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Army Activates 2nd Theater Information Advantage Detachment
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U.S. Army logo. The Army activated the second TIAD, marking a key step in its approach to information warfare.

The U.S. Army has activated the second Theater Information Advantage Detachment, or TIAD, as part of efforts to provide commanders with capabilities to support Army operations across the broader information environment, DVIDS reported.

The Army Cyber Command TIAD led by Col. John Agnello was activated during a ceremony held Friday at Fort Gordon in Georgia.

“This TIAD is built on the shoulders of soldiers who bring not only technical mastery, but the courage to challenge, the creativity to adapt, and the conviction to lead. I’m honored to command a team that doesn’t just execute the mission; they embody it. They are the Army’s advantage in the information fight, and a key reason we’re positioned to succeed,” said Agnello, the second TIAD commander.

ARCYBER TIAD

The ARCYBER TIAD is one of three planned detachments tailored to three geographic commands: Indo-Pacific, Europe and ARCYBER itself. Each TIAD integrates into a unified team several disciplines, including cyber operations, electronic warfare, civil affairs, psychological operations and public affairs.

In October 2024, the Army first announced plans to establish three detachments to counter information adversaries.

The ARCYBER TIAD achieved initial operating capability with its activation. The unit will continue to refine its integration across information, cyber and influence disciplines as it advances toward full operating capability.

“Today, with the activation of this TIAD, we carry that legacy forward—into the information domain, where influence is decisive and truth must be defended. This is not just a new unit; it’s the next chapter in how the Army fights and wins,” said Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, commander of ARCYBER.

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Radiance-Louisiana Tech Team Secures DARPA Contract for MICA Program
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Contract award. The team of Radiance Technologies and LA Tech secured a DARPA contract for the MICA program.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded the team of Radiance Technologies and Louisiana Tech University a contract to perform work on the Microsystem Induced CAtalysis, or MICA, program.

Radiance said Wednesday it will work with LA Tech to model microsystems that can precisely control protein function.

Developing Novel Simulation Platform AMPERE

As part of the MICA program, Radiance and the university will develop a novel simulation platform, called AMPERE, that combines machine learning with multiscale physical modeling.

AMPERE, which is short for Adaptive Multi-Physics Engine for Reaction Engineering, will help predict the behavior of biomolecular catalysts under microsystem stimulation.

“This program addresses a critical need to bridge molecular-scale biological control with scalable microsystem design,” said Andrew Gardner, principal investigator for MICA at Radiance. “AMPERE will enable the co-design of molecules and microsystems with high precision, advancing secure therapeutics, resilient biomanufacturing, and beyond.”

LA Tech will bring its capabilities in computational biology and nanotechnology to support interface modeling and catalyst fabrication as part of the program.

“Together, we’re developing tools and methods to direct molecular function. As a researcher and educator, these projects provide valuable opportunities for students in both the lab and the classroom,” said Tom Bishop, MICA co-investigator and professor at LA Tech.

What Is DARPA’s MICA Program?

According to Radiance, the MICA program aims to explore how microsystems can harness electromagnetic fields, heat and fluid motion to guide chemical reactions at the molecular level.

DARPA stated that the program aims to address challenges in predicting how molecular catalysts behave when incorporated into microsystem surfaces and how their activity can be controlled in complex environments.

According to the agency, the program could lead to advances in medical therapeutics, materials synthesis and environmental remediation, among other areas.

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DHS Launches Lab to Test Next-Gen 911 System Compatibility
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Department of Homeland Security logo. DHS opens a new laboratory to test Next-Gen 911 system interoperability.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate has established a new laboratory to ensure Next Generation 911 systems work seamlessly across jurisdictions and technology providers, Federal News Network reported. The initiative aims to prevent communication breakdowns as states and localities transition from analog infrastructure to modern, internet protocol-based emergency networks.

DHS Launches Lab to Test Next-Gen 911 System Compatibility

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Ensuring Interoperability Before Deployment

The new lab allows vendors to remotely test their NG911 technologies for interoperability before rollout. The facility builds on DHS’ existing public safety radio testing program and uses open-source tools that vendors can download, run and analyze to confirm their systems meet compatibility standards.

“What we don’t want to do is have an interoperability chasm upon deployment,” said Sridhar Kowdley, technology manager for S&T’s communications and networking technology center. “We want to solve those issues during the [research and development] and the implementation point.”

The lab recently demonstrated a 911 video call. The next-generation system is expected to be faster and more resilient, enabling voice, photos, videos and text messages to reach call centers over a digital network. Kowdley said more test cases are planned before a formal certification process begins.

Kowdley noted that the transition to NG911 involves significant integration challenges, including connections to computer-aided dispatch systems and next-generation core services. The laboratory’s early efforts, he said, are focused on reducing technical barriers and identifying potential data and interoperability gaps before deployment.

5G and 6G Technologies

DHS S&T is exploring how 5G wireless networks can enhance emergency response through faster data transfer, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things capabilities. The directorate is assessing secure, cost-effective ways to apply 5G across diverse DHS operations, from border security to airport management.

S&T is also participating in early discussions around sixth-generation standards. “Generally, 6G is developed for consumers,” Kowdley said. “It’s not driven for homeland security applications or Department of Defense. So all of the federal agencies are getting together to work on 6G.”

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MDA Issues Sources Sought Notice for Advanced Object Classification 1.1 Software Upgrade
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MDA seal. The Missile Defense Agency issued a sources sought notice for the AOC 1.1 software upgrade.

The Missile Defense Agency has released a sources sought notice for the development of the Advanced Object Classification, or AOC, 1.1 software upgrade.

According to the notice published on SAM.gov Friday, the planned software upgrade is designed for upgraded early warning radars, or UEWR. Responses will be accepted until Oct. 17.

Advanced Object Classification 1.1 Software Upgrade

The AOC 1.1 upgrade is intended to bolster the accuracy of classifying objects during the midcourse phase of ballistic missile flight. It builds upon the performance of the previously fielded AOC 1.0 version by incorporating further algorithm and interface control document-driven enhancements identified during testing and fielding.

The agency aims to introduce a flat-file classification database to enhance the AOC 1.1 software. This new capability is expected to enable the system to be rapidly reconfigured to counter emerging threats without necessitating software recompilation or a return to the original developer for modifications. This will streamline the speed at which UEWRs can adapt.

The existing AOC architecture utilizes 37 algorithms and machine learning to boost object classification accuracy and overall classification results, respectively. It does not require changes to the radar hardware or the ground-based midcourse defense fire control interface.

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USPTO AI Pilot Program Seeks to Streamline Patent Applications
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John Squires headshot. The USPTO director elaborated on the AI-based pilot program for streamlining patent applications.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has unveiled a test program called ASAP!, short for Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot, aimed at enhancing the quality, speed and efficiency of patent applications.

Patent Applications’ Issues Alert

The pilot program will provide applicants with an AI-Assisted Search Results Notice, or ASRN, listing top 10 potential previous art issues that requires their attention, USPTO said Wednesday. It added that the ASRN is designed to help applicants decide on early actions such as filing amendments, submitting supporting evidence, requesting deferrals or seeking fee refunds.

USPTO will use the pilot’s results to assess pre-examination search outcomes, evaluate ASRN scalability and guide future initiatives to further streamline patent applications. Patent applicants who want to join ASAP! have to file a petition to participate in the pilot program and pay its fee.

Other AI Pilots to Follow

According to John Squires, under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and USPTO director, ASAP! is the inaugural release in a wave of other planned AI pilots to help both patent examiners and applicants. “Quality starts at filing—and our enterprising examiners have developed a cadre of new tools that re-imagine workflows and attack thorny chokepoints that constrain productivity, throughput, and ultimately quality for new applicants,” Squires noted.

USPTO is investing significantly to harness AI in its functions. In August 2024, the agency awarded Accenture Federal Services a $75 million contract to implement AI capabilities for improving patent reviewing processes.

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Gustav Chiarello Confirmed as HHS Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources
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Gustav Chiarello. The former FTC attorney was confirmed by the Senate as HHS assistant secretary for financial resources.

The Senate on Tuesday voted 51-47 to confirm Gustav Chiarello, former Federal Trade Commission attorney, as assistant secretary for financial resources at the Department of Health and Human Services.

President Donald Trump nominated Chiarello for the assistant secretary role at HHS in February.

Gustav Chiarello Confirmed as HHS Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources

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Who Is Gustav Chiarello?

Chiarello most recently was senior special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee. He served on the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust chaired by Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis.

During the first Trump administration, he served as an attorney adviser to Acting FTC Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen.

The antitrust and competition policy lawyer worked in private practice earlier in his career.

The Catholic University of America economics graduate has a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a law degree from George Mason University.

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FAR Council Issues Changes to 8 Parts of Acquisition Regulation
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Government contracting. The FAR Council released model deviation text for FAR Parts 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 32, 42 and 53.

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council has released new model deviation text for eight parts of the FAR as part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO, initiative.

In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to streamline the federal procurement process and eliminate barriers to doing business with the government.

The FAR Council issued new text for Part 15 – Contracting by Negotiation; Part 16 – Types of Contracts; Part 22 – Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions; and Part 23 – Sustainable Acquisition, Material Safety and Pollution Prevention; Part 25 – Foreign Acquisition; Part 32 – Contract Financing; Part 42 – Contract Administration and Audit Services; and Part 53 – Forms.

These eight parts are open for feedback until Nov. 3.

The council has yet to issue implementation support for Parts 22, 23, 32 and 53.

Contracting by Negotiation

The text of FAR Part 15 concerning contracting by negotiation has been revised for greater clarity. The part now comes with updated rules of engagement, redefined competitive range and five subparts: presolicitation and solicitation; evaluation and award; postaward; contract pricing; and unsolicited proposals.

Part 15 continues to be primarily used for establishing negotiated contracts when using a request for proposals.

A section that addresses the types of negotiated acquisitions has been updated to modernize the language throughout. The two paragraphs in this section are now titled “Noncompetitive Acquisitions” and “Competitive Acquisitions.”

A section concerning issuing solicitations has been removed due to repetitive information found in other FAR parts.

Types of Contracts

FAR Part 16 has been updated to clarify complicated policies and procedures for selecting contract type and provide the acquisition workforce with new flexibilities and tools to support the guiding principles for the FAR system.

Key improvements to Part 16 include innovative contract types, significant task and delivery order procedure simplification, on-and-off ramps and blanket purchase agreements.

A subpart concerning contract type selection has been restructured to consolidate policies, stress documentation and provide contracting officers with greater flexibility.

The council has updated a subpart on incentive contracts to consolidate all incentive-related policies and contract type descriptions into a single subpart and revised a subpart on indefinite-delivery contracts to clearly outline the types of task and delivery order contracts for acquisition professionals and how to use them.

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Army Implementing Automation, System Modernization to Cut Routine Work
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Leonel Garciga. The Army CIO discussed new automation and modernization initiatives.

The U.S. Army is advancing a broad automation effort aimed at reducing low-value administrative tasks and freeing soldiers and civilian employees to focus on higher-priority missions, Federal News Network reported. Army Chief Information Officer Leonel Garciga, a two-time Wash100 Award recipient, said on the Ask the CIO podcast that the service has identified roughly 300 potential areas where automation and artificial intelligence could simplify workflows and ease the cognitive burden on its workforce.

The initiative began after Under Secretary of the Army Mike Obadal issued a memo directing all major commands and program offices to identify opportunities for process automation and AI integration. Feedback from across the service produced more than 300 submissions, which Garciga’s office has been reviewing to determine which projects would yield the greatest benefit. Because resources are limited, Garciga said the CIO team evaluated proposals using three main criteria: impact on soldiers and civilians, scalability across the Army and cost-effectiveness. Of the 300 ideas, five projects were selected for initial development.

Some proposals revealed unexpected efficiencies. “We found some efficiencies inadvertently as we worked through the process,” Garciga said. “I think we had a good triage mechanism, which was really focused on soldiers and on where we can make the most impact as quickly as possible.”

Early Priorities: Personnel Records and Training

The Army’s initial focus is on what Garciga calls “administrivia” — routine or repetitive tasks that consume time without adding significant value. Early pilot efforts include using AI to streamline the review of personnel records and applying automation to enhance cross-training programs for both soldiers and civilians.

“Let’s put AI against it to really reduce that cognitive burden,” Garciga said, noting that the aim is to improve response times for personnel inquiries and ensure service members are “in the right place and where they need to be in their lifecycle from a training perspective.”

Business Systems Reform and Data Challenges

In line with AI integration, the Army is advancing business process reengineering to modernize how its business systems operate. Garciga said the effort helps the service understand where modernization challenges stem from, whether data quality, process inefficiencies or technology gaps.

“We’ve been really focused on looking at those areas where we really believe that we can have the most impact directly to soldiers or civilian workforce,” he said. “A lot of times we find that there’s a lot of problems we want to apply AI to, and it’s like, ‘Hey, this is really a data problem.’”

Streamlining Systems and Reducing Technical Debt

The Army’s redefinition of business systems is part of a wider initiative to modernize and consolidate its digital infrastructure. The goal is to merge or retire nearly 100 separate business systems within the next year, an effort led by a cross-Army team working closely with program offices and functional stakeholders.

Central to this work is the creation of a no-code, low-code center of excellence, designed to bring greater consistency and cybersecurity to system development across the service. By reducing duplication and integrating oversight, the Army aims to cut maintenance costs and eliminate “technical debt” built up from legacy systems.

Garciga said the modernization push is focused on improving access to data and tools for both soldiers and civilian personnel. Efforts now underway are intended to accelerate enterprise system convergence, shorten delivery timelines and deliver more efficient digital capabilities to users across the force.

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Senate Confirms Kevin Rhodes as OFPP Administrator
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OFPP Administrator Kevin Rhodes. Kevin Rhodes has been confirmed as the Office of Federal Procurement Policy administrator.

Kevin Rhodes has been confirmed as administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. The Senate on Tuesday voted 51 to 47 to confirm Rhodes, who is set to become the first confirmed OFPP administrator in six years. He succeeds Michael Wooten, who served an 18-month term from 2019 to 2021. The position had remained vacant since Wooten’s departure, with only acting officials filling the role until Rhodes’ confirmation.

Rhodes’ Private and Public Sector Career

Rhodes currently serves as senior adviser to the director of the Office of Management and Budget within the Executive Office of the President. In this role, he provides strategic counsel on cross-agency initiatives to drive progress toward key federal objectives.

Prior to that, he spent over three years at Systecon North America, where he held the executive vice president and VP of Washington operations positions. During his tenure at Systecon, he spearheaded strategic initiatives, led senior government relations and managed congressional engagement efforts.

Rhodes served in the Air Force for 25 years, holding various leadership roles, including a White House position, which allowed him to interact directly with the last four presidents. He was the director of operations KC-46, program manager for common avionics and materiel, and director of acquisition at the White House Military Office.

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Trump’s Pick to Lead Indo-Pacific Defense Backs Potential Changes in Deals With Taiwan, AUKUS
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John Noh, an official at the Department of Defense. Noh spoke about Taiwan and the AUKUS at his confirmation hearing

President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs told Congress that he will prioritize strengthening deterrence in the region if confirmed, but also divulged potential changes to defense deals with Taiwan and the United States’ present security arrangement with Australia and the United Kingdom, Breaking Defense reported Tuesday.

“[I]f confirmed, I will be the biggest advocate to my leadership in the department to making sure that we have all the resources we need to strengthen deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” said John Noh, who currently serves as deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

Providing Arms to Taiwan

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., raised concerns that the Department of Defense may be taking back defense items procured with presidential drawdown authority, or PDA, for Taiwan. The Senate Armed Services Committee chairman asked Noh if it is good policy to not only return weapons authorized under PDA for Taiwan to the defense stock, but also require Taipei to pay for them.

The defense official said Taiwan should not only “do its part and to pay,” but also increase its defense spending to upwards of 10 percent of its gross domestic product, or GDP.

The island nation, which is facing existential threat from China, will spend 3.32 percent of its GDP on defense in 2027, but Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said the goal was to allocate 5 percent for deterrence.

AUKUS Changes

Noh also confirmed that the DOD is reviewing the trilateral trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States known as AUKUS. He did not share details about the review, but said the effort started in July and will wrap up in the coming months.

He added that there are “common sense” items that can be added to strengthen Pillar I of AUKUS and ensure that it is more sustainable.

One area under review, according to Noh, involves submarine production, which he pointed out needs to increase from 1.2 submarines a year to 2.33 annually to meet shipbuilding targets. 

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