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DARPA Issues RFI for Venture Horizons Initiative
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DARPA's Venture Horizons initiative aims to connect investors with its R&D efforts.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has issued a notice soliciting feedback from the investment community on its Venture Horizons initiative.

According to the request for information posted on SAM.gov May 12, DARPA seeks to connect investors with DARPA program managers, research and development performers and other subject matter experts through the new initiative.

What Is Venture Horizons?

Venture Horizons is an initiative designed to bridge the gap between top-tier investors and DARPA’s advanced R&D efforts. It aims to boost the effects of the agency’s technological advancements by enabling investors to access DARPA’s portfolio and subject matter experts to create investment opportunities, paving the way for impactful results.

These investment prospects reinforce the strategic partnerships between DARPA and the investment community, facilitating the development, expansion and deployment of technologies funded by the agency for the Department of Defense, commercial or dual-purpose markets.

The RFI intends to gather responses addressing four key areas. First, it highlights investment goals, including an investment entity’s capacity to invest, performance record and willingness to self-certify that it is free from adversarial capital or partners. Second, the notice focuses on history and domain expertise, particularly in technology categories aligned with the six DARPA technical offices. The third key area is commitment of service, emphasizing a commitment to supporting the agency’s national and economic security objectives. Finally, the RFI seeks unique capabilities relevant to DARPA, including staff with current security clearances, geographical sector preferences or restrictions and hands-on performance.

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NSA Teams With Int’l Cyber Agencies to Craft Guidance for Implementing SIEM, SOAR Platforms
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NSA worked with Australia and other countries to create new cybersecurity guidance for implementing SIEM and SOAR tools.

The National Security Agency has partnered with the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, also known as ACSC, and other international organizations to provide guidance for implementing SIEM, which is short for Security Information and Event Management, and SOAR, or Security Orchestration, Automation and Response. 

New documents published Tuesday aim to define, identify potential challenges and share recommendations for implementing SIEM and SOAR tools. 

What Are SIEM & SOAR?

SIEM and SOAR enable an organization to gain better visibility of its network. According to NSA, SIEM collects, aggregates and correlates log data to monitor cyber activity and identify threats. Meanwhile, SOAR analyzes data to automatically send out alerts as soon as it detects malicious cyber activity,  accelerating mitigation and response.

SIEM and SOAR work hand-in-hand to secure networks and more rapidly detect cyber incidents. 

The first document, titled Implementing SIEM and SOAR platforms: Executive guidance, said that adopting SIEM and SOAR as part of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy requires ongoing human intervention. Cyber personnel must ensure that they are applying the appropriate types, quantities, rules and filters for data ingested by the SIEM tool. 

Meanwhile, the Implementing SIEM and SOAR platforms: Practitioner guidance reminds network defenders to carefully configure SOAR platforms based on their organization’s unique environment. Cyber professionals must determine which cyber incident responses must be automated and how these actions may affect products and services. Without properly configuring SOAR’s automated response, the cyber tool may misidentify regular user or system behavior, take automatic measures and disrupt service delivery. 

Both publications also discuss different aspects of adopting SIEM and SOAR platforms, such as costs, use cases and best practices.

A third guidance, called Priority Logs for SIEM Ingestion: Practitioner Guidance, offers detailed recommendations of data logs that SIEM platforms must ingest to improve performance. 

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DHS S&T’s Brian Henz Discusses Explainability, Other Challenges of GenAI
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DHS science adviser Brian Henz has thoughts on the challenges of artificial intelligence applicability.

Brian Henz, a senior science adviser on artificial intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate, identified explainability as a major challenge in applying generative AI. 

The technology expert recently participated in a roundtable discussion with other leaders to exchange perspectives on the applicability of generative AI. He provided a summary of the discussion in a blog post on DHS.gov. 

Why AI Explainability Is Critical

Explainability, according to Henz, is especially crucial to AI used in public services, where impacts on an individual will be significant. It enables decision-makers to determine where the AI model made a mistake and ensure that similar incidents in the future can be mitigated. 

However, the official pointed out that neural networks are “black boxes.” It is difficult to identify the data that led to a certain decision. 

“If Gen AI is applied, by the nature of how it learns and generates new data, it can be difficult to track where things went wrong,” he wrote in the blog post. 

AI: Other Challenges

During the roundtable discussion, Henz and other speakers identified more challenges and areas of consideration when using the technology. For instance, generative AI tools are designed for individual use cases and may not be repurposed for another application without system adjustments. 

Repurposing code can also create new risks and vulnerabilities, the official noted. 

DHS is exploring the use of AI to aid in various agency missions. The agency recently piloted three AI tools that can conduct interviews with refugees and asylum seekers, summarize law enforcement reports and create hazard mitigation plans. According to Henz, the pilots have provided DHS decision-makers with insights on the real-life impact of generative AI tools.

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NGA to Roll Out Generative AI for Geospatial Data Analysis
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's genAI tool is meant to address human analysis limitations.

Preparations are ongoing at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for the rollout of generative artificial intelligence to address human analysis limitations amid the growing geospatial data from various sources and provide timely, relevant and accurate intelligence to decision-makers.

According to NGA, implementing the technology is a need rather than an option, given the efforts of adversaries to advance their AI capabilities. Solely relying on humans to analyze the increasing volume of geospatial data could result in failures to identify critical intelligence, impacting national security, the agency added. 

NGA to Roll Out Generative AI for Geospatial Data Analysis

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GenAI as Force Multiplier

Analysts, support staff, managers and technical teams can use the genAI following its rollout to process and analyze vast amounts of data, enhance workflows, streamline administrative tasks, improve decision-making processes and accelerate development efforts, NGA said.

Compared to traditional AI, which performs specific tasks based on pre-defined instructions, genAI can produce new, original content, including text, images and code.

NGA acknowledged that the technology comes with risks, but noted that such risks can be mitigated with proper training, guidelines and oversight. GenAI is a force multiplier and a powerful tool that enhances rather than replaces human expertise, the agency concluded.

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GSA Updates Market Research Rules With Class Deviation for FAR Part 10
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GSA released a memo approving a class deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10 to update market research rules

The General Services Administration has released a memorandum approving a class deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or FAR, Part 10 to update market research rules as part of efforts to provide acquisition teams with more flexibility in their research processes.

GSA said Thursday the class deviation is effective immediately and supports an executive order signed in mid-April, which directs the government to amend FAR to streamline the federal procurement process and remove barriers to doing business with the government.

The FAR reform, also known as the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO, initiative, aims to eliminate non-statutory language, align with the new FAR framework and preserve essential governmentwide acquisition standards, among others.

Market Research Technique Flexibility

Under the class deviation, the FAR no longer lists specific market research methods or considerations that must be used.

Acquisition teams at agencies have the flexibility to select the market research technique that best meets their needs. They might conduct an expert panel or a reverse industry day, providing industry experts with an opportunity to share commercial practices, insights and experiences with the acquisition team.

According to the memo, acquisition professionals can apply market research concepts to procurements of any size.

The class deviation also eliminates requirements for disaster relief purchasing.

Retained Statutory Requirements

The document lists the statutory requirements that were retained in the RFO FAR part 10 model deviation, including those that cover planning and solicitation requirements and effective communication between government and industry.

According to the memo, acquisition professionals must still comply with the Competition in Contracting Act.

Subparts “10.001 Policy” and “10.002 Procedures” have been combined and streamlined to eliminate duplicative and discretionary guidance.

GSA Senior Procurement Executive Jeffrey Koses issued and signed the memo.

President Trump Issues New EO to Strengthen Domestic Nuclear Energy Supply Chain
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President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order entitled Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to accelerate the production and operation of nuclear energy to support new technologies. The Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base EO aims to strengthen the nation’s nuclear energy supply chain by expanding the capacity of existing nuclear reactors, constructing new large reactors, providing financial support for increased energy production and bolstering domestic workforce participation, the White House said Friday. 

Energy generation has been a major concern under the new administration. On day one of his second presidential term, Trump declared a national energy emergency to remove bureaucratic barriers and address the challenge of inadequate energy supply and infrastructure across the United States.

The EO is expected to create more jobs, stimulate economic growth and reestablish the nation as a leading energy producer in the world. 

How the US Plans to Increase Nuclear Energy Production

The EO directs the head of the Department of Energy to work with the secretaries of defense and transportation and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to identify national policies that can improve spent nuclear fuel management and commercial recycling and reprocessing of nuclear fuels. 

DOE will also collaborate with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and OMB to craft a plan for expanding domestic uranium conversion and enrichment to better meet civilian and defense demands. 

In addition, Energy Secretary Chris Wright will need to develop a program for disposing of surplus plutonium by making it available for advanced reactor fuel fabrication. 

The U.S. government will also offer federal loans and loan guarantees to organizations that can contribute toward increased nuclear energy generation. The projects that may be eligible for government funding include restarting closed or prematurely suspended plants and near-term deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

The EO sets the goal of 5 GW of power uprates for existing nuclear reactors and constructing 10 new large reactors by 2030.

President Trump is additionally attempting to create pathways for Americans to enter the nuclear workforce. To support the EO, the secretaries of labor and education will launch programs to increase participation in nuclear energy apprenticeships and promote career and technical education.

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NRL Seeks Proposals for C4ISR Development, Support & Integration
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Logo of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

The Naval Research Laboratory has issued a request for proposals in support of the Systems Engineering Research and Development of the Space Systems Development Department, known as SSDD.

According to the notice posted on SAM.gov Friday the NRL is seeking industry feedback for contractors capable of providing personnel to conduct research and development efforts for the SSDD.

Table of Contents

NRL Contract Scope

The potential contractor will oversee program management for the SSDD, providing systems engineering, integration, test and evaluation, and operations research and development services. The company will also deliver technical direction for current and future R&D programs. Other responsibilities include hardware and software configuration item updates and overall project financial management.

The cost-plus-fixed-fee, definitive contract will have a 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods. Interested vendors can submit their proposals by July 10.

What Is the SSDD?

The SSDD is the space and ground support systems R&D organization within the Naval Center for Space Technology, an NRL organization. The NRL oversees the Navy Space Program technology development and acquisition of space, aerospace and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or C4ISR, systems supporting naval missions.

NRL Seeks Proposals for C4ISR Development, Support & Integration

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The department aims to translate mission requirements into system requirements and develop architectures to meet those needs. It also seeks to create systems, equipment and other technologies necessary for optimized and integrated operational space and ground systems. SSDD is currently engaged in the early stages of definition and design for different advanced concepts studies and projects for future space, aerospace and tactical C4ISR systems. 

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FCC to Unlock 20,000 Megahertz for Satellite Spectrum Abundance
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FCC wants to unlock 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for high-speed internet from space, says a notice of proposed rulemaking.

The Federal Communications Commission is intensifying efforts to pursue spectrum abundance in line with efforts to boost satellite broadband capabilities and solidify U.S. leadership in space.

The FCC said Thursday that the initiative, part of the FCC’s Final Frontiers agenda, intends to unleash over 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for high-speed internet delivered from space, exceeding the total of all existing broadband spectrum.

Expanding Connectivity with Underused Spectrum Bands

The commission voted to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking, which aims to solicit comments on expanding satellite connectivity across four spectrum bands to unlock more than 20,000 megahertz. The underutilized spectrum bands include 12.7 to 13.25 GHz, 42.0 to 42.5 GHz, 51.4 to 52.4 GHz, and the “W-band” at 92.0 to 94.0 GHz, 94.1 to 100 GHz, 102.0 to 109.5 GHz, and 111.8 to 114.25 GHz. These bands are situated in “spectrum neighborhoods” for satellite broadband, making them ideal for modernization.

Outdated regulations have long restricted satellite operations in the 12.7 GHz band, while the 42 GHz band is a rare band that remains unoccupied. Once considered for terrestrial applications, these two bands lie next to satellite frequencies in the Ku- and V- bands. The 52 GHz band has no licensed commercial users, though calls to open it for domestic use, following international decisions at WRC-19, have intensified.

The W-band offers prospects for gigabit capacity across a massive, largely unused spectrum previously considered outside the practical realm of physics. Through the notice seeking feedback on the W-band, the FCC continues efforts to explore the full potential of high-band spectrum and ensure U.S.-licensed operators gain a “first-mover advantage.”

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DIU Seeking AI/ML Tools to Support Data Analysis at Navy Maritime Operations Centers
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DIU's Situational Awareness by Intelligent Learning Systems—or SAILS—initiative is looking for commercial AI/ML technologies.

The Defense Innovation Unit is now accepting proposals for commercial artificial intelligence and machine learning tools that can aggregate data from multiple sources and improve situational awareness for warfighters. Called Situational Awareness by Intelligent Learning Systems, or SAILS, the initiative aims to develop and deploy AI/ML applications to support the convergence of data inputs from space-based, shipboard and airborne assets, as well as intelligence reports, watch logs and other documents at the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Operations Centers, DIU said.

SAILS Technology Requirement

According to a commercial solutions opening, or CSO, posted Thursday, DIU wants an AI/ML platform that facilitates role-based access control and cross-domain data sharing and can operate in denied, disrupted, intermittent and limited-impact—a.k.a. DDIL—bandwidth environments. The technology must also be qualified to operate across classification levels and comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s requirements for handling controlled unclassified information. 

In addition, DIU wants a system that can be deployed regardless of hardware provider. 

The SAILS initiative will have multiple phases, with phase two expected to include demonstrations in an unclassified environment. DIU may award a prototype other transaction agreement and then a follow-on production contract for the required technology. 

Interested parties may submit a description and technical details of their proposed solutions to DIU until June 6.

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Bipartisan Legislation to Require Federal Contractors to Implement Vulnerability Disclosure Policies
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A new bipartisan Senate bill would amend FAR to address vulnerabilities in federal contractors' information systems.

A bipartisan legislation is seeking updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require federal contractors to implement vulnerability disclosure policies.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said Friday that VDPs “are crucial tools to help ensure that the federal government is operating using safe cybersecurity practices.”

Warner introduced the Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025 with James Lankford, R-Okla., a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Civilian federal agencies are already required to have VDPs; however, the same requirement does not exist for federal contractors for the information systems used in fulfilling their contracts. Under the proposed bill, the contractors should adhere to National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines and implement VDPs in line with those of the federal agencies to help reduce known security vulnerabilities, secure the entire supply chain and protect national security. The Office of Management and Budget would be required to oversee the FAR updates to ensure proper VDP implementation.

According to Lankford, increasing awareness of cyber vulnerabilities could help contractors and agencies keep data and systems safe from cybercrimes and hacking.

Sen. Warner’s Cyber-Focused Legislative Efforts

Warner authored the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act, signed into law in 2020 by President Donald Trump, requiring IoT devices purchased with federal funds to meet minimum security standards. He also cofounded the bipartisan Senate Cybersecurity Caucus in 2016 and co-authored legislation mandating companies responsible for U.S. critical infrastructure to report cybersecurity incidents to the government.

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