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GAO Issues Report on CISA’s Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation Program
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GAO has published a report on DHS and CISA's Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation program with a few warnings.

The Government Accountability Office has called on the Department of Homeland Security to craft network security and data protection guidance for its Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation, or CDM, program. 

In a new report, the congressional watchdog warned that the lack of guidance has negative impacts on data protection and quality across several agencies. 

Launched in 2012, CDM aims to strengthen government cybersecurity by providing tools and integration services to federal agencies. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency oversees the program. 

CDM Progress and Persistent Challenges

GAO pointed out that CDM has already met two goals: to minimize exposure to insecure configurations and known vulnerabilities at 22 out of 23 agencies and implement incident response capability. 

However, officials from 21 of 23 agencies admitted that they have yet to fully implement network security and data protection capabilities. 

CDM has automated Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002, or FISMA, reporting, but seven agencies also reported that data quality issues are preventing them from streamlining the process, forcing personnel to conduct manual updates and correct errors. 

CISA also has not met the Office of Management and Budget’s expectations on endpoint detection and response and cloud asset management. GAO said implementing an endpoint solution and updated guidance on cloud asset management for all agencies would improve their cybersecurity posture. 

DHS and CISA concurred with all of GAO’s recommendations.

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Sandia Labs Joins National Effort to Boost Semiconductor Production
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Aiming to centralize chip production in US, Sandia National Labs has partnered with the National Semiconductor Tech Center.

Sandia National Laboratories has joined the National Semiconductor Technology Center as part of efforts to re-establish the U.S. as a leader in semiconductor production.

The Albuquerque, New Mexico-based national laboratory said Thursday the partnership aims to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, enhance research and development, and strengthen national security production. Sandia Labs also intends to develop novel technologies through its collaboration with NSTC, a consortium established under the CHIPS and Science Act to fast-track the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

Sandia’s Role in the Future of Chip Production

Around $3 billion of the $12 billion in funds invested in R&D under the CHIPS program will be used to develop an advanced platform for packaging chiplets. These chiplets mirror the performance of large chips and are utilized by modern commercial AI processors. Sandia intends to lead efforts to extend its availability to small businesses and national security uses.

The national laboratory also has the potential to contribute to developing the future STEM workforce. With the government investing billions of dollars in building new semiconductor facilities, expanding the STEM workforce is critical.

According to Rick McCormick, Sandia’s senior scientist for semiconductor technology strategy, the Semiconductor Industry Association estimates that 60,000 to 70,000 additional personnel will be needed in the future.

In the 1990s, the U.S. manufactured over 35 percent of semiconductors in the world. That figure is down to 12 percent today. Furthermore, the nation is not among the top producers of advanced chips essential for smartphones, self-driving cars, quantum computers and artificial intelligence-powered devices.

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DISA’s DOD Cloud Infrastructure as Code Works to Boost Cloud Adoption
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The Defense Information Systems Agency's DOD Cloud Infrastructure as Code tool is trying to transform cloud adoption at DOD.

The Defense Information Systems Agency revealed that it has developed the Department of Defense Cloud Infrastructure as Code, a framework created by its J-9 Hosting and Compute team to fast-track DOD cloud adoption.

Cloud Adoption Acceleration

DISA said Wednesday that 60 customers are currently using the DOD Cloud IaC to streamline their cloud adoption process. The platform expedites infrastructure deployment by reducing the time and effort needed to create a secure infrastructure, enabling teams to deploy cloud capabilities rapidly.

Furthermore, users can leverage the platform’s ready-to-use automation feature to quickly set up DOD-compliant environments that the DISA Risk Management Executive pre-authorizes.

DOD Cloud IaC Impacts So Far

The DOD Cloud IaC has significantly reduced partners’ cloud adoption process by an average of seven months, which translates to 35 years saved since the tool’s release. In addition, around $24 million in total savings have been reported by DOD agencies.

Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability cloud service providers, particularly Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, can access the tool at Impact Levels 4, 5 and 6.

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LLNL, AWS Unveil AI Partnership to Advance National Ignition Facility Operations
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Amazon Web Services logo

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services to integrate artificial intelligence into the operations of the National Ignition Facility, a center for laser-based fusion research.

The AI integration project aims to solve anomalies in real time to ensure the reliability of mission-critical operations while easing growing operational demands, and enhance efficiency, improve responsiveness and support NIF operations into the 2040s and beyond, LLNL said.

While the laboratory already uses AI for various tasks, the new initiative advances AI adoption further by developing an AI-driven troubleshooting and reliability system.

Semantic Search Capabilities

The project is currently in the first phase, with AWS providing its latest generative AI services, featuring intelligent search, summarized large-language-model response and Retrieval-Augmented Generation chatbot functionality using AmazonSageMaker.

Deploying advanced semantic search capabilities across 22 years of operational history, comprising over 98,000 archived problem logs, helped staff resolve issues rapidly and keep experiments on track, said NIF Operations Manager Bruno Van Wonterghem, noting that the facility has been executing approximately 350 high-energy-density physics experiments annually.

The implementation of AWS’s generative AI capabilities is seen as a model for adopting the technology at other national laboratories.

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DARPA’s Greg Avicola on Autonomous Capabilities for Future Navy
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Headshot of Greg Avicola, program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Tactical Technology Office

Greg Avicola, a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Tactical Technology Office, said he envisions a Navy strike force built of a “heterogeneous” mix of robotic platforms, Defense One reported Wednesday.

“I could imagine the battle group eventually becoming completely autonomous,” Avicola said Tuesday at the AWS Summit in Washington, D.C.

He noted that there could be “a lot of experimentation” in design and operation.

“If I make the vehicle look like this, and I make the ship look like that, how does that pair? And how do I do the logistics? How do I do the refueling? How do I do the assured comms between those platforms?” Avicola stated at the event.

DARPA's Greg Avicola on Autonomous Capabilities for Future Navy

To learn more about the latest tech advancements, policies and trends shaping the future of naval operations, attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on Aug. 26.

Deploying Robotic Warships

The DARPA official acknowledged that barriers to deploying robotic combat ships are not only bureaucratic but also practical. Autonomous warships, for instance, must be able to return to port in case of a malfunction.

“How do you make sure when it goes to sea, if it starts breaking down, it can still get home on its own so you don’t have to divert assets to tow it back?” Avicola asked. “If you have an autonomous ship and it’s working with the destroyer, and the autonomous ship breaks, and the destroyer has to go off-mission to escort or tow that ship home—guess what? [The Navy] isn’t going to buy any more autonomous ships for decades.”

Fielding robot ships equipped with intelligence and surveillance payloads may be a safer bet for now.

“If somebody boarded the ship and took the payload, you could live with it. If you’re carrying missiles, you may not want—or Congress might not want—that ship to be boarded,” Avicola stated.

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MITRE Says US Government Should Invest in AI Research Grand Challenges
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In response to a OSTP request for information, MITRE said the U.S. government should invest in AI research grand challenges.

MITRE has highlighted the importance of investment and public-private partnerships in research and development to promote invention and drive innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.

The nonprofit company said Wednesday the U.S. government should invest in AI research grand challenges, enable investments in “federal frontier labs,” advance AI assurance research for trusted innovation and secure American AI research.

The recommendations were in response to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s request for information to help inform the development of its 2025 national AI R&D strategic plan.

AI Research Grand Challenges

MITRE has recommended that the AI strategic plan establish AI Grand Challenges that will align federal research investments with national interests and bring together government, industry and academia. Grand Challenge problems could help unite key stakeholders around critical missions.

Research focus areas of AI Grand Challenges should include biotechnology, semiconductors, domestic energy, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, national security, and efficient and effective government.

Federal Frontier Labs

According to MITRE, federal frontier labs, or FFLs, could serve as hubs for public-private partnerships designed to position the U.S. as a leader in next-generation AI innovation and facilitate academic partnerships focused on research critical to U.S. long-term competitiveness.

FFLs should prioritize open science, defense and intelligence. In defense, such labs could help improve predictive maintenance, supply chains and cyber operations.

AI Assurance for Trusted Innovation

The nonprofit corporation noted that AI assurance research should focus on creating reusable methods for discovering assurance needs; characterizing and prioritizing risks; evaluating risks; and managing risks.

AI Research Security

To protect AI research and advancements, the U.S. government should implement several security measures such as implementing robust cybersecurity to safeguard AI research, data and emerging intellectual property from theft, breaches and other cyber attacks; securing infrastructure to protect large facility investments underpinning frontier AI research; collecting science and technology intelligence on adversary AI programs; and understanding vulnerabilities, threats and risks to AI tech adoption.

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DISA Leads DODNet Modernization Efforts for Operational Efficiency
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Logo of the Defense Information Systems Agency

The Defense Information Systems Agency has announced the modernization of DODNet operations in anticipation of large-scale migrations of defense agencies and field activities.

The agency said Wednesday it aims to integrate advanced technologies to strengthen the network through data-driven, cloud-based management, automation platforms, zero trust cyber compliance and enhanced user experience. The modernization initiative is designed to ensure that warfighters, DISA and the DODNet community are more capable of addressing emerging threats and safeguarding national security through reinforced cyber defenses and reliable network operations.

DODNet’s Strategic Partnerships and Key Advancements

DISA has forged strategic partnerships to accelerate the advancement of DODNet operations. The collaborations have reportedly resulted in strengthened network security, automation-driven efficiencies and AI-driven observability. They also bolster cyber resilience, meeting Defense Department zero trust mandates. Furthermore, the integration optimizes resources and processes and minimizes IT complexity and manual workloads.

The agency collaborated with Infoblox to enhance automated network management, reducing trouble tickets by 65 percent since its deployment. Inflobox’s technology reinforced DODNet’s cybersecurity and network availability and enabled real-time threat intelligence.

DISA leveraged Ansible’s intelligent automation technology to bolster network operations by optimizing provisioning, configuration and patching. It also minimized repetitive tasks by 40 percent and fast-tracked deployment by 50 percent.

By utilizing ScienceLogic’s intelligent and secure IT operations platform, the agency enhanced the network’s real-time visibility and system reliability. It has managed to boost situational awareness through proactive issue detection and resolution.

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NOAA OSC Selects 8 Awardees for TRACSS COLA Gap Pathfinder
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To tackle its TraCSS Commercial Collision Avoidance Gap Pathfinder project, NOAA OSC awarded eight companies contracts.

The NOAA Office of Space Commerce has awarded eight companies for the Traffic Coordination System for Space program’s $10.1 million Commercial Collision Avoidance, or COLA, Gap Pathfinder project.

OSC said Wednesday the companies selected include five data providers, namely, LeoLabs, Slingshot Aerospace, Maxar Intelligence, Turion Space and Silentium Defense. SpaceNav and a.i. solutions [sic] were chosen as the data quality monitors, while GMV Innovating Solutions was selected as the orbital determination provider.

Closing the Cola Gap

The COLA Gap Pathfinder project is intended to close the “COLA gap,” or the high-risk period right after launch, when there is a lack of positional data on new satellites that may cause collisions. The awardees were selected for their advanced commercial approaches to addressing this operational blind spot, a space situational awareness challenge.

“These awards mark meaningful progress toward enhancing U.S. space situational awareness capabilities for safer space operations in support of industry through focused commercial engagement,” said Janice Starzyk, acting director of the Office of Space Commerce.

“The selected awardees represent a diverse range of technical solutions, and we’re excited to work closely with them to evaluate these capabilities for future integration with TraCSS,” said Dmitry Poisik, TraCSS program manager.

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GAO Report: DOD Struggling With Weapon Systems Development, Delivery
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Issues surrounding the DOD's weapon systems acquisition processes have resulted in delayed delivery to warfighters, GAO said.

The Department of Defense has implemented reforms to accelerate weapon systems acquisition, but it continues to struggle with delivering timely and effective solutions to warfighters within budget, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report.

In its latest assessment of the DOD’s acquisition process, GAO found that the department used the middle tier of acquisition, or MTA, pathway to speed up the development of critical technologies with low levels of maturity, but schedule delays persisted and none of the seven former MTA programs reviewed were ready for production or fielding.

Leading Development Practices

The government watchdog also found that decision-makers in the DOD and across the military services do not take steps to ensure that future programs fully implement leading development practices. According to GAO, few reported plans to establish a minimum viable product — an initial set of capabilities that can be iterated upon; use digital twinning — a virtual representation of a physical product; or utilize digital threads — real-time data to inform decision-making.

“Incorporating leading practices prior to formally starting a new program can help programs take full advantage of the efficiencies they provide,” GAO said. “These practices are most effective when they are used together as part of an iterative approach to product development.”

GAO Recommendation

To address the issues, GAO recommended that DOD leadership take steps to ensure that future major weapon acquisition programs include leading practices for product development during the earliest stages of the programs. DOD concurred with the recommendation.

The investigative arm of Congress conducted the study as the Defense Department plans to invest nearly $2.4 trillion in developing and acquiring its costliest weapon programs. 

The DOD’s weapon systems acquisition is included in GAO’s list of programs and operations with serious vulnerabilities to waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement, or in need of transformation.

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DAF May Tap Oklo to Develop Microreactor at Eielson AFB in Alaska
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The Department of the Air Force is looking to build a microreactor in Alaska in partnership with nuclear tech company Oklo.

The Department of the Air Force and the Defense Logistics Agency’s Energy Office intend to award a contract to Oklo, an advanced nuclear technology company, to develop and operate a microreactor at a DAF installation. 

The potential contract award complies with key legislative and executive initiatives that promote the development and use of small modular reactors for national defense and support the current administration’s efforts to increase domestic energy production, DAF said Tuesday. 

Strengthening Energy Security at Military Sites

Microreactors can produce 1 to 50 megawatts of electricity for years without the need to refuel or connect to the commercial grid. It ensures uninterrupted power supply anywhere, even in remote locations. 

“To achieve peace through strength and uphold National Defense Strategy priorities, the Department of the Air Force must ensure our installations promote lethality and readiness,” commented Nancy Balkus, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for infrastructure, energy and environment. “Strengthening mission resilience, reducing dependence on vulnerable energy sources, and fielding next-generation technologies is integral to our ability to defend the homeland and project power globally.”

Oklo as DAF’s Nuclear Partner

According to Michael Saunders, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy, installations and environment, Oklo was selected to develop and operate the military branch’s first microreactor after an extensive evaluation of the company’s commitment to safety and capability to respond to mission-critical installation needs. 

“We are excited to partner with Oklo to take a significant step toward enhancing energy security at our installations,” he said. 

DAF is eyeing the Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, as the site of its planned microreactor facility. The department is working with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to conduct an environmental analysis for the project. 

“Operating in extreme Arctic conditions to protect the homeland and ensure readiness for our 5th generation F-35A force demands 24/7 resilient and reliable energy generation, and this project would advance our posture to achieve national security objectives to be ‘Ready to go at 50 below,’” Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 54th Fighter Wing at Eielson AFB, added.

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