buying software

The Defense Department wants to acquire emerging technology faster and more efficiently. But will its latest attempts to streamline its processes be enough?

  • By Lauren C. Williams

DOD still struggles with IT controls, audit finds

The Defense Department failed to get a clean opinion in its fourth annual financial audit, highlighting ongoing struggles to accurately account for IT systems.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Who's ready to volunteer for the new CMMC?

The Defense Department is looking for contractors to test out its revamped cybersecurity standard to protect unclassified but sensitive data.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Army seeks native data analytics in its logistics systems

Lt. Gen. Duane Gamble, the deputy chief of staff, G-4, for the Army, said that as the service modernizes its enterprise resource planning systems, it's looking for native data analytics capabilities to avoid supply chain surprises.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Is reform enough for the U.S. to keep its technological edge?

Mike Brown, the director of the Defense Innovation Unit, said the acquisition reform is needed for the requirements, budgeting processes.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Biden administration picks former Microsoft exec for VA CIO

Kurt DelBene, a former senior executive at Microsoft and Defense Innovation Board member, is being tapped by the Biden administration to serve as CIO of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • By Adam Mazmanian

DOD could get new software, sustainment tech directors

Heidi Shyu , undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, wants to add new oversight roles for software and sustainment efforts.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

DHS adds cyber requirements for transportation industry

The Transportation Security Agency and the Coast Guard are getting increased authority over industry cybersecurity.

  • By Adam Mazmanian
Featured eBooks

Software reform tops Air Force acquisition nom's priorities

Improving how the service acquires software and IT systems, while making DevSecOps the norm ranks among the top priorities for Andrew Hunter, the White House nominee to be assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

DISA reorganizes cloud office

The Defense Information Systems Agency has reorganized its cloud offices, combining the Cloud Computing Program Office with DISA's hosting services directorate and ecosystem.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

Federal contractors have until Dec. 8 to get COVID vaccine

New COVID-19 guidance directs federal contractors and subcontractors to make sure their employees are vaccinated — the latest in a series of new vaccine requirements the White House has been rolling out in recent weeks.

  • By Chris Riotta

White House pushes back on efforts to restore program cuts in NDAA

The Biden administration appears determined to stick to plans to retire legacy platforms and systems.

  • By Adam Mazmanian

Air Force secretary mulls space acquisitions nominees

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said candidate interviews are underway for the space acquisition system secretary position and he expects to make a recommendation to the defense secretary and White House soon.

  • By Lauren C. Williams

DOD wants industry to continue with CMMC prep amid program review

Dr. Christine Michienzi, the chief technology officer for the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy, said while results were coming soon, defense contractors should "continue on" with updates to cybersecurity practices as DOD finalizes its review of its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

  • By Lauren Williams

Microelectronics supply chain challenges and zero trust

When it comes to microelectronics supply chain, better security risk assessment as manufacturers base contend with ongoing threats.

  • By Lauren C. Williams