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NNSA Concludes B61-12 Bomb Life Extension Program
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NNSA Concludes B61-12 Bomb Life Extension Program

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration announced that it completed the last production unit, or LPU, of the B61-12 Life Extension Program, or LEP, on Dec. 18.

What Is B61-12 LEP?

NNSA said Tuesday B61-12 is the latest modification to the B61 family of nuclear gravity bombs deployed from U.S. Air Force and NATO bases.

B61-12 LEP, which started in 2008, seeks to extend the service life of B61 by at least two decades through refurbishment, reuse, or replacement of all the bomb’s nuclear and non-nuclear components.

“Completing the B61-12 on schedule is the latest example of what we’ve been saying for several years now: NNSA is delivering capabilities at the pace and scale needed by our Department of Defense partners and our deterrence requirements,” said Jill Hruby, administrator of NNSA and undersecretary of energy for nuclear security.

The program achieved the first production unit in November 2021.

Marvin Adams, deputy administrator for defense programs at NNSA, said the completion of the last B61-12 seeks to reflect NNSA’s collaboration with the U.S. Air Force and DOD partners.

“The momentum built through B61-12 production and delivery will continue into delivery on the other six active weapons modernization programs and on additional programs that will become active in the coming years,” added Adams.

Transitioning to B61-13 Production

With B61-12 LEP’s completion, NNSA will move to B61-13 bomb production, which will use the production capabilities backing the B61-12 weapon.

The agency expects to complete the B61-13 first production unit by fiscal year 2026.

In October 2023, DOD announced its pursuit of B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb development in response to an evolving security environment as described in the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review.

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Army to Test Network Tech for Mobile Operations in Upcoming Pilot
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Army to Test Network Tech for Mobile Operations in Upcoming Pilot

The U.S. Army has started preparing for the second stage of its Armored Formation Network on-the-move, or AFN OTM, pilot to determine the network technologies best suited for mobile operations.

With support from the 1st Infantry Division, the project will test new AFN OTM equipment, including satellite communications systems that operate in geosynchronous and low Earth orbits, the Army said Monday. The pilot will also demonstrate advanced capabilities, such as line-of-sight backhaul, mesh networking, commercial 5G cellular and secure Wi-Fi.

Maneuvering on Battlefield While Connected

Lt. Col. Marreo Burch, senior division communications officer for 1st ID, noted that OTM network connectivity enables commanders to move around the battlefield while connected and provides enhanced visualization of the battlefield in combat operations, thus increasing forces’ survivability and lethality.

“This new equipment is providing a definite advantage,” he stressed.

Supporting Mobile C2 Functions

The Army envisions that resilient AFN OTM equipment and capabilities will support mobile command and control functions, allowing commanders to make informed rapid decisions, execute swift maneuvers and launch command post operations. AFN OTM is expected to support network connectivity in military vehicles, advance the service’s network modernization program and improve command post mobility.

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Hemlock Semiconductor Lands $325M CHIPS Funding
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Hemlock Semiconductor Lands $325M CHIPS Funding

Hemlock Semiconductor has been awarded $325 million in direct funding by the Department of Commerce for the construction of a hyper-pure polysilicon manufacturing facility.

The Commerce Department said Tuesday the investment, made under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication facilities, is meant to boost the country’s supply chain resilience and generate jobs.

CHIPS Award

Through the CHIPS award, HSC will build a new manufacturing facility in Hemlock, Michigan. The project is aimed at increasing the production of hyper-pure polysilicon and creating more than 1,000 and 180 jobs in construction and manufacturing, respectively.

HSC stands as the only U.S.-owned company that manufactures hyper-pure polysilicon. It’s also one of five manufacturers in the world capable of producing polysilicon with a purity level required by the leading-edge semiconductor market.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo remarked, “CHIPS for America’s investment in HSC will help advance supply chain security by ensuring the U.S. has a reliable, domestic supply of polysilicon – the bedrock of semiconductors. Establishing a domestic source of these materials is important for the development of leading-edge chip applications, which helps bolster our economic and national security.

AB Ghosh, chairman and CEO of HSC, added, “This agreement is a key milestone in enhancing our manufacturing capabilities as we continue to serve the leading-edge semiconductor market with high-quality and sustainably made polysilicon. The new facility will play a crucial role in strengthening the semiconductor supply chain in the United States.”

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Johns Hopkins APL Developing 5G Cellular System for Tactical Use
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Johns Hopkins APL Developing 5G Cellular System for Tactical Use

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is developing a miniaturized cellular system prototype designed to enable warfighters and first responders to stay connected in remote areas and challenging conditions.

The Laurel, Maryland-based research center said Tuesday it is collaborating with other organizations through the Standalone On-the-Move Advanced Relay, or SOAR, program to develop a 5G cellular system that can be transported by a drone across 100 square miles.

What Is the Standalone On-the-Move Advanced Relay Program?

The SOAR initiative was launched by the Department of Defense in response to calls made by Congress for a tactical 5G system that will enable the U.S. military to utilize drones and other devices with more affordable radios. The program is currently working on integrating cellular modems into military radios.

Compared to current tactical radios, cellular modems are more economical while cellular networks exhibit superior bandwidth efficiency. Furthermore, 5G technology broadens the spectrum and frequencies available to the DOD. In addition, the DOD supports the shift to a cellular system to enable forces dispersed in the Indo-Pacific Command region to communicate locally and with other DOD networks.

The SOAR program aims to develop a 5G cellular system that weighs below 10 pounds and can “fit in half a shoebox” so it can be carried by Group 2 uncrewed aerial systems. 

APL is partnering with NxGenComm to develop the system using the latter’s advanced commercial 5G baseband system and enhancing it with radio-frequency capabilities suited for harsh environments.

With the first prototype of the miniaturized 5G cellular infrastructure currently being demonstrated to the Army and Marine Corps, the program intends to enhance its flexibility and resilience to enable it to operate in tactical environments.

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 5G Summit on Feb. 27 to learn more about how 5G and FutureG will enhance national security and public safety. Register here!

Johns Hopkins APL Developing 5G Cellular System for Tactical Use
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NASA Eyes New Commercial Services for Mars Sample Return
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NASA Eyes New Commercial Services for Mars Sample Return

NASA will consider using new commercial approaches as one of two options on its new plan on landing the payload platform for its Mars Sample Return Program aimed at bringing to Earth the first rock and sediment samples from the Red Planet. The second choice is the sky crane method on entry, descent and landing tested through the Curiosity and Perseverance missions, the agency said Monday.     

In formulating its choice between the two landing options, NASA added that it will advance competition, innovation, as well as address schedule and cost factors. Both mission approaches will involve a landing platform carrying a mini version of the Mars Ascent Vehicle, or MAV. 

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a past Wash100 awardee, sees the revised plan’s two options as an assurance on “significant cost and schedule saving” compared to the agency’s previous plan to bring Martian samples back to Earth.

Working to Simplify Its Approach

To simplify its operation, the platform will operate using a radioisotope power system that will replace the MAV solar panels. The lander’s sample loading system will also be redesigned for simpler dust contamination protection of the 30 samples expected to be collected in the tubes of the orbiting sample container.   

Capturing the orbiting sample container in the two mission approaches are both dependent on a capture, storage and return system aboard the Earth Return Orbiter of the European Space Agency. ESA is studying the revised NASA plan’s options.

The decision on which design and approach option NASA would take is expected in the second half of 2026. The agency came up with the new plan and its two landing options after receiving 11 studies from the space community on ways to send Martian samples to Earth. 

A Mars Sample Return Strategic Review team NASA formed in October 2024 assessed the studies and recommended the sampling program’s main architecture, including schedule and cost estimates. 

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CBO Releases Analysis of Navy 2025 Shipbuilding Plan
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CBO Releases Analysis of Navy 2025 Shipbuilding Plan

The construction of new ships under the Navy’s 2025 shipbuilding plan would cost $1.075 trillion in 2024 dollars in total over the next three decades, according to an analysis carried out by the Congressional Budget Office.

Average Annual Shipbuilding Cost

That amount would average out to $35.8 billion annually from 2025 through 2054, at which point the Navy is expected to achieve its target of 381 manned battle force ships, of which 364 would be new acquisitions, the CBO said in a report issued Monday. Those battle force ships comprise combat ships as well as logistics and support ships.

Difference in Estimates

The Navy’s own estimates put new ship construction costs at $903 billion over 30 years, or $30.1 billion annually on average. CBO attributes the difference between its projections with those of the Navy’s to differences in methodology and assumptions about future ship designs and capabilities.

Shipbuilding Plan Objective

According to the CBO report, the Navy seeks to build a large fleet so as to be able to place offensive capabilities like missiles and unmanned systems on more ships. Distributing firepower in this manner not only provides greater offensive operation capabilities but also makes it more difficult for adversaries to neutralize those capabilities.

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Biden Admin Ramps Up Partnerships to Advance US Interests
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Biden Admin Ramps Up Partnerships to Advance US Interests

The United States under the Biden administration has ramped up its collaboration with the public and private sectors to advance the country’s foreign policy and national security interests.

Since 2021, the federal government has placed focus on public-private partnerships in key initiatives to promote global cooperation around shared threats and challenges, such as climate change, pandemic prevention and combating transnational criminal activity, the White House said Tuesday.

Using Strategic Partnerships to Solve Complex Challenges

The effort was anchored on a national security memorandum from President Joe Biden, where he admitted that the government “cannot solve the complex challenges the United States faces at home and abroad. The U.S. must take advantage of the ideas, perspectives and contributions that strategic partnerships would bring to the table,” Biden noted.

Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships

Through public-private partnerships, the government secured commitments of over $97 billion from the private sector, philanthropy and civil society partners. The gains can be attributed to the administration’s decision to establish more than 1,400 partnership programs, leading to engagement with over 4,400 distinct partners. The White House also expanded its collaborative efforts to the global stage, enabling federal agencies to operate in communities across 130 countries.

The White House noted that collaboration delivered infrastructure investments, fueled regional entrepreneurship, enabled an efficient response to the global Covid-19 health crisis and allowed the government to better address climate change challenges. The Biden administration expects that public-private partnerships will continue to benefit Americans.

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OPM CIO Guy Cavallo Announces Retirement
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OPM CIO Guy Cavallo Announces Retirement

Office of Personnel Management Chief Information Officer Guy Cavallo is retiring after over 23 years in the federal government, Federal News Network reported Monday.

Melvin Brown, deputy CIO at OPM, is expected to assume the role of acting CIO until the agency finds a permanent replacement for Cavallo, who will serve until Jan. 10.

“I leave OPM as the longest serving CIO since 2010, passing over nine previous CIOs in seniority. I am so proud of the tremendous run by my team to transform the CIO organization and lead OPM’s IT modernization,” the retiring CIO said in a LinkedIn post published Monday.

According to FNN, Cavallo will join an IT consulting firm, where he will be doing a combination of federal, local and state work.

“As for me, this is the end of my federal career, but not the end of my journey. I will continue my IT career in the private sector and will reveal more details about that in the coming weeks,” he noted.

Prior to OPM, he served as deputy CIO at the Small Business Administration and executive director for IT operations at the Transportation Security Administration.

Moving Applications to the Cloud

In his post, Cavallo mentioned some of his office’s accomplishments in the past four years, including the completion of a two-year sprint that migrated major OPM information systems from on-premises data centers to the cloud.

He also cited OPM’s first-ever “A” grade in the FITARA, or the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act, scorecard; the agency’s 30 percent improvement in its Federal Cybersecurity Progress Report scorecard; and the launch of the Postal Health Benefit System.

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Pentagon Forms Strategic & Critical Materials Board of Directors
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Pentagon Forms Strategic & Critical Materials Board of Directors

The Department of Defense has officially established a federal advisory committee that will advise the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment on a strategy for securing DOD’s strategic and critical materials supply chains and strengthening the National Defense Stockpile.

DOD said Monday the Strategic and Critical Materials Board of Directors was formed in accordance with the Stock Piling Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

“The National Defense Industrial Strategy highlights the critical importance of working together with stakeholders to identify innovative solutions for complex industrial base challenges,” said Laura Taylor-Kale, assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy, or ASD IBP.

“This Board will convene leading experts across industry and the federal government to inform the Department’s efforts to ensure secure and resilient access to the materials and minerals that underpin key defense capabilities,” added Taylor-Kale.

According to DOD, the ASD IBP will chair the board, which will include members appointed by the departments of Defense, Energy, State, Interior and Commerce and the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.

The board is expected to hold its first meeting in 2025.

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Adam Schlesinger Appointed New Project Manager at NASA
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Adam Schlesinger Appointed New Project Manager at NASA

NASA has appointed Adam Schlesinger as project manager of Commercial Lunar Payload Services, bringing to the role over two decades of experience in human space flight programs and deep-space spacecraft operations.

Before his new post, Schlesinger served as the habitation and logistics outpost project lead engineer for the Gateway Program at Johnson Space Center, the space agency said Monday.

New Manager’s Career and Academic Credentials

Schlesigner also oversaw the Advanced Exploration Systems Avionics and Software project and led a team in developing several innovative technologies for future NASA exploration missions. In addition, Schlesinger collaborated with various commercial providers as part of the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships-2 activities.

The new appointee started at NASA as a co-op in the avionic systems division and held leadership positions within the agency’s engineering, integration and science directorates. His career highlights include several recognitions, such as multiple NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals, JSC Director’s Commendation Award, Advanced Exploration Systems Innovation Award and NASA Early Career Achievement Medal.

Schlesinger earned a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.

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