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CISA’s Kirk Lawrence on Secure by Design Framework
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Secure by Design principles are the first step toward a threat-resilient digital ecosystem, according to CISA's Kirk Lawrence

Kirk Lawrence, program manager for the Secure by Design initiative at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said implementing Secure by Design principles is the first step in building a threat-resilient digital environment, Nextgov/FCW reported Friday.

“It doesn’t mean that your place can’t get broken into, that someone can’t come steal your stuff, but they [have] to work a little harder now to have a different set of skills,” Lawrence said. “Secure by Design is not the end of risk. It’s the start of resilience.”

Gaining Executive Buy-In for Secure by Design

The CISA official also cited the agency’s effort to highlight Secure by Design’s business benefits. He said the key mission is to develop talking points for a tech project owner to discuss the value of Secure by Design with C-level executives to gain the latter’s support.

“One of the key principles that we’ve advocated since the beginning is that it’s not going to happen unless you have executive buy-in, which is one of the very first steps to having effective Secure by Design,” Lawrence said at a cybersecurity conference.

CISA’s Secure by Design Initiatives

In May 2024, CISA and its counterparts in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.K. issued guidance on Secure by Design considerations that manufacturers and organizations could use to inform their decisions when purchasing digital products and services. 

CISA also announced last year that 68 software manufacturers and technology firms participated in the agency’s Secure by Design pledge.

In August 2024, CISA and the FBI released a guide to help customers ensure that the Secure by Design concept is a core consideration in software procurement.

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Catalyst Accelerator Seeks Startups With Directed Energy, EW Tech for Fall 2025 Cohort
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The Fall 2025 Cohort from the Catalyst Accelerator enterprise is seeking directed energy and electronic warfare technology.

The Catalyst Accelerator has started soliciting applications from U.S. small businesses and startups with dual-use directed energy and electromagnetic warfare technologies for the Fall 2025 Cohort.

The accelerator said Friday it is seeking EW and DE technologies that could disrupt, deny or destroy adversary assets across all domains.

The Catalyst Accelerator is backed by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Space Vehicles Directorate and the U.S. Space Force. It is a collaborative program hosted by the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Catalyst Accelerator Seeks Startups With Directed Energy, EW Tech for Fall 2025 Cohort

Learn more about the latest defense tech capabilities and trends at the 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Save your spot now for this Potomac Officers Club-hosted event.

“I’m excited to kick off our next cohort in the fall that revolves around Electromagnetic (EW) and Directed Energy warfare (DEW). These technologies are proving to be instrumental in combating drone warfare in Ukraine, but they also have applicability in space warfare and counter space operations,” said Capt. Skyler Hart, government lead for the Catalyst Accelerator at the Space Force.

“As we look to the future, we need to find innovative ways to disrupt, neutralize or even destroy an adversary’s ability to execute their kill chain. EW and DEW effects are powerful tools to achieve this objective. I look forward to seeing what technologies that the small businesses bring forward to address this critical need,” Hart added.

Catalyst’s Fall Cohort Topics of Interest

The topics of interest for the Fall 2025 Cohort are artificial intelligence and machine learning implementation and integration; battle management; laser weapon systems; and emerging and novel technologies.

For AI and machine learning, the accelerator is interested in adaptive and predictive EW systems that autonomously adjust jamming techniques; cognitive electronic support; and real-time spectrum analysis and threat identification for radio frequency spectrum.

Directed Energy & Electromagnetic Warfare Accelerator

The Catalyst Accelerator will host a virtual “Ask Me Anything” session on June 18 and accept applications through July 8. 

The accelerator will select six to eight companies to participate in the Fall 2025 Cohort, enabling them to connect with government and industry to promote their DE and EW technologies and secure government contracts.

The Space Security Defense Program will serve as the official problem sponsor for the Fall 2025 Cohort, which will begin on Aug. 19 and conclude with a Demo Day event on Nov. 20.

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Army Unveils Executive Innovation Corps, Taps Private Sector Tech Leaders as Advisers
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Four leading tech executives from companies like Meta and OpenAI were officially accepted into the Army as Reserve Lt. Cols.

The U.S. Army has launched a new program aimed at integrating private sector technological leadership into the Army to merge commercial and military technologies.

New Tech-Focused Army Initiative 

According to the Army, four prominent technology executives were officially accepted into the service on June 13 under the Detachment 201: The Army’s Executive Innovation Corps initiative. These tech professionals will join the Army Reserve as part-time senior advisers without having to leave their current industry roles.

Army Unveils Executive Innovation Corps, Taps Private Sector Tech Leaders as Advisers

Get the inside track on the U.S. Army’s latest modernization programs, like the new Detachment 201 initiative. Listen to Army officials, government leaders and industry trailblazers as they discuss the service branch’s most urgent priorities and challenges. Register now and join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Army Summit on June 18.

The first four members of the Executive Innovation Corps and new Army Reserve Lt. Cols. are:

Bridging Private Sector Expertise With Defense Needs

The tech leaders will provide expert insights to accelerate and scale advanced technologies for various defense capabilities and other applications. They will leverage years of experience in the private sector to guide Det. 201 in its efforts to bolster military innovation, including the Army Transformation Initiative, which is meant to transform the service into a leaner, smarter and more lethal force.

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GAO Says DOD’s $10.9B Tech Programs Not Tracking Performance Metrics
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In a new assessment, GAO found that the Department of Defense didn't report performance measures on its IT business programs.

The Department of Defense did not report required performance measures on IT business programs assessed in a new Government Accountability Office report. 

The report, published Thursday, recommends that the Pentagon identify and report the minimum number of performance metrics on IT business programs as part of its submission to the Federal IT Dashboard, which tracks IT investments across the government. 

GAO Reviews DOD’s Tech Programs

According to the Federal IT Dashboard, DOD has spent or plans to spend $10.9 billion on 24 major IT business programs from fiscal 2023 through 2025. About 43 percent of the budget is allocated to four programs: DOD Healthcare Management System Modernization, Enterprise Resource Planning, Enterprise Business System and Joint Operational Medicine Information Systems. 

GAO noted that not all programs reported performance in the required categories. IT programs with operational investments specifically have to keep track of a minimum of five performance metrics in the categories of customer satisfaction, strategic and business results, financial, and innovation. Of the 19 IT programs with operational investments, only 14 submitted the minimum required number of performance metrics in each category. 

The congressional watchdog also found that 11 programs are using Agile and iterative software development approaches and services. Of the 11 programs, three did not use metrics and management tools required by DOD and recommended under GAO’s Agile Assessment Guide.

Moreover, two programs do not have approved cybersecurity strategy and four have yet to develop plans to implement zero trust architecture by 2027.

DOD has concurred with the results of GAO’s review and provided steps it is taking to address the aforementioned issues.

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Johns Hopkins APL Lands $389M DARPA Contract Modification for R&D, Engineering Services
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Johns Hopkins APL secured a potential $388.8 million contract modification from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has secured a potential $388.8 million contract modification from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to continuously procure essential research, development and engineering services.

JHU APL & DARPA Contract Details

The Department of Defense said Friday the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract covers R&D and engineering work to facilitate the transition of projects from theories and findings to applied technologies.

Under the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, the university-affiliated research center will conduct work in its Laurel, Maryland, facility. The project, including all task orders, is expected to be completed by November 2027. The latest deal raises the contract’s cumulative value from $740 million to $1.1 billion. DARPA will not allocate any funds at the time of award.

Previous Contract Modification

In May 2024, Johns Hopkins APL received a $515 million contract modification to continue providing DARPA with R&D and engineering capabilities. At the time, the contract’s total value reached $740 million. The initial $225 contract was awarded in November 2021.

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House Bill to Address AI Security Vulnerabilities to Safeguard American Innovation
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The bipartisan Advanced AI Security Readiness Act would direct National Security Agency to develop an AI Security Playbook

A House bill is seeking to develop a security framework to protect American artificial intelligence systems from foreign threats, including espionage and cyberattacks, particularly those coming from China.

AI Security Playbook

The Advanced AI Security Readiness Act, introduced by a bipartisan group from the House Select Committee on China, including Chairman John Moolenaar, R-Mich.; Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill.; and Rep.Darin LaHood, R-Ill., would direct the National Security Agency’s AI Security Center to create an “AI Security Playbook” that provides national security agencies with information about potential vulnerabilities in advanced AI data centers and among AI developers; identify AI models, training method and algorithms that adversaries could exploit; and outline cybersecurity strategies to detect and counter threats.

The playbook would also identify the levels of security that would require the government to be involved in the development or oversight of highly advanced AI systems and include detailed methodologies and intelligence assessments, which may be contained in a classified annex, and an unclassified portion with general guidelines and best practices suitable for dissemination to relevant individuals, including in the private sector.

According to LaHood, Congress should ensure the United States strengthens its technology defenses, noting how China targets advanced American AI technology to undermine national security.

“This bipartisan legislation will empower the NSA to map those vulnerabilities and chart a path forward to protect our most sensitive AI capabilities,” he added.

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3 Key US Army Contract Opportunities
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Learn how the Trump Administration is emphasizing commercial solutions at the Potomac Officers Club's 2025 Army Summit.

The Department of Defense in President Trump’s second term is revamping how it procures weapon systems and services, with more emphasis on non-traditional contracting methods such as other transaction authorities and procuring commercial products and services whenever possible. This approach has the objective of helping DOD better acquire the cutting-edge technologies and systems it needs to win wars in this era of near-peer competition.

Below are three important Army competitions that demonstrate DOD’s emphasis on acquiring commercial systems and using innovative contracting vehicles. Get an exclusive look at additional business opportunities like these at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Army Summit on June 18. Leaders from across the public and private sectors, such as U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Staff, DCS, G-6, Lt. Gen. Jeth Ray, will come together at this premier GovCon conference to discuss the Army’s procurement priorities and requirements. Secure your spot at the 2025 Army Summit to connect with these thought leaders and gain a competitive edge.

Flight School Next

The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, or AVCOE, seeks bids for initial entry rotary-wing flight training, also known as Flight School Next, located at Fort Novosel, Alabama. AVCOE will pursue a contractor-owned, contractor-operated, or COCO, commercial, turnkey solution to replace the current initial entry rotary wing Common Core flight training for the Army. The service currently uses the Airbus UH-72A Lakota for initial flight training.

The Army expects to utilize a commercial services opening for Flight School Next to reduce the time and complexity of a federal acquisition regulation, or FAR, -based procurement, allowing for faster selection and deployment of needed technologies. It also wants to better utilize innovative commercial solutions that could not be readily available through traditional FAR-based contracting strategies.

Lastly, the Army targets streamlining the acquisition process by eliminating typically burdensome FAR requirements. The service seeks technologies and methodologies to cover the following areas of rotorcraft flight training:

  • Academic and flight instruction
  • Training aids and devices
  • Simulation (if required)
  • Aircraft
  • Aircraft parts
  • Aircraft maintenance
     

Bids are due October 31.

3 Key US Army Contract Opportunities
The Army wants to procure commercial, turnkey solutions for initial flight training that could replace the Airbus UH-72A Lakota. Image: U.S. Army National Guard

DeCA Retail Grocer Transformation for Enterprise Business System 2.0

The Army seeks innovative pitches from industry to modernize the Defense Commissary Agency’s, or DeCA’s, Enterprise Business Systems, as well as address future DeCA modernization needs. DeCA is seeking a software services provider and an integrator to provide solutions with innovative methods for achieving the task of running a demanding retail grocery ecosystem. 

DeCA operates a worldwide system of 235 commissaries in 45 states, 13 countries and two U.S. territories, supporting roughly 3,000 checkout lanes, including self-service checkouts.. DeCA operates globally, with annual sales exceeding $4.6 billion and employing more than 14,000 people. DeCA currently relies on a combination of various retail information systems that are designed to interdependently manage DeCA’s overall retail, logistics and financial data environment.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Army Summit, on June 18, is almost here! Don’t miss this great opportunity to strike up partnerships with leading GovCon companies such as LMI, SAIC, Cubic, Ultra I&C, Seekr, Carahsoft, Exiger and Appian. Learn how to best tailor your future offerings from fascinating panels on hybrid cloud at the tactical edge, transforming supply chains via an agentic AI workforce and operationalizing modular open systems approaches, or MOSA, with digital engineering. A limited number of tickets remain, register now for this top GovCon event for Army partners.

DeCA’s current hardware suite consists of NCR Government Systems, LLC brand name hardware, software and third-party applications. DeCA envisions a future where the agency has “near” real-time access to accurate, relevant, reliable and actionable data to enable data-driven and timely decisions.

DeCA’s desired outcome from this procurement is:

  • Enhanced financial visibility and reporting
  • Streamlined financial processes
  • Improved budgeting and forecasting
  • Data-driven cost analysis and management
  • Enhanced transaction security and fraud prevention, among others

This commercial solutions opening, or CSO, may result in the award of various types of contracts. The Army intends to award FAR-based contracts under Part 12 Commercial Item Procedures, but could award different types of contracts depending on the specific area of interest.

Proposals are due August 12.

Guam Joint Integrated Battle Manager Prototype Development

The U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office is requesting white papers with the intent of awarding one or more other transaction agreements for prototype in support of the Guam Defense System Joint Integrated Battle Manager, or JIBM. The JIBM is an important part of the Guam Defense System, serving as a joint command and control layer that integrates data from existing DOD C2 systems.

The C2 data integration provides a comprehensive and unified capability to defend against both ballistic and non-ballistic threats. The JIBM prototype effort will design, develop, integrate and test a secure, scalable and flexible prototype JIBM for a capability exercise in third quarter FY 2026. Final prototype delivery is slated for fourth quarter FY 2026.

DOD expects the award to be an other transaction agreement for prototype, or pOTA, under a firm-fixed-price arrangement. This would allow for fixed payable milestones. The period of performance of the anticipated pOTA is up to 12 months after contract award.

White papers are due July 2.

3 Key US Army Contract Opportunities
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Billy Long Confirmed as IRS Commissioner
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Former Missouri congressman Billy Long has been appointed to lead the Internal Revenue Service and confirmed by the Senate.

The Senate on Thursday voted 53-44 to confirm Billy Long, former congressman from Missouri, as head of the Internal Revenue Service.

Politico reported that Long’s confirmation comes amid massive layoffs at the IRS and the Department of the Treasury’s push to enhance IRS technology and leverage artificial intelligence to improve tax compliance.

Melanie Krause was named acting IRS commissioner and deputy commissioner in February. She previously served as the agency’s chief operating officer.

Billy Long’s Career Background

Long served in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2023.

He was a radio talk show host on the KWTO station and worked as a part-time realtor.

The former auctioneer graduated from the Missouri Auction School and the Certified Auctioneers Institute at Indiana University, Bloomington.

He is a member of several associations, including the National Association of Realtors, the National Auctioneers Association and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also the former president of the Missouri Auctioneers’ Association.

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Executive Director Bridget Bean Departs CISA
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Amid drastic changes at CISA, Bridget Bean has stepped down as the agency's executive director.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Executive Director Bridget Bean has announced her retirement, ending her nearly four-year service. 

Her role was responsible for the internal operationalization of the agency’s priorities and resources to meet mission requirements. In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, Bean confirmed her departure, noting that her time at CISA “has been truly remarkable.” 

Bridget Bean’s Career Highlights

In the last five months, she also served as acting director of the cyber agency, during which she defended CISA’s budget and workforce cuts at a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing.

Before she was named executive director and acting head of the agency, Bean was CISA’s chief integration officer, who led the integration of the agency’s operations and ensured its regional staff supported U.S. critical infrastructure.

Her public sector career also included time spent as acting deputy administrator for resilience at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where she led a team of 1,600 employees and directed an annual budget of $600 million, and as deputy chief operating officer and chief human capital officer at the Small Business Administration.

Prior to joining CISA in 2021, Bean briefly served as president of Via Stella.

Series of Top-Level Turnovers at CISA

Bean’s retirement is the latest in a string of departures of top officials from the agency. In May, Matt Hartman stepped down from his role as the deputy executive assistant director for cybersecurity.

Bridget Bean was a keynote speaker at two Potomac Officers Club events in the last year: its November-hosted 2024 Homeland Security Summit and its 2025 Cyber Summit, held on May 15.

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House Appropriations Panel OKs $831.5B FY26 Defense Spending Bill
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Aerial shot of the Pentagon building

The House Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed a bill that would appropriate $831.5 billion in defense funding for fiscal year 2026.

Defense Procurement 

The FY 2026 defense appropriations bill, which was introduced Monday, would allocate $174 billion for the Department of Defense’s procurement initiatives.

The measure includes $8.5 billion for 69 F-35 fighter jets; $1.2 billion for four E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft; $2.02 billion for 19 CH-53K heavy transport helicopters; $3.8 billion for B-21 procurement; and $2.7 billion for 15 KC-46s. 

The proposed legislation would spend $36.9 billion for 28 ships, including one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, two Virginia-class fast attack submarines and two DDG-51 guided missile destroyers; $1.5 billion for the Maritime Industrial Base to invest in supplier capability and capacity; and $1.6 billion for productivity enhancements to improve shipbuilder capability.

R&D, Test and Evaluation

DOD and military services would receive $148 billion in research, development, test and evaluation funds under the bill.

The measure proposes $4.2 billion for 6th-generation aircraft, $2.1 billion for the continued development of the B-21 bomber and $1.8 billion for the Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center.

DOD Operations & Maintenance

The appropriations bill would provide $283 billion for DOD’s operations and maintenance support.

The legislation includes $9.6 billion for U.S. Special Operations Command’s operation and maintenance requirements; $55 million for U-2 programmed depot maintenance; and $70 million for Apex Accelerators.

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