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Clayton Fulton Appointed Chief of Staff at Indian Health Service
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Clayton Fulton, chief of staff at Indian Health Service. Fulton will support the IHS Office of the Director

The Indian Health Service has named Clayton Fulton as its new chief of staff. Fulton, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation who was raised in Indian country, will support the Office of the Director in implementing IHS initiatives and priorities.

IHS is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Clayton Fulton Appointed Chief of Staff at Indian Health Service

Leaders from government and industry will be present at Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 4 to discuss the most pressing issues in federal healthcare, including the integration of advanced technologies. Benjamin Koshy, chief information security officer at IHS, will take the stage as a speaker. The event is open to companies that wish to do business with the government and strengthen partnerships with federal agencies. Secure your tickets to the conference here.

Who Is Clayton Fulton?

Fulton is an attorney and economic development professional. According to a press release from IHS, he began his career as an intern with Cherokee Nation businesses, where he learned how tribal governments are using investments to empower Native communities.

“I believe that lasting change begins at the community level,” shared Fulton. “My approach centers on equipping grassroots leadership, supporting local capacity, and creating steady, intentional growth that strengthens families, culture and the community at large.”

He also served as an assistant attorney general for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. In the role, he oversaw the nation’s community programs, aligning regulatory efforts with long-term strategic goals, and supported efforts to expand economic opportunities.

“His experience working at the intersection of policy and program development between tribal nations and the federal government will only strengthen our government-to-government relationships throughout Indian Country,” said Benjamin Smith, acting director of IHS, of Fulton’s appointment.

Fulton has a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in business administration in Native American Enterprises from Northeastern State University. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.

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Brig. Gen. Cain Baker: Army Eyes Deployment of CCA-Like Capability
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Brig. Gen. Cain Baker. The FVL CFT director said the Army aims to deploy a CCA-like capability over the next two years.

Brig. Gen. Cain Baker, director of the Future Vertical Lift Cross Functional Team at U.S. Army Futures Command, said the service plans to expand its portfolio of autonomous air platforms with a collaborative combat aircraft-like capability that could be deployed within the next two years, Breaking Defense reported Friday.

“That has been a focus for the last … really year,” Baker told reporters Wednesday at the annual AUSA conference in Washington, D.C. “As we go forward, we’re watching closely in our experimentation to develop a full requirement, potentially to deliver our capability over the next couple of years.”

How Is the Army Collaborating on a CCA-Like Option?

The Army’s interest in CCA systems comes as other service branches move forward on their own programs. The U.S. Air Force is running an active competition for CCAs. The U.S. Navy selected four vendors to come up with “conceptual designs.”

“We’re following the other services very closely as they’re looking at this, this concept capability,” Baker said.

“A platform you know, a loyal wingman, a CCA concept, allows you to increase mass while also reducing the amount of aviators you got to have in the air. So we’re working with both the INDOPACOM [Indo-Pacific Command], we’re working with Europe to look at the capabilities that they need in order to deliver that mass and really survivability,” he added.

Army Testing for CCA-Like Capability

The brigadier general stated that the Army plans to conduct testing for the CCA-like capability at its annual aviation experiment during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026.

“We’re looking at vendors potentially to come out and market with us,” Baker said. “That is what we’re really looking at, is what is the state of technology right now to develop a requirement that we can deliver?”

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NASA’s Harmonized Landsat, Sentinel-2 Data Now Available on Microsoft Azure
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NASA’s Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 data is now available on Microsoft’s Planetary Computer.

NASA’s Harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 dataset is now accessible through Microsoft’s Planetary Computer, expanding global access to high-resolution Earth observation data and accelerating research in climate science, land use and environmental monitoring.

What Is the HLS Dataset?

The HLS dataset combines imagery from NASA’s Landsat 8 and 9 missions and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellites, harmonized to provide consistent, surface-reflectance measurements every two to three days. The result is a unified, cloud-optimized dataset that supports monitoring of Earth’s surface changes, from deforestation and agriculture to coastal resilience and urban expansion.

Why Make It Available on Microsoft Azure?

Hosting the HLS data on Microsoft Azure enables users to access, process and analyze petabyte-scale imagery without the need to download it locally. Through the Planetary Computer platform, researchers can integrate HLS data with Azure AI, machine learning and high-performance computing tools to perform advanced analysis and develop predictive environmental models at scale.

How Can Researchers Use the Data?

With HLS data now integrated into the Azure ecosystem, users can:

  • Automate land cover classification and vegetation monitoring
  • Detect urban development and deforestation trends
  • Train AI models to forecast environmental patterns
  • Build geospatial applications that visualize changes over time

The cloud-based accessibility of the dataset is expected to help scientists, educators and policymakers accelerate research and decision-making on issues such as climate change, urban planning and natural disaster preparedness.

How Does Earth Copilot Fit In?

Microsoft has developed Earth Copilot, a conversational AI tool that allows users to query NASA’s data using plain language. Researchers can ask questions like “What was the impact of Hurricane Ian on Sanibel Island?” or “How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect air quality in the U.S.?” and receive relevant datasets instantly.

According to Microsoft, Earth Copilot showcases how Azure’s AI and data analytics tools can make complex geospatial data more accessible for educators, innovators and environmental professionals.

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GSA Issues Advanced Notice for Multiple Award Schedule Refresh 30
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GSA logo. The GSA Federal Acquisition Service has issued an advanced notice for Multiple Award Schedule Refresh 30.

The General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service has released an advanced notice that it plans to release a refresh of the multiple award schedule, or MAS, solicitation in November.

What Is the Purpose of MAS Refresh 30?

GSA said Friday the MAS Refresh 30 update will incorporate changes stemming from the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO, initiative. The modification is meant to streamline acquisition requirements, eliminate provisions not required by law and encourage the use of plain-language clauses and terms.

The revision aims to align clauses and provisions with the RFO by updating MAS contract language to reflect changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation and GSA Acquisition Regulation. The MAS refresh will also provide updated guidance for ordering procedures, enabling users to be directed to GSA.gov for federal supply schedule ordering instructions and blanket purchase agreement guidance. In addition, the refresh aims to update administrative provisions, particularly the SCP-FSS-001 provision, which will be revised to reflect RFO updates.

The subject contractor should accept the associated mass modification and apply the changes within 90 days of its issuance to maintain their schedules.

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Navy, Marine Corps Demonstrate Integrated Amphibious Warfare Capabilities
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Amphibious Combat Vehicle. The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps demonstrated advanced amphibious warfare and all-domain operations.

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps conducted a demonstration of advanced amphibious warfare and all-domain operations during the Marine Corps 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton’s Red Beach on Oct. 18.

What Did the Navy-Marine Corps Demonstration Showcase?

The Marine Corps said the exercise featured coordinated large-scale operations between I Marine Expeditionary Force, or I MEF, and the U.S. Third Fleet, highlighting integrated command and control, distributed maritime operations and multi-domain capabilities.

The demonstration involved amphibious landings, live-fire artillery, aviation operations and naval surface maneuvers. It utilized over 35 aircraft, including F/A-18 and F-35 jets, Hercules, Ospreys and Super Stallions in a coordinated assault using High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction Systems, amphibious combat vehicles, and landing craft air cushion and light armored vehicles.

These efforts underscored the service’s ability to project combat power using advanced sensors, unmanned systems and networked command structures. Such technologies are intended to enhance survivability, operational speed and battlefield lethality.

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Coast Guard Modernizing C2 Fleet Via $170M Gulfstream Jet Procurement
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Kevin Lunday headshot. Admiral cites command and control reasons behind US Coast Guard aircraft procurement

The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented a planned recapitalization of its long-range command and control aircraft to modernize the USCG senior leadership’s air fleet. The initiative supports official travel for the Department of Homeland Security’s secretary and deputy secretary, as well as the Coast Guard commandant, vice commandant and Atlantic and Pacific area commanders, USCG said in a press release Friday.

Kristi Noem, secretary of DHS—under which the Coast Guard operates during peacetime—will be a keynote speaker for the 2025 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 12. Secure your seat for a highly anticipated GovCon event featuring not only Noem, a 2025 Wash100 Award winner, but also panel discussions and networking sessions. 

Gulfstream Jet Procurement

According to a post on the Federal Procurement Data System, the service branch awarded Gulfstream Aerospace on Friday a contract worth over $170 million for the procurement of two G700 jets. The purchase is in accordance with Office of Management and Budget guidelines and DHS policy, the Coast Guard said. 

It also pointed out that the new aircraft will replace models up to 20 years old that faced increasing maintenance issues. Since January 2025, its long-range command and control fleet logged 30 days of unplanned maintenance and six mission cancellations, USCG added.

Acting USCG Chief Explains Procurement

“The timing of this investment underscores the Coast Guard’s vital need to modernize its command-and-control capabilities to meet today’s rapidly evolving operational demands,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, acting USCG commandant. “As maritime activity increases and national security challenges grow more complex, maintaining reliable air mobility is essential to ensuring continuity of operations and mission success,” the service branch’s chief remarked. 

Democrats are criticizing DHS for the jets’ purchase for the official travel of the agency’s secretary and other top officials, while also noting the procurement being undertaken during the current government shutdown, The Hill reported Saturday.  

Sean Plankey, senior advisor to the secretary for the Coast Guard, said, though, that “safety and mission readiness” are the primary considerations for the aircraft procurement. “It’s well known that senior military officials and cabinet members need secure command and control and rapid long-range mobility,” Plankey stressed.

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DOD Shutdown Guidance Limits Contract Work to Pre-Funded Efforts
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The Pentagon. DOD issued updated guidance for the continuation of military operations amid a government shutdown.

The Department of Defense has released updated guidance for the continuation of military operations and other activities amid a government shutdown.

According to the document published Thursday, vendors who were already awarded contracts before the funding lapse may continue to perform work even if it supports non-excepted activities, but only to the extent of funds already obligated on the contract before the lapse in appropriations.

The Pentagon noted that new contracts, renewals, extensions, task orders or exercised options may not be issued or executed unless they support an excepted activity. Until Congress appropriates new funds, no additional obligations can be assumed for non-excepted work.

For the latest GovCon news and updates on acquisition opportunities, make sure you’re subscribed to Executive Mosaic’s trio of daily newsletters: GovCon Wire, ExecutiveBiz and ExecutiveGov, on those sites’ respective homepages.

Lack of Oversight May Trigger Stop-Work Orders

According to the guidance, contract performance cannot continue if it requires inspection or oversight by furloughed federal government employees. In such cases, DOD may issue stop-work orders or terminate contracts.

Departmental Priorities

DOD identified several priority areas that may continue during a funding lapse if suitably resourced, including shipbuilding, depot maintenance, critical munitions, Golden Dome for America, Middle East operations and border security.

For contracts relevant to mission priorities, DOD components should evaluate whether they may be deemed “excepted” and allowed to proceed even in a funding lapse.

Defense Appropriations Bill Blocked in Senate

The Hill reported Thursday that the Senate failed to pass the full-year $852 billion defense spending measure in a 50-44 vote, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance the bill.

The Senate vote comes as the government shutdown extends into its third week.

According to the report, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., opposed to taking up the measure without first voting on the annual appropriations bill for labor, health and human services.

The defense appropriations bill would allocate $171 billion for weapons systems procurement and $141 billion for research, development and testing initiatives.

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SciTec’s FORGE Missile Warning System Achieves Space Force Operational Acceptance
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U.S. Space Force logo. Space Force accepts second operational delivery of the FORGE missile warning system from SciTec.

The U.S. Space Force has accepted the second operational delivery of the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution, or FORGE, missile warning system developed by SciTec.

The company said Thursday the 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado received the second FORGE operational delivery, which integrates the system’s mission data processing capabilities with the cyber-secure FORGE framework to expand missile waring resiliency, performance and accuracy.

New Capabilities to Improve Missile Threat Detection

Matt McHugh, SciTec executive director and senior FORGE technical adviser, said the latest delivery offers performance enhancements to missile warning warfighters.

“With FORGE processing we’re delivering cutting edge image processing, signal detection, and AI/ML throughout the stack, which is dramatically increasing the sensitivity of the system and enabling Missile Warning to detect more and stealthier threats sooner, and track them longer,” McHugh stated. “Just as importantly, we are now able to continuously deliver enhancements into the operational system in close collaboration with the operational users to ensure Missile Warning stays ahead of the threat.”

SciTec Eyes 4 More Key FORGE Operational Milestones

After a 12-month prototype competition, SciTec secured a production other transaction authority agreement from Space Systems Command in August 2022 to deliver next-generation mission data processing applications for missile warning. In March 2023, the company received an award from SSC to provide sensor-specific processing applications. In early 2025, SciTec was tapped for the Enterprise OPIR System contract to complete the FORGE framework.

“FORGE proves there is a better way to do acquisition – expand the industrial base, leverage non-traditionals, try before you buy, and emphasize close collaboration between operations and acquisitions,” said SciTec President David Simenc.

“We are delivering four more major operational milestones in the next 24 months while continuously enhancing existing operational capabilities. We look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with the Space Force’s System Deltas and Mission Deltas to deliver these critical capabilities,” added Simenc.

The development came weeks after Firefly Aerospace agreed to acquire SciTec for approximately $855 million in cash and stock. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

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Telos Grows TSA PreCheck Network With New Enrollment Centers in 6 States
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John Wood, CEO of Telos. Wood announces the expansion of TSA PreCheck enrollment centers across 42 states and territories

Telos, a Transportation Security Administration partner, has added new enrollment locations for its TSA PreCheck program, which accelerates the process of airport security screening. The company said Wednesday that more facilities will open in California, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina and Texas, bringing the total number of TSA PreCheck enrollment centers to 492 nationwide.

“Telos is pleased to have TSA PreCheck enrollment centers across 42 states and territories, bringing the convenience of TSA PreCheck to the backyard of millions of Americans,” stated John Wood, chairman and CEO of Telos.

Telos Grows TSA PreCheck Network With New Enrollment Centers in 6 States

TSA is an agency under the Department of Homeland Security. If you are interested in learning about advances in border protection and other homeland security concerns, join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 12. The event will feature panels and networking sessions with prominent figures from government and industry. Secure your ticket to the highly anticipated govcon event today.

Why Enroll in TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck was launched to expedite and enhance the traveler screening process. Consumers who have signed up to the program may no longer need to go through regular security checks, such as removing certain items of clothing or electronics at checkpoints.

According to TSA, PreCheck members reported waiting less than 10 minutes at airport checkpoints.

“Every minute matters during your travel day and TSA PreCheck will help get you through security with ease,” Wood added.

The program is open to travelers who are considered “low risk,” or lawful permanent U.S. residents. Enrollees undergo criminal history vetting before securing a Known Traveler Number, which is a requirement to participate in the program.

TSA PreCheck lanes are also available to citizens of partner countries enrolled in similar trusted traveler programs, such as Global Entry, NEXUS or Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection.

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at over 200 airports nationwide, with approximately 90 airlines participating.

What TSA PreCheck Centers Offer

Travelers can apply for or renew their TSA PreCheck membership at Telos-run enrollment centers nationwide.

New applicants can complete an online pre-enrollment and schedule an appointment at a nearby center for in-person processing. Meanwhile, existing TSA PreCheck members can renew their status online through Telos in just a few minutes, even if they originally enrolled with another provider. 

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Trump Signs Executive Order to Restructure Federal Hiring Oversight
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Workforce. Trump signs an EO establishing federal hiring oversight measures.

President Donald Trump signed a new executive order mandating comprehensive new policies for federal hiring. The order aims to impose senior-level accountability, align the federal workforce with administration priorities and significantly improve the efficiency of government services, the White House said.

How Does the Order Restructure Hiring Decisions?

The directive immediately requires every executive department and agency to institute a strategic hiring committee composed of senior agency leaders, including the deputy agency head and chief of staff. This committee is tasked with approving all decisions regarding the filling of vacant positions or the creation of new ones, ensuring strict alignment with the national interest, agency needs and administration priorities.

The order also requires agencies to prepare annual staffing plans in coordination with the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget to ensure new appointments focus on mission-critical areas and implement previous recruitment initiatives. Agencies must submit to OPM and OMB quarterly updates demonstrating progress on the plans. OPM and OMB must submit a joint implementation report to the president within 180 days.

Which Positions Are Exempt From the New Rules?

The policy applies broadly to federal civilian positions across all agencies. However, the order provides important exemptions that maintain essential government functions, including:

  • National security, public safety and immigration enforcement roles
  • Political appointments and non-career positions in the Senior Executive Service
  • Armed forces personnel

Furthermore, the order explicitly mandates that the policy cannot adversely impact the provision of social security, Medicare or veterans’ benefits. It also prohibits agencies from circumventing the intent of the order by using outside contracting to fill positions.

What is the Policy Context for the Directive?

The administration stated that the order is designed to build upon previous workforce initiatives, including reforms aimed at restoring merit to government service. It also aims to eliminate the “diffuse accountability” that resulted from spreading hiring decisions across the government’s vast supervisory layer.

The White House noted that the directive secures and expands on the success of earlier efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce, which surpassed a targeted ratio of four departures for every new hire within the first eight months of the administration. This focus on streamlining the government aligns with the administration’s goal of supporting private sector job growth rather than expanding the federal workforce.

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