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MITRE Calls for Reform of OT Rules to Accelerate Pentagon’s Acquisition of Commercial Capabilities
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MITRE logo. MITRE issued a new report on existing regulations limiting use of OTs at the Pentagon

The U.S. government is pushing for increased use of other transaction agreements at the Department of War to obtain commercial capabilities, but a new MITRE report warned that existing regulations are restricting the Pentagon’s use of OTAs.

In a report published Tuesday, the organization called on DOW to utilize the rulemaking process and rescind a section of the Code of Federal Regulations, or CFR, that imposes limitations and creates protest risk.

Why Should the Pentagon Rescind 2 CFR Section 3?

MITRE specifically flagged 2 CFR Section 3, which authorizes DOW to award OTAs for prototyping projects related to weapons or weapon systems.

According to the nonprofit, the section does not reflect the range of activities permitted under existing statutory authorities for research and development and prototyping projects.

Section 3 also does not cover the potential applications of OTAs that DOW may pursue as it implements the Acquisition Transformation Strategy that War Secretary Pete Hegseth, a two-time Wash100 winner, issued in 2025 to accelerate the acquisition of commercial capabilities.

What Legislative Change Can Expand DOW’s OT Authority?

MITRE also urged Congress to enact legislation that would broaden OT authority beyond its current constraints tied to research and development and prototyping activities. Under the proposal, DOW would be authorized to competitively award OTAs for purely commercial transactions.

The report noted that other federal agencies, such as NASA, the Department of Commerce and the Federal Aviation Administration, are authorized to enter OT agreements without limitations or restrictions.

Making the legislative change will not discourage DOW from entering R&D and prototyping agreements that drive defense innovation, MITRE added.

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Top 5 Changes Pavan Pidugu Has Made in Year 1 as DOT CDIO
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Pavan Pidugu. The DOT CDIO and Wash100 winner has done work on identity verification and rolled out 1Dot in year 1 in the job

Pavan Pidugu, chief digital and information officer at the Department of Transportation, believes that artificial intelligence is not meant to replace human knowledge and skills but to augment them and “to gain efficiency and momentum to achieve what we were lacking yesterday.”  The 2026 Wash100 Award winner has contributed a lot in his first year at DOT when it comes to improved, more efficient department policies and talent hiring and retention.

Pavan Pidugu will serve as a keynote speaker at Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. This is your chance to ask about his insights on emerging technologies and what his further plans are for tech modernization at DOT. Get your tickets now!

What Are Pavan Pidugu’s Accomplishments as DOT CDIO?

Launching Identity Verification Process for Trucking Credential Applicants

In April 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented a mandatory, enhanced identity verification process for all new applicants registering for a DOT Number through the Unified Registration System to combat fraud, streamline the trucking industry’s registration process, and strengthen oversight of commercial vehicle operators.

The registration process used IDEMIA’s platform, the same technology used at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. The platform aims to consolidate multiple FMCSA systems into a single, user-friendly interface, simplifying registration and compliance tasks for carriers.

In the first 16 days of implementation, 3,392 out of 3,476 users completed the verification, indicating a 97.6 percent success rate, according to logistics solutions provider Royal Courier via LinkedIn.

Top 5 Changes Pavan Pidugu Has Made in Year 1 as DOT CDIO

“To mitigate fraud, we’ve introduced an identity verification system. It’s similar to a TSA security checkpoint, but it’s a streamlined, tech-enabled process to make registration straightforward and able to fight fraud. So with AI and ML, we’re cautiously choosing what’s fit for purpose and how it’s going to make a digital experience that’s simple,” Pidugu said.

“If you can’t do anything in three to six months, there’s no point in doing it. That was a fundamental mantra I brought to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,” added Pidugu, who started his job in February 2025.

Rolling Out 1DOT, an Initiative Streamlining DOT’s Work

In August 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new initiative called 1DOT, which is focused on consolidating DOT’s work, including doing away with redundant IT systems.

According to Duffy, the department currently runs more than 425 information systems, many with overlapping roles; 45 systems of which are at the end of their life span across seven data centers running on more than 4,200 servers. DOT also operates 10 to 25 grant systems, four to five registration systems and three to 14 inspection systems, a FedScoop report stated.

In the IT Strategic Plan, “A Path to 1DOT IT,” published in September 2025, Pidugu was quoted as saying, “We are committed to true modernization, retiring outdated, siloed systems, and replacing them with integrated, data-driven solutions that create a seamless flow of information across the Department and with external partners,” adding that, “We will maintain transparency in how funds are allocated, ensure compliance with federal IT policies and reporting requirements, and prioritize DOT initiatives that deliver the greatest public value.”

1DOT has four strategic goals:

  • Eliminate technical debt—Consolidate the IT portfolio by migrating suitable systems to cloud-native architectures and ensuring that technology partners are held accountable for delivering measurable business value.
  • Become customer-centric—Design and deliver technology around the needs of users and mission partners through customer feedback channels.
  • Build obsessive products—Move from project-based to product-based delivery with persistent, mission-aligned digital factories that adopt uniform Agile and DevOps practices, design thinking, and data-driven iteration.
  • Grow talent—Invest in the federal workforce’s technical capability via skills assessments, targeted training, rotations and mentorship, competency-based hiring and performance-based recognition.

1DOT builds on DOT’s 2025-2029 IT Strategic Plan. As of February, the department is on its way to completing its Google Workspace move from Microsoft Office, capping a departmentwide effort that put 12,000 users live in 22 days and will bring DOT’s 50,000 employees onto the platform. The six-month effort, a plan to completely modernize the department’s IT infrastructure as part of the 1DOT initiative, was expected to be completed by March 9 for all DOT offices and bureaus, except for the Federal Aviation Administration, which will join the second wave of the migration.

“We probably worked at the pace some people would think not practically possible,” said Pidugu, crediting the General Services Administration’s OneGov for the smooth transition.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit, which Pavan Pidugu is keynoting, will be a seminal forum for GovCons and federal agencies to tackle next-generation evolutions in artificial intelligence, cyber, user experience, enterprise IT and more. Register here.

Modernizing Acquisition Processes Through Six-Month Sprints

With Pidugu’s penchant for getting a project done within six months, he has embarked on a strategy that focuses on automating the acquisition and grant process, leveraging agentic AI to flag errors, draft recommendations and speed up procurement. The six-month sprints are designed to demonstrate IT modernization progress, aiming to prove feasibility and speed before fully scaling new technologies.

DOT has undertaken the consolidation of as many as 14 grant-making systems, as “unifying all of the grant systems into one common product across DOT is going to help us be able to have that visibility,” MeriTalk said.

Integrating AI for Task Automation

DOT, under Pidugu’s leadership, is pushing for agencywide use of Salesforce’s agentic AI platform, Agentforce, to automate manual, tactical and operational tasks, offering customers around-the-clock support and helping generate alerts with optimal mitigation strategies for traffic and infrastructure incidents.

The agentic AI tool would also help optimize operational tasks, such as managing grants and improving safety system monitoring.

Kendall Collins, CEO of Government Cloud at Salesforce, commenting on the initiative, said, “With a secure and reliable [customer relationship management] foundation and trusted AI agents, we’re helping the USDOT deliver a safer, more agile and responsive transportation system for every American,” according to MeriTalk.

Shifting to a Product Focus, Shared Services Consolidation

Pidugu is establishing “digital factories” focused on building software products, veering away from the previous concentration on shared services toward a new model that combines building technology and supporting those who build it.

Functions such as cybersecurity, data, infrastructure, cloud, and portfolio governance will operate as shared services to support the developers inside those factories, helping DOT move from project-based to product-based delivery.

Pidugu, Wash100 Award Winner

Pidugu has been named a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient in recognition of his leadership in advancing federal IT modernization, artificial intelligence adoption and enterprise-wide digital transformation across DOT.

The award honors executives and officials who demonstrate leadership, innovation and impact in areas such as technology, defense, acquisition and policy.

“CDIO Pidugu has earned his first Wash100 Award for setting a strong pace for technology modernization at the Department of Transportation. He has also driven innovation through AI-enabled tools to streamline regulatory analysis and by promoting more agile contracting models to accelerate the delivery of emerging technologies,” said Jim Garrettson, Executive Mosaic CEO and founder of the Wash100 Award.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 will spotlight next-generation plans for artificial intelligence, cyber and enterprise IT modernization. DOT CDIO Pavan Pidugu, who is keynoting the event, can provide some insights on the topics. Reserve your seat now!

Top 5 Changes Pavan Pidugu Has Made in Year 1 as DOT CDIO
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SDA Awards HALO Contract to Capella Space for LEO Tactical Comms Demo
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Capella Space logo. Capella will build two satellites to test advanced RF and secure comms under SDA’s HALO program.

The Space Development Agency has awarded a $48.9 million prototype agreement to Capella Space under its Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit, or HALO, Europa Track 1 program to demonstrate next-generation LEO tactical communications capabilities.

SDA Awards HALO Contract to Capella Space for LEO Tactical Comms Demo

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The firm-fixed-price other transaction agreement calls for the design and development of two space vehicles equipped with advanced radio frequency payloads, mission-specific waveforms and secure ground-to-space integration systems, SDA said Tuesday.

What Will Capella Demonstrate Under HALO Europa?

Capella, acquired by IonQ in July 2025, will focus on advancing tactical waveform performance, adaptive beamforming and secure communications in LEO, supporting SDA’s effort to develop resilient, end-to-end space-based connectivity for warfighters. The demonstrations are slated for completion by November 2027.

The Track 1 effort centers on purpose-built space vehicles designed specifically for demonstration missions, enabling the agency to test emerging capabilities in a dedicated environment.

SDA Acting Director GP Sandhoo said the Track 1 approach complements Track 2 efforts, which leverage existing commercial satellite constellations to conduct demonstrations alongside operational missions.

How Does the Award Advance SDA’s HALO Program?

The award marks SDA’s second prototype agreement under the HALO Europa program, following a Track 2 award to AST SpaceMobile in February to demonstrate tactical satellite communications using its BlueBird constellation.

HALO operates similarly to an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity model. Members of the HALO pool are eligible to compete for future prototype orders to test technologies and methodologies that could later be integrated into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.

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DOE’s ARPA-E Selects 12 Projects to Accelerate AI-Driven Catalyst Innovation
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Conner Prochaska. DOE’s ARPA-E has selected 12 projects to accelerate development of catalysts for fuels and chemicals.

The Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, or ARPA-E, has allocated $34 million for 12 projects aimed at integrating artificial intelligence with automated laboratory systems to advance industrial catalyst development for fuels and chemicals.

What Is the CATALCHEM-E Program?

ARPA-E said Tuesday its Catalytic Application Testing for Accelerated Learning Chemistries via High-throughput Experimentation and Modeling Efficiently, or CATALCHEM-E, initiative, launched in 2024, is designed to shorten the timeline for developing industrial catalysts from about 10 years to roughly one year. Projects will combine machine learning, AI-guided design and high-throughput experimentation to create continuous discovery workflows. The program seeks to accelerate the design and validation of catalysts used to convert feedstocks, such as oil and gas, into fuels and commodity chemicals.

“CATALCHEM-E’s goal is to harness the power of AI paired with self-driving labs to slash the development timeline for these critical building blocks from a decade to a year. This will empower American refineries, factories, and industrial plants to strengthen manufacturing, energy independence, and national security,” said Conner Prochaska, director of ARPA-E.

Which Projects Were Selected?  

Among the selected projects, the University of Wisconsin–Madison will use $2.84 million to develop catalysts to turn ethanol into alcohol for fuels and specialty chemicals. Ames National Laboratory received $2.52 million to pursue precious-metal-free catalysts for hydrocarbon processing. North Carolina State University will have $2.99 million to develop catalysts for converting biomass and waste liquids into hydrogen-rich syngas.

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Federal Agencies Warn of Iranian Cyberthreats Targeting US Infrastructure
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CISA logo. CISA and other agencies released an advisory warning of Iran cyberthreats targeting critical infrastructure.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and other U.S. federal agencies have issued an advisory warning that Iranian-affiliated cyber actors are actively targeting programmable logic controllers used across critical infrastructure sectors, causing operational disruptions in some cases.

Federal Agencies Warn of Iranian Cyberthreats Targeting US InfrastructureDon’t miss the chance to connect with leaders strengthening defenses against evolving global threats at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Register today!

What Activity Have CISA & Other Agencies Observed? 

CISA said in the advisory released Tuesday that, along with the FBI, National Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and U.S. Cyber Command – Cyber National Mission Force, it believes advanced persistent threat actors are exploiting internet-connected operational technology devices, including programmable logic controllers, or PLCs, developed by Rockwell Automation and Allen-Bradley. The agencies said malicious activity has involved unauthorized interaction with project files and manipulation of data displayed on supervisory control and data acquisition systems.

Which Devices Are Affected?  

The authoring agencies noted that attackers are targeting devices used across government services, water and wastewater, and energy sectors. Affected devices include CompactLogix and Micro850 PLCs, with traffic observed on ports 44818, 2222, 102, 22 and 502. The agencies also said the actors deployed Dropbear SSH software to gain remote access through port 22. Indicators of compromise include IP addresses originating from overseas hosting providers.

How Are the Attacks Being Carried Out?

Threat actors are using overseas-based infrastructure to access exposed devices and communicate through common industrial control system ports. In some instances, they deployed remote access tools to maintain control of compromised systems. Moreover, the activity has resulted in altered system data and disruption of industrial processes, with some organizations reporting financial impacts tied to the incidents.

What Actions Are Recommended?

To safeguard critical infrastructure, organizations must immediately disconnect PLCs from the public-facing internet and remove all inbound port exposure to prevent unauthorized external access. Remote connectivity should be strictly mediated through secure gateways or jump hosts, while cellular modems must be hardened with strong authentication, regular updates and active logging. For physical security, operators should set controller switches to the run position to block remote logic modifications and use software-based programming protections on devices such as Siemens S7. Finally, maintaining and testing offline backups of all PLC configurations is essential.

Organizations are urged to review tactics and techniques, and indicators of compromise outlined in the advisory and coordinate with federal and vendor support channels if suspicious activity is identified.

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Air Force Advances ARES Platform to Modernize Aircrew Management
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U.S. Air Force logo. The Air Force is developing the Aerospace Readiness Enterprise System to modernize aircrew management.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the Aerospace Readiness Enterprise System, or ARES, to modernize how the service manages aircrew operations.

Air Force Advances ARES Platform to Modernize Aircrew Management

As the Air Force advances initiatives like ARES to modernize operations and unify data, broader digital transformation efforts continue to shape the defense landscape. Register now for the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 and hear experts explore enterprise IT, cyber, AI and other technologies redefining mission readiness.

What Is ARES?

The Air Force said Monday ARES aims to deliver a unified digital platform for aircrew scheduling, training and evaluation across the service’s flying enterprise. The initiative aligns with the call of Troy Meink, secretary of the Air Force and a 2026 Wash100 awardee, for agile acquisition and with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach‘s focus on combat readiness.

The platform is being developed by a cross-functional team led by Kessel Run, the service’s software development division, and backed by Air Education and Training Command, or AETC.

“ARES is our commitment to delivering a modern solution,” said Col. Brian Benton, lead of the AETC Integration Center. “With AETC accounting for approximately 45% of the Air Force’s flying hours and an enterprise user base of approximately 149,000 Airmen, getting this right is a top priority.” 

The service expects the platform to serve as a unified data layer designed to provide real-time readiness visibility for commanders and deliver artificial intelligence-enabled optimization tools to support scheduling.

“Developed on a modern Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform within the Air Force’s new Operations Enterprise Architecture, ARES is designed to provide a one-stop shop for an Airman’s entire career,” Benton noted.

The effort is funded by Air Combat Command and includes collaboration with Air Mobility Command, Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Special Operations Command.

What Is the Air Force’s Prototyping Approach to ARES?

The service has launched a 90-day competitive prototyping phase to enable multiple vendors to develop concepts through a challenge-based “bake-off” process.

According to Benton, a select group of users from squadrons across the 19th Air Force will see the prototypes in action this summer and offer feedback to help ensure the system is “built for aviators by aviators.”

“What Airmen will see in June are concepts of what is possible—the art of the possible—not the final, polished product. Their feedback is the critical ingredient that will ensure we build a system they will actually want to use,” Benton added.

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Ann Weaver Named COO of Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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ORNL COO Ann Weaver. Ann Weaver has been appointed chief operating officer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Ann Weaver has been appointed chief operating officer of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, marking the start of her tenure as the facility’s deputy for operations and executive vice president of operations for UT-Battelle. Weaver succeeds Balendra Sutharshan, ORNL said Monday.

What Will Weaver Oversee as ORNL COO?

Weaver will manage a broad portfolio covering facilities, infrastructure, business services and IT. In addition, she will lead the development of integrated operational plans aligned with the laboratory’s scientific priorities and those of the Department of Energy, or DOE.

ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer said Weaver has been instrumental in developing the organization’s infrastructure and operational capabilities.

“Her expertise and experience will ensure the laboratory continues to provide the facilities, capabilities, and support necessary for delivering scientific breakthroughs and translating them to real-world impacts,” Streiffer said.

What Experience Does She Bring?  

The executive has spent 22 years at ORNL, most recently as director of the Facilities and Operations Directorate since August 2023. In that role, she managed seven divisions covering laboratory protection, modernization, utilities and logistics, and oversaw capital construction projects. She was COO for the Neutron Sciences Directorate, overseeing operations for DOE’s High Flux Isotope Reactor and Spallation Neutron Source. In addition, Weaver spent seven years leading the Facilities Management Division, managing operations and maintenance across approximately 500 facilities.

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Pentagon Issues Presolicitation for Potential $1.4B R&D Engineering IDIQ
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Department of War logo. DOW issued a presolicitation for the potential five-year, $1.4 billion RETS IDIQ contract vehicle.

The Department of War has announced plans to launch a competition for a potential five-year, $1.4 billion multiple-award contract vehicle to provide research, development, test and evaluation engineering and technical support, or RETS, for the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, or OUSW(R&E).

According to a presolicitation notice published Friday on SAM.gov, the proposed RETS indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract will be competed as a total small business set-aside program.

What Is the Scope of the RETS IDIQ Contract?

According to a draft performance work statement, the RETS IDIQ contract will support classified and unclassified programs on multiple networks and security domains.

Support will span multiple mission and technology areas, including multidomain operational environments; cyber and information warfare; emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, autonomous systems, directed energy and electronic warfare; cybersecurity and counter anti-access/area denial capabilities; human performance and biomedical technologies.

The contract covers eight task areas: mission engineering, systems engineering, software engineering and developmental test and evaluation; prototyping, experimentation, demonstration and scaling; modeling and simulation; strategic operational analysis and technology assessment; science and technology research and assessment; data management and analysis; technology protection; and ad hoc surge support.

What Is the Objective of the Prototyping & Experiments Task Order?

According to a separate draft PWS, the prototyping and experiments task order aims to facilitate joint, multicomponent and multiclassification experimentation to accelerate innovation and modernization initiatives to compete with peer and near-peer adversaries. These activities are designed to validate and accelerate required capabilities, support rapid force modernization and inform budget decisions across DOW, among others.

Under this task order, the contractor will provide technical support aligned with OUSW(R&E) priorities to advance science and technology efforts and field advanced warfighting capabilities. Required services include mission, systems and software engineering, and developmental test and evaluation; modeling and simulation; and prototyping, experimentation, demonstration and scaling.

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GSA Posts RFI for SmartPay Government Charge Card Modernization
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Josh Gruenbaum, Federal Acquisition Service commissioner. Gruenbaum said modern payment technologies can deliver insights

The General Services Administration is seeking industry input to shape the next generation of its GSA SmartPay program, a government-wide charge card and payment services platform.

GSA issued a request for information on SAM.gov Friday to gather feedback from the private sector on capabilities and innovative features that could enhance the program’s performance, security and user experience. Responses are due June 19. The agency will host a virtual industry day scheduled for May 19 to 21.

GSA Posts RFI for SmartPay Government Charge Card Modernization

Government leaders from the Department of War, Department of Transportation, Government Accountability Office and other agencies will discuss modernization and other technology initiatives at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Secure your tickets today. 

What Is GSA Looking for in the Next SmartPay Program?

GSA Administrator Edward Forst said the agency aims to take SmartPay “to the next level” by developing a data-rich and highly secure platform that maximizes the federal government’s purchasing power.

Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum, a 2025 Wash100 winner, added that GSA is turning to industry to deliver scalable financial capabilities that meet federal travel needs.

“Modern payment technologies can deliver insights to help strengthen oversight, prevent fraud and increase flexibility—allowing GSA to consolidate outdated, fragmented systems and deliver smarter payment solutions for agencies and better value for taxpayers,” Gruenbaum stated.

GSA intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract with a 13-year period of performance for the requirement.

How Does the GSA SmartPay Program Support Agencies?

GSA SmartPay is the world’s largest government charge card and commercial payment program, supporting more than 250 agencies and organizations. In fiscal year 2025, the program processed over 82 million transactions across 4.2 million accounts, totaling $39.4 billion in spending.

Established in 1998, the program offers secure payment capabilities, access to detailed transaction data and tools to help identify fraud, waste and abuse. It also provides financial returns through refunds, with more than $7.2 billion returned to agencies since inception.

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Space Force to Create SF/S9 Force Design & Analysis Office to Replace Futures Command
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USSF Chief of Space Operations Chance Saltzman. The U.S. Space Force will create the SF/S9 Force Design and Analysis Office.

Gen. Chance Saltzman, the U.S. Space Force’s chief of space operations and a four-time Wash100 Award winner, has authorized the establishment of the SF/S9 Force Design and Analysis Group to assume responsibilities initially envisioned for the proposed Space Futures Command, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

Space Force to Create SF/S9 Force Design & Analysis Office to Replace Futures Command

Reserve your place at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 to gain insights from senior leaders on integrating advanced technologies and strengthening air and space capabilities.

What Is the Role of the New SF/S9 Office?

The SF/S9 office will focus on assessing the future operating environment, shaping operational concepts, maintaining the service’s force design and advancing science and technology initiatives. In addition, SF/S9 will oversee development of the Space Force’s long-range “Objective Force” plan, outlining force structure and capability requirements over a 15-year horizon.

How Will the SF/S9 Office Be Established?

According to a March 31 memo, the new staff organization at the Space Force headquarters will be formally established on April 21 to support Saltzman in his role as Force Design Architect for Space. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient, will receive a fully coordinated staff package from the Space Force to formally establish the SF/S9 office.

How Will the Organization Be Structured?

While several existing entities will remain intact, the new office will coordinate activities across multiple existing entities, including the Space Warfighting and Analysis Center, Space Delta 10 and the Space Security and Defense Program. It will also work with elements of Space Systems Command and the chief science officer while integrating personnel from Task Force Future.

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