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C5ISR Center Developing Folded Lightweight Annular Telescope for Drones
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C5ISR Center logo. The U.S. Army's C5ISR Center is developing the Folded Lightweight Annular Telescope.

The U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or C5ISR, Center is developing the Folded Lightweight Annular Telescope, or FLAT, to provide high-resolution imaging for unmanned aerial systems at extended ranges.

C5ISR Center Developing Folded Lightweight Annular Telescope for Drones

The C5ISR Center’s FLAT project highlights the Army’s transformation priorities as it works toward its 2030 goals. Gain more insights on the service’s modernization initiatives at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18. Save your seat now!

What Is the Folded Lightweight Annular Telescope Project?

The FLAT initiative is led by the C5ISR Center under the Combat Capabilities Development Command, the Army said Thursday. The project applies electro-optic and infrared research to support emerging UAS operational requirements. FLAT utilizes a reflective telescopic design combined with precision mirror fabrication to create compact, low-cost payloads for small drones.

How Does FLAT Boost Battlefield Awareness?

According to optical engineer Brian Kellermeyer, the system delivers higher image definition compared to currently fielded hardware. When integrated with aided target recognition algorithms, the technology enhances the ability to locate and avoid threats in contested environments.

“These optics deliver much higher definition images and superior performance at extended ranges than currently fielded capabilities when coupled with aided target recognition algorithms for rapid search and cueing, increasing Soldier lethality and situational awareness,” Kellermeyer said.

How Will the Technology Transition to Industry?

The C5ISR Center can transition the technology directly to multiple vendors because the government leads the FLAT program and retains design rights. The center works with industry through cooperative research and development agreements, Small Business Innovation Research and manufacturing technology partnerships.

Looking ahead, prototypes of small FLAT payloads are scheduled for field demonstrations and operational experimentation in 2026. Once packaged into a gimbal-based sensor suite, the technology could be listed on the UAS Marketplace, allowing the Department of War and interagency users to identify and procure validated equipment.

Supporting Broader Drone Efforts

The FLAT project complements the Army’s wider initiatives to accelerate unmanned and counter-UAS capabilities. Programs such as the xTechOverwatch competition, launched in 2025 to identify AI and sensor technologies for autonomous systems, and the counter-drone online marketplace that reached initial operational capability in February, are helping transition emerging technologies into deployable systems.

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Trump Cyber Strategy Outlines Offensive Posture, Federal Network Security Push
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White House. Trump’s cyber strategy calls for modernizing federal networks and securing critical infrastructure.

The Trump administration has released its cyber strategy, outlining a government-wide effort to strengthen national cyber defenses while expanding offensive capabilities to counter foreign threats.

The strategy, published by the White House on Friday, calls for greater coordination between federal agencies and the private sector, emphasizing investment in advanced technologies and the use of U.S. cyber capabilities to defend national interests.

By utilizing every instrument of national power, the administration intends to “act swiftly, deliberately, and proactively to disable cyber threats.”

Trump Cyber Strategy Outlines Offensive Posture, Federal Network Security Push

Government and industry leaders will gather at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to discuss federal cybersecurity priorities, emerging threats and implementation challenges. Register now.

What Are the Key Pillars of Trump’s Cyber Strategy?

The strategy outlines six policy pillars designed to guide federal cybersecurity priorities and implementation:

  • Shaping adversary behavior, including using the full suite of defensive and offensive cyber operations to disrupt hostile networks and deter attacks against U.S. systems.
  • Streamlining cybersecurity regulations to reduce industry compliance burdens while aligning regulatory requirements with evolving threats.
  • Modernizing federal government networks, including by adopting zero trust architecture, post-quantum cryptography and artificial intelligence-enabled cybersecurity tools to improve threat detection and system resilience.
  • Strengthening protections for critical infrastructure sectors by securing supply chains and reducing reliance on technology vendors considered potential security risks.
  • Protecting national intellectual advantage, securing the AI technology stack and promoting innovation in AI security, and advancing secure blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies to sustain superiority in critical and emerging technologies.
  • Taking advantage of programs aimed at developing the cybersecurity workforce, citing the need for a stronger talent pipeline across government, industry and academia.

How Does It Compare With the Biden Cyber Strategy?

The Trump strategy builds on several priorities also outlined in the Biden administration’s 2023 National Cybersecurity Strategy, including securing critical infrastructure and strengthening federal network defenses.

However, the new framework places a stronger emphasis on offensive cyber operations, deregulation, deterrence and national security. The new strategy will guide future policy actions and resourcing through follow-on policy vehicles.

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FedRAMP Proposes Program Certification Framework for Cloud Providers
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FedRAMP logo. FedRAMP has outlined a new program certification framework for cloud service providers.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program has outlined a new program certification framework for cloud service providers while preparing to retire the FedRAMP Ready designation as part of upcoming rule changes scheduled for release in 2026.

FedRAMP Proposes Program Certification Framework for Cloud Providers

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 will explore federal IT modernization efforts and advancements in AI, cybersecurity and user experience. Register now!

Why Is FedRAMP Creating a Program Certification Path?

The program said Saturday the proposal stems from challenges faced by cloud providers that invested in the FedRAMP Rev5 agency authorization process but lost or could not secure an agency sponsor due to government staffing and budget constraints. Traditionally, a full Rev5 security assessment requires extensive review.

FedRAMP has relied on government agencies to conduct these reviews since the program lacks the staffing and funding to evaluate every assessment directly. The new approach, called FedRAMP 20x, aims to reduce the initial review workload so FedRAMP can handle certain assessments itself while expanding capacity if additional funding becomes available.

How Will the New Certification Framework Work?

Under the updated structure, FedRAMP authorizations will be renamed FedRAMP certifications, and the program will shift from impact levels to certification classes. Certifications will be available through two pathways: agency authorization and program certification. The agency authorization path requires an agency sponsor to support the review process, while the program certification path allows FedRAMP to review a cloud product without a sponsor, though availability will be more limited.

The changes will be published by June, preceding the retirement of the FedRAMP Ready designation on July 28. They will be applicable to all cloud service providers from Dec. 31, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028. Providers currently pursuing FedRAMP Ready will be able to convert their existing progress toward obtaining a Class A FedRAMP Certification.

What Are the Stages for Program Certification Implementation?

The rollout will occur in designated stages, beginning with the availability of Class A certifications for current FedRAMP Ready providers. Stage 2 will expand to Class B and C certifications for providers that met specific criteria between January 2025 and March 2026, such as being “In Process” or having completed a full security assessment. A tentative third stage aims to open certifications to providers using external security frameworks that are highly compatible with Rev5 requirements.

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Markwayne Mullin Selected as Next Homeland Security Secretary
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DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Senator Markwayne Mullin has been selected to replace Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary.

President Donald Trump has selected Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., to serve as the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The leadership transition is scheduled to take effect on March 31, Trump announced on Truth Social on Friday.

Who Is Markwayne Mullin?

Mullin, an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, is serving his first term in the Senate after being elected in 2023. He represents Oklahoma on the Senate Armed Services, Appropriations, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, and Indian Affairs committees.

He is the first tribal citizen to serve in the Senate in nearly 20 years and the second Cherokee Nation citizen to hold the role. Before joining the Senate, Mullin served in the House of Representatives for a decade. The former mixed martial artist brings 25 years of entrepreneurial experience.

Mullin earned a degree in applied science in construction technology from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. He also received an honorary doctorate from Bacone College.

“Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda,” said Trump. “As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities.”

Why Is the DHS Leadership Change Taking Place?

Mullin’s selection follows the departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is set to take the position of “Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.” In this newly created role, the two-time Wash100 Award winner will focus on a Western Hemisphere security initiative.

In a DHS press release published Thursday, Noem said she will build on the partnerships and national security experience she gained during her tenure at the DHS.

“We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion, and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard,” Noem said.

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James “Aaron” Bishop Named Acting DOW Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, CISO
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Aaron Bishop. The former Air Force CISO has been named acting DOW deputy CIO for cybersecurity and CISO.

The Department of War’s Office of the Chief Information Officer has announced the appointment of James “Aaron” Bishop, former Air Force chief information security officer, as acting DOW deputy CIO for cybersecurity and CISO. 

James "Aaron" Bishop Named Acting DOW Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, CISO

The cybersecurity leadership transition at the Pentagon comes as government and industry continue to strengthen collaboration on emerging cyberthreats and mission resilience. Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 and join the discussion about the evolving federal cyber landscape.

In a LinkedIn post published Thursday, the DOW Office of the CIO said Bishop assumed the responsibilities of acting DOW CISO on Friday, Feb. 27, succeeding David McKeown.

McKeown, a two-time Wash100 awardee, is leaving his role as acting DCIO for cybersecurity and CISO after more than four decades of service. He will pursue opportunities in the private sector.

What Are Bishop’s Responsibilities as Acting DOW CISO?

In this capacity, Bishop will provide expert policy, program, technical and oversight support to DOW CIO Kirsten Davies, a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient, on departmentwide cybersecurity matters. He will also lead the integration of the department’s programs to safeguard DOW’s critical infrastructure against persistent threats and facilitate the coordination of cybersecurity policies, standards and procedures with other federal agencies and industry partners.

“Bishop brings an extensive and unique blend of industry, federal, and transformational experience that will be critical as the Department focuses on Secretary Hegseth’s charge for lethality, efficiency, and warfighter readiness,” the DOW Office of the CIO said in the post.

Who Is James “Aaron” Bishop?

Bishop is a cybersecurity and technology leader with experience spanning government and industry.

Before joining the Department of the Air Force as CISO, he founded and served as CEO of Quantum Security Alliance.

He also held leadership roles at several companies, including CEO of Eigenspace; vice president and CISO at SAIC; general manager of the national security group at Microsoft; and IT director and chief technologist at Keane Federal Systems. 

The U.S. Navy veteran also served as ANSTEC’s chief technology officer.

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Trump Nominee Robert Gaucher Assumes Duties as First DRPM for Submarines
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Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, DPRM for submarines at DOW. Gaucher was confirmed by the Senate as DPRM for submarines in January

Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher has begun his tenure as the Department of War’s first direct reporting portfolio manager, or DPRM, for submarines, a newly created leadership role to oversee the Navy’s nuclear submarine programs, Breaking Defense reported.

He was nominated by President Donald Trump in December and confirmed by the Senate through a voice vote in January, according to Congress.gov.

What Are Robert Gaucher’s New Responsibilities as Submarine Czar?

As the Pentagon’s submarine portfolio manager, Gaucher will oversee the acquisition and production of all U.S. nuclear submarines and coordinate with defense leaders on program priorities and resources.

“The establishment of the new DRPM Submarines elevates this critical portfolio, providing dedicated leadership that streamlines and enhances the ability of the Secretary of War, Deputy Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Navy to address the complexities of submarine construction and inform their resource decisions,” a spokesperson for the Navy told Breaking Defense.

He will also work with the director of naval reactors and collaborate with the chief of naval operations to help develop requirements for future submarines. The role includes oversight of submarine program offices and responsibility for budgeting maintenance for in-service submarines, USNI News reported.

Gaucher will report directly to Stephen Feinberg, deputy secretary of war.

Who Is Robert Gaucher?

Gaucher previously served as commander of Naval Submarine Forces and Submarine Force Atlantic, where he oversaw all Atlantic-based submarines and served as the Navy’s undersea domain lead.

A native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Gaucher graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering and later earned a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Central Florida.

His operational assignments include service aboard fast attack and ballistic missile submarines. Gaucher has also served as commander of Submarine Group 9 and held multiple leadership roles across the Navy’s submarine enterprise.

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Army Launches Project ARIA to Accelerate AI Adoption
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U.S. Army seal. The Army has launched Project ARIA to advance the use of AI capabilities to modernize military operations.

The Army has launched Project ARIA, or Army Rapid Implementation of Artificial Intelligence, to harness AI capabilities as part of efforts to modernize military operations, improve decision-making and reduce administrative workloads for soldiers. 

Army Launches Project ARIA to Accelerate AI Adoption

The Army’s launch of Project ARIA highlights the growing role of AI in modern military operations and decision-making. Join government and industry officials at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit as they discuss emerging AI strategies and technologies. Save your seat now to join the conversation on the future of AI in defense and government.

What Is Project ARIA?

The service said Thursday Project ARIA is an initiative that seeks to advance collaboration with technology companies to speed up the development and delivery of AI tools to warfighters within months.

Deputy Under Secretary of the Army David Fitzgerald said the program is designed to accelerate the adoption of AI-driven platforms across the service.

“Project ARIA is about delivering real capabilities, not endless development cycles,” Fitzgerald noted. “This initiative is designed for speed and agility, ensuring we get cutting-edge technology into the hands of our Soldiers as quickly as possible.”

Army officials said the project followed an AI tabletop exercise hosted by Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll in September 2025, where Army leaders and AI specialists collaborated on potential solutions to operational challenges.

What Are the 3 Development Teams of Project ARIA?

Project ARIA includes three development teams focused on building AI tools for key Army mission areas: Team Gray, Team Black and Team Yellowstone.

Team Gray is developing agentic AI tools to automate the service’s planning, programming, budgeting and execution process to enable leaders to accelerate the decision-making process while allowing soldiers to focus on core missions.

Team Black is creating a “model armory” that provides AI models for operational use from centralized data centers to the tactical edge, including capabilities designed to operate in denied environments.

Team Yellowstone is applying AI to supply chain management, beginning at Anniston Army Depot in Alabama, where predictive tools will help predict maintenance requirements and ensure parts availability to reduce equipment downtime.

“Through Project ARIA, we are building the Army of tomorrow, today,” said Fitzgerald. “By working with the nation’s top minds in artificial intelligence, we are rapidly developing and deploying smart tools that empower our Soldiers, streamline our operations, and ensure our readiness for any challenge.”

How Does Project ARIA Fit Into the Army’s Broader AI Efforts?

Project ARIA aligns with several Army initiatives to expand the use of AI capabilities across the force. The service recently launched the Army Enterprise Large Language Model Workspace, a generative AI platform hosted in cArmy Cloud that provides secure access to LLMs and other AI tools for authorized users.

Army leaders are also exploring AI applications for command and control at the tactical edge through the Next Generation Command and Control initiative. In addition, the Army’s Network Enterprise Technology Command has introduced NETCOM Edge, a data science platform designed to support the development of AI and machine learning tools for network operations and cybersecurity.

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FCC’s Brendan Carr Proposes Spectrum Availability Expansion for Next-Gen Space Operations
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FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Carr issued a proposal to ensure reliable spectrum access for emergent space operations

Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, has proposed a plan to provide spectrum access for emerging space technologies and operations.

Carr’s proposal, issued Thursday, aims to support what the commissioner described as “weird space stuff,” or emergent space ventures, such as orbital laboratories, private inhabitable spacecraft and in-space satellite repair.

How Will the Proposed Rule Support Next-Generation Space Operations?

If adopted, the commission would start formal proceedings to explore regulatory updates and identify additional spectrum bands that could support telemetry, tracking and command functions required to operate spacecraft safely.

Telemetry, tracking and command capabilities allow operators to control spacecraft and monitor performance in orbit, making spectrum access a critical component of space operations.

“America’s leadership in space relies on predictable spectrum resources. Nowhere is this more clear than when it comes to the cutting-edge space operations that come right out of sci-fi and into our modern reality,” Carr stated.

“Whether we’re talking about repairing a satellite in orbit or creating pharmaceutical solutions to our health care challenges in a space lab, these very real ventures will require very real resources, including secure radio signals for control and basic operations. Today’s proposal is the first step toward the spectrum abundance needed to give America’s space activities the predictable spectrum environment they need to thrive,” the official added.

The effort aligns with the FCC’s broader push to achieve spectrum abundance in outer space.

Why Is the FCC Working to Release 20,000 Megahertz of Spectrum?

In May, the commission issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to seek input on unlocking more than 20,000 megahertz of spectrum to support high-speed internet delivered from space.

The initiative examines expanding satellite connectivity across several underutilized spectrum bands located near existing satellite frequencies. Freeing up the spectrum bands could help enable next-generation satellite broadband services while strengthening U.S. leadership in the global space economy, the FCC said.

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DOE Funds 10 Quantum Computing Projects Under QC3 Program
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DOE logo. ARPA-E awarded $37M in funding to 10 QC3 projects.

The Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has selected 10 projects to receive a combined $37 million in funding under the Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry, or QC3, program, an initiative aimed at advancing quantum algorithms for chemistry and materials science applications tied to energy technologies.

ARPA-E said Thursday the selected teams will develop quantum computing approaches that could accelerate breakthroughs in areas such as superconducting transmission lines, advanced batteries, rare-earth-free magnets, and new catalysts for fertilizer and fuel production.

Which Projects Were Selected?

Among the projects selected for funding is Boeing’s Quantum Innovation for Corrosion Kinetics project, which will develop quantum computing methods to model chemical reactions that cause corrosion. The approach is expected to improve modeling speed and accuracy by up to 100 times, supporting the development of corrosion-resistant alloys for aviation, steel infrastructure and next-generation battery technologies. Boeing’s project received $2.5 million in funding.

Another selected effort is PsiQuantum’s Quantum-Enabled Direct Methane-to-Methanol project, which will leverage fault-tolerant quantum computing workflows integrating quantum chemistry simulations, classical computation and high-throughput experimentation in the design of new catalysts for direct methane conversion. The project received $3.6 million in funding.

Other projects include work by national laboratories, universities and private companies such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Infleqtion, Quantinuum, Phasecraft, California Institute of Technology and Xanadu Quantum Technologies.

“ARPA-E is working to move quantum computing out of academic journals and into applications that innovate how Americans access energy,” said ARPA-E Director Conner Prochaska. 

“QC3 is ARPA-E’s first contribution to the quantum ecosystem at the heart of the U.S. government’s mission to cultivate the next frontier of computing and convert technical advances into competitive advantages for America’s energy dominance, economy, and national security,” he added.

What Is the QC3 Program?

The QC3 initiative focuses on developing and optimizing the entire quantum computing stack, including applications, algorithms and error-correction methods. Project teams must demonstrate that their algorithms offer scalable quantum advantage over classical computing approaches and execute their work on real quantum hardware.

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OMB Launches GSA-Led Acquisition Quality Service Management Office
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OMB Deputy Director Eric Ueland. OMB has launched the Acquisition Quality Service Management Office.

The Office of Management and Budget has launched a new acquisition-focused Quality Service Management Office, or QSMO, that will be led by the General Services Administration, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

What Is the Acquisition QSMO?

OMB Deputy Director for Management Eric Ueland announced the launch during a Shared Services Leadership Coalition conference in Washington, saying the new QSMO will focus on acquisition systems across federal civilian agencies. The GSA-led Acquisition QSMO is the fifth such office to be established.

“The key aspect here, of course, is in that shared services concept, how do we take what are generously counted as nearly 230 acquisition systems across the federal government, and bring those down to a reputable and easy-to-access number to simplify what’s important and necessary for the federal government when it comes to acquisition,” Ueland said.

What Is a QSMO?

A Quality Service Management Office is a federal shared services model created in 2019 in which a designated agency manages a central hub and marketplace for a specific mission-support function across government. Under this structure, agencies can access multiple shared services through the lead organization responsible for that function.

Existing QSMOs oversee areas such as cybersecurity led by the Department of Homeland Security, grants management under the Department of Health and Human Services, human resources led by the Office of Personnel Management and financial management handled by the Treasury Department.

Industry Partnerships Expand QSMO Capabilities

QSMOs partner with technology providers and integrators to help agencies modernize mission-support systems. The Treasury Department, for example, added Guidehouse and SAP to the Financial Management QSMO in 2025. Guidehouse provides financial management and transformation services, while SAP offers enterprise software platforms, such as its S/4HANA Cloud.

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