Processing....

Logo

Digital News Coverage of Government Contracting and Federal Policy Landscape
Sticky Logo
  • Home
  • Acquisition & Procurement
  • Agencies
    • DoD
    • Intelligence
    • DHS
    • Civilian
    • Space
  • Cybersecurity
  • Technology
  • Executives
    • Profiles
    • Announcements
    • Awards
  • News
  • Articles
  • About
  • Wash100
  • Contact Us
    • Advertising
    • Submit your news
    • Jobs
Logo
DoD/News
Army Futures Command, TRADOC Merge to Form T2COM
by Jane Edwards
Published on October 6, 2025
U.S. Army logo. The Department of the Army formed the Army Transformation and Training Command through a AFC-TRADOC merger.

The Department of the Army has combined U.S. Army Futures Command and Army Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC, to form Army Transformation and Training Command, or T2COM.

Table of Contents

  • Army Transformation & Training Command’s Mission & Functions
  • Army Combined Arms Command as T2COM’s Major Subordinate Command

Army Transformation & Training Command’s Mission & Functions

According to a notice published Thursday on the Army Publishing Directorate’s website, the military branch expects T2COM to enable the synchronization and integration of force development, force generation and force design responsibilities under a singular Army command.

T2COM will be responsible for synchronizing recruitment efforts. The command will educate, train and strengthen the profession of arms and advance Army modernization initiatives. It will also leverage HDDA budget forums to advocate for priorities related to training and transformation and ensure alignment with warfighter requirements.

Under the management of the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, T2COM will develop priorities and maintain oversight of science and technology.

Army Combined Arms Command as T2COM’s Major Subordinate Command

DVIDS reported that the Army Combined Arms Center has been redesignated as Army Combined Arms Command, or CAC, which will serve as a major subordinate element of T2COM.

The move seeks to strengthen the service branch’s ability to rapidly modernize and adapt. The change also highlights CAC’s expanded role in enterprisewide command and control of Army doctrine, education, training and leader development.

CAC will also accelerate the delivery of high-quality education and training to soldiers.

In addition to CAC, the U.S. Army Futures and Concepts Center has been redesignated as Army Futures and Concepts Command, or FCC.

FCC and Army Recruiting Command will also serve as T2COM’s major subordinate commands.

Civilian/News
White House CEA Issues Report on Government Shutdown’s Economic Impacts
by Jane Edwards
Published on October 6, 2025
White House logo. New report details the potential enormous economic impacts of a U.S. government shutdown, if it continues.

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisers has released a report warning that the U.S. could lose as much as $15 billion in gross domestic product for each week the government is shut down.

A monthlong government shutdown could result in 43,000 additional unemployed individuals in the U.S., according to the CEA analysis published Wednesday.

Table of Contents

  • Government Shutdown’s Disruption to Federal Workforce
  • Impact of Government Shutdown on Benefit Programs

Government Shutdown’s Disruption to Federal Workforce

The report noted that more than 1.9 million federal civilian employees could be subject to furloughs or required to continue working without pay during a government shutdown.

According to the analysis, federal contractors are not eligible for backpay once government operations resume, leaving many to experience lasting income losses throughout the funding lapse.

CEA estimated that a monthlong government shutdown could reduce consumer spending by roughly $30 billion nationwide. According to the analysis, about half of that decline would stem from unpaid federal employees and contractors and the other half would result from spillover effects across other sectors.

Impact of Government Shutdown on Benefit Programs

The report addressed the potential disruption of government shutdown to benefit programs, including the Women, Infants and Children program, or WIC, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

CEA noted that federal funding for WIC could run out in October and that carryover and contingency funds would be insufficient to sustain program operations amid a prolonged government shutdown.

According to the report, nearly 50 percent of CMS personnel would be furloughed under a government shutdown, which could result in longer wait times to talk to a Medicare customer service representative.

DoD/News
Navy Launches Initiative to Strengthen Warrior Ethos
by Kristen Smith
Published on October 6, 2025
US Navy logo. Navy Secretary John Phelan appointed Under Secretary Hung Cao to lead an effort to enhance warrior ethos.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has established a new cross-departmental portfolio aimed at reinforcing a warrior ethos and improving the quality of service across the Navy and Marine Corps. The initiative will be led by Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, whose mandate ties service member readiness, family well-being and institutional accountability directly to the fleet’s operational effectiveness.

Table of Contents

  • Unified Focus on People and Performance
  • Under Secretary Cao’s Appointment
  • Core Areas of Responsibility
  • Strengthening Force Through Standards

Unified Focus on People and Performance

The portfolio consolidates major functions affecting sailors and Marines — from personnel policies and housing to audit oversight and digital infrastructure — under a single leadership framework. According to Phelan, the move is designed to eliminate bureaucratic barriers, accelerate problem-solving and ensure that improvements in quality of service translate into combat power.

“Readiness starts at home and shows up on target,” Phelan said. The new structure “puts one quarterback and one playbook on the field to execute my gameplan for upgrading how we recruit, train, equip and take care of our people, so the Fleet stays the world’s premier, most lethal maritime force,” he added.

Under Secretary Cao’s Appointment

Phelan welcomed Cao to the role following his swearing-in by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, noting his record of leadership and prior service in uniform.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Hung Cao to my Navy team; I look forward to having this experienced patriot lead on the highest priorities of the Secretary of War,” Phelan said.

Core Areas of Responsibility

Cao’s portfolio integrates multiple lines of effort central to the Navy’s operational and organizational goals:

  • Quality of service: Conduct rapid inspections and upgrades of housing, healthcare, education and recreation facilities; strengthen oversight of public-private ventures; and improve nutrition programs both ashore and afloat.
  • Digital and business systems: Partner with the Navy chief information officer to modernize IT and business systems, reduce downtime and streamline digital tools across the enterprise.
  • Audit readiness: Oversee the auditor general to advance clean audit opinions and improve accountability and resource transparency.
  • Recruiting and personnel policy: Assess recruiting standards and practices to meet end-strength goals and ensure uniform, non-negotiable standards for all applicants. Update physical fitness requirements and policies related to the rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
  • Reserve reform: Implement ongoing integration efforts between active and reserve components to strengthen force readiness and operational capability.
  • Wellness and suicide prevention: Coordinate department-wide mental health initiatives and represent the Navy in interagency prevention and readiness bodies.
  • Permanent change of station and family support: Oversee streamlining of PCS processes and improvement of educational options for military families, including homeschooling support.
  • Guam infrastructure: Review and resolve energy and material challenges to position Guam as a key power-projection platform for Indo-Pacific operations.
  • Standards and warrior ethos: Implement department-wide direction to eliminate divisive programs and maintain focus on combat-ready standards.

Strengthening Force Through Standards

Phelan emphasized that the initiative aligns with Secretary of War Hegseth’s recent directive on restoring uniform, high standards across the armed forces. “When Sailors and Marines know their families are supported, housing is right, chow is quality and systems work the first time, morale rises, performance sharpens and the force delivers,” he said.

He added that his department’s efforts are designed to translate daily improvements into measurable readiness outcomes. “Minutes saved are minutes gained in the fight,” Phelan stated. “With this move I am giving my Under Secretary the responsibility and the tools to fix what slows us down and to fuel what makes us unbeatable.”

Civilian/News
FAA Deploys First Phase of New NOTAM Management Service
by Miles Jamison
Published on October 6, 2025
DOT Secretary Sean Duffy. The FAA launched the initial phase of the new Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, service.

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched the initial phase of its modernized Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM, service months ahead of the original schedule.

Table of Contents

  • New NOTAM Service Starts Operations
  • Cloud-Based Architecture Enables Real-Time Data Exchange

New NOTAM Service Starts Operations

The Department of Transportation said Tuesday the new NOTAM Management Service, or NMS, which replaces the legacy U.S. NOTAM System built in 1985, began distributing airspace safety alerts to early adopters on Sept. 29. This initial phase lays the groundwork for testing and validation, with a full transition to the single-source NOTAM service planned for late spring 2026.

“We are bringing our aviation system into the 21st century at lightning speed to enhance safety in our skies. The new NOTAM system is an important proof point of how we can quickly and effectively modernize our skies under the leadership of President Trump,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Cloud-Based Architecture Enables Real-Time Data Exchange

NOTAMs notify pilots about temporary changes like runway closures and airspace restrictions, with over 4 million issued annually. The FAA’s new cloud-based NMS, featuring scalable architecture and a streamlined interface, offers near-real-time data-sharing and enhanced collaboration.

Developed in response to outages that disrupted air travel, the NMS will operate alongside the legacy system during transition. The new service will fully replace the outdated USNS by February 2026.

Acquisition & Procurement/Federal Civilian/News
Energy Department Funding Review Leads to $7.56B in Canceled Projects
by Elodie Collins
Published on October 6, 2025
Chris Wright, secretary of the Department of Energy. Wright announced the cancellation of funding awards for several projects

The Department of Energy has canceled funding for 223 projects, which led to approximately $7.56 billion in savings. The agency said Thursday that the budget cuts affect projects that did not directly advance the nation’s energy priorities or were deemed not economically viable following a thorough, individualized financial review.

DOE Evaluates Financial Awards

In May 2025, Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued a memorandum directing a review of financial awards to identify waste and ensure that projects are in line with President Donald Trump’s pledge to provide affordable, reliable and secure energy for all Americans.

DOE evaluated funding issued by its offices for Clean Energy Demonstrations, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Grid Deployment, Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, Fossil Energy, and by the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy.

Of all financial awards terminated, 26 percent were issued between Election Day and Inauguration Day under President Joe Biden.

“On day one, the Energy Department began the critical task of reviewing billions of dollars in financial awards, many rushed through in the final months of the Biden administration with inadequate documentation by any reasonable business standard,” Wright stated. “President Trump promised to protect taxpayer dollars and expand America’s supply of affordable, reliable, and secure energy. Today’s cancellations deliver on that commitment.”

Awardees have 30 days to appeal the funding termination.

Artificial Intelligence/News
Smart Borders, Smarter Defense: How the US Is Leveraging AI in Homeland Security
by Pat Host
Published on October 6, 2025
AI is rapidly reshaping how the Department of Homeland Security carries out its mission—and GovCons should pay attention

AI is rapidly reshaping how the Department of Homeland Security carries out its mission—and GovCons should pay close attention. Across DHS agencies, AI is becoming a force multiplier, helping federal teams handle vast amounts of data, improve accuracy and make faster decisions in high-stakes environments.

As former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas once asserted: there is “not a domain” within DHS that isn’t potentially enhanced by AI, according to Axios. For GovCons, this means AI expertise is no longer optional—it’s central to winning future contracts and staying aligned with evolving federal priorities.

Contractors who understand these shifts will be better positioned to meet DHS’ evolving technology needs. Let’s dive into the details about how DHS is using AI to enhance U.S. homeland security below.

Want to know more about the applications of AI in border security? The 2025 Homeland Security Summit, from Potomac Officers Club, offers an “AI in Action: Driving Efficiencies at the Border” panel discussion directly aimed at this subject, featuring panelists from MANTECH and AT&T. Sign up for this prestigious GovCon event today!

Table of Contents

  • CBP and Edge AI
  • GenAI and Cybersecurity
  • Facial Comparison
  • Machine Vision

CBP and Edge AI

Customs and Border Protection can’t get enough AI. In fact, Mark James, CBP tech leader, was quoted by FedScoop as saying the agency can’t keep up with all the AI use cases for its missions.

CBP employees are using the Google Vertex AI application to search a variety of data sources and combine them into one entity. The agency is also transitioning from using cloud AI, which uses external servers to compute data and needs a dependable internet connection to properly function, to edge AI. This technology processes information on devices and performs more effectively in remote areas.

Border agents are leveraging Google Translate for interactions such as text-to-voice, video-to-text and voice-to-text for interactions with people leaving and entering the country. Google in early 2024 added more than 100 new languages to its Google Translate supply.

CBP is using AI-powered video tools on the border and entry points to detect contraband and evaluate threats. It leverages an intelligent computer-assisted detection, or ICAD, application. This processes video and images taken by field imaging equipment and provides CBP staffers with information on whether humans were in those images. CBP is also using AI in video to identify motor vehicles and keep tabs on streaming video.

GenAI and Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency uses AI extensively. From identifying new ways to use AI in its work or leveraging AI-enhanced commercial off-the-shelf tools, CISA is leading the way with AI in homeland security.

CISA is using penetration testing applications that use generative AI to supply remediation advice to address vulnerabilities. The agency also has WiFi management software that enhances radio configurations using AI. CISA uses a cloud security application that takes machine learning algorithms to use data loss prevention policies without having them to be manually configured by humans.

CISA’s work with AI doesn’t end with cybersecurity operations. It also uses AI for its research and development pursuits. The agency is performing R&D with the DHS science and technology division to create proofs of concepts and prototypes that would use GenAI and natural language processing for incident data.

These could bolster the accuracy and relevance of data that is sorted and displayed to CISA analysts. It could also help with aggregating the information in studies for further analysis and presentation.

DHS requested $116 billion in FY 2026 for its budget. Be the first to learn the agency’s spending priorities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 12! Check out our lineup of six different panel discussions about AI in homeland security specifically designed for GovCon professionals. Secure your seat today and ensure your company is part of the homeland security conversation!

Facial Comparison

The Transportation Security Administration is using an AI technique called facial comparison technology to verify the identity of passengers and checkpoints using the CBP Traveler Verification Service. This application takes a biometric template of a passenger’s face taken at a checkpoint and compares it against a supply of photo templates that the passenger previously provided.

While TVS is required for people leaving or entering the country, TSA is using the capability as an option for people traveling between certain airports who want to accelerate their PreCheck process. TSA and CBP are allowing airports and airlines to request TVS for identification verification purposes.

TVS produces photo biometric templates of travelers at airport baggage checks and boarding gates and compares them to existing DHS photos. The goal is to make passenger identity verification more efficient and accelerate security checks while maintaining extensive safety requirements.

Machine Vision

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is using an AI technique called machine vision to quickly evaluate building damage after disasters. Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, FEMA used the Geospatial Damage Assessments machine learning application to rapidly assess the extent of structural damage caused by the weather system.

This model, trained on older photos of damage from natural disasters, processed machine learning and computer vision techniques to evaluate both non-impacted and damaged buildings in aerial imagery. Human analysts performing geospatial damage assessments surveyed the model outputs to confirm those structures identified by the model as suffering damage classified as major, minor or destroyed.

DHS said, in this example, machine vision reduced the amount of structures requiring human review from over one million to 77,000. It also slashed the time required for completion from weeks to days.

Smart Borders, Smarter Defense: How the US Is Leveraging AI in Homeland Security
Cybersecurity/News
Report Shows 1% of Defense Industrial Base Ready for CMMC Final Rule
by Miles Jamison
Published on October 6, 2025
CyberSheath logo. CyberSheath reported only one percent of the Defense Industrial Base is ready for the CMMC final rule.

CyberSheath has released the State of the DIB Report 2025, revealing that only one percent of defense contractors are prepared for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification final rule, which will take effect this November.

Table of Contents

  • Defense Industrial Base Unprepared for Assessments
  • Compliance Gaps Persist Across DFARS & SPRS Metrics
  • Remarks From CyberSheath CEO

Defense Industrial Base Unprepared for Assessments

CyberSheath said Tuesday it commissioned Merrill Research to conduct the study, which reveals a significant lack of readiness among the defense industrial base as contractors prepare for assessments determining their eligibility to continue working with the Department of Defense. Preparedness dropped from eight percent in 2023 to four percent in 2024.

Compliance Gaps Persist Across DFARS & SPRS Metrics

While 69 percent of respondents claim Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement compliance via self-assessment, just 30 percent have undergone validated assessments. Only 42 percent have submitted Supplier Performance Risk System scores, with a median score of 60—far below the required 110. Notably, 17 percent reported negative scores.

Adoption of key cybersecurity measures remains limited. Only 27 percent of contractors implement multi-factor authentication, 25 percent use endpoint detection and response, and 21 percent deploy vulnerability management tools. Meanwhile, 89 percent report losses due to cyber incidents.

Remarks From CyberSheath CEO

“Eighty thousand defense contractors need Level 2 certification, yet only 270 of these organizations currently hold final CMMC certificates,” said CyberSheath CEO Emil Sayegh.

Acquisition & Procurement/DoD/Foreign Military Sales/News
State Department OKs South Korea’s FMS Request for AGM-65G2 Maverick Missiles
by Jane Edwards
Published on October 3, 2025
The Department of State logo. The State Department cleared South Korea’s FMS request for AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles.

The State Department has approved South Korea’s foreign military sales request for AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles and related equipment and services.

State Department OKs South Korea's FMS Request for AGM-65G2 Maverick Missiles

Discover how international partnerships, coalition warfare strategies, FMS and cutting-edge technologies are redefining the global defense landscape at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 GovCon International and Global Defense Summit on Oct. 16. Reserve your seat today to connect with decision-makers and gain exclusive insights.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Wednesday RTX will serve as principal contractor in the proposed FMS deal, which is worth approximately $34 million. 

Table of Contents

  • Strengthening South Korea’s Critical Air Defense Capability 
  • Details of South Korea’s Maverick Missile Request 

Strengthening South Korea’s Critical Air Defense Capability 

The proposed transaction will help South Korea improve its critical air defense capability to ensure interoperability with U.S. forces, meet existing and future threats and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

Details of South Korea’s Maverick Missile Request 

Under the proposed FMS request, the contractor will provide 44 AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles and non-major defense equipment, including program support, government and contractor engineering, technical assistance and logistics support services.

AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-surface guided missile designed for interdiction, close air support and defense suppression missions. It is designed to provide stand-off capability against air defenses, armor, ships, transportation equipment and other tactical targets.

Implementation of this proposed deal will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to the East Asian country.

DSCA has notified Congress of the proposed FMS transaction.

Acquisition & Procurement/Contract Awards/DoD/News
DOD Addresses Contract Obligations in Advance of FY26 Funding in Latest Class Deviation
by Jane Edwards
Published on October 3, 2025
Department of Defense logo. DOD issued a class deviation for contract obligations in advance of FY 2027 funding.

The Department of Defense has issued a new class deviation authorizing contracting officers to obligate contracts in advance of fiscal year 2026 appropriations. 

DOD said John Tenaglia, principal director of defense pricing, contracting and acquisition policy, signed on Wednesday the class deviation, which was issued by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Under the class deviation, the Pentagon directs contracting officers to include the clause “Obligations in Advance of Fiscal Year 2026 Funding” when awarding contracts, modifications, task orders, options or delivery orders for services and supplies supporting excepted activities. 

According to the department, the deviation does not cover contract actions using appropriations that are currently available for obligation and liquidation of obligations, including prior-year funds.

Table of Contents

  • Compliance With DOD Guidance & Directives
  • Authorization Requirements

Compliance With DOD Guidance & Directives

Each contract action awarded in advance of appropriations must comply with existing DOD guidance, including the deputy secretary of defense’s Sept. 30 memo on continuation of operations during a funding lapse and applicable component-level guidance related to the award of contracts in the absence of appropriations.

Authorization Requirements

For DOD components or military components without separate guidance, approvals for contract actions under this deviation must come from no lower than the head of the contracting activity. The department requires contracting officers to include a copy of such authorization in the contract file.

All contract actions executed under the class deviation must be bilateral, reflecting mutual agreement between the government and contractors.

The class deviation is effective immediately and remains in place until rescinded.

Healthcare IT/News
VA Seeks Input on AI-Powered IT Service Management Platform
by Elodie Collins
Published on October 3, 2025
The Department of Veterans Affairs' logo. The VA is conducting market research on a new IT Service Management Platform

The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting market research to identify companies capable of providing a new Information Technology Service Management Platform, or ITSMP.

VA Seeks Input on AI-Powered IT Service Management Platform

The role of advanced technologies in supporting warfighter health at the VA and the Defense Health Agency is one of the key topics to be covered by government leaders and industry experts at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 4. The event will feature networking opportunities and panels on healthcare delivery system modernization, cloud and artificial intelligence, and the Make America Healthy Again agenda. Get your tickets today.

IT Service Management Platform Requirements

In a request for information posted on SAM.gov Wednesday, the agency said it is specifically interested in a system that integrates artificial intelligence into the workflow and provides low- or no-code development tools for building applications or powering automations. 

Moreover, the proposed platform must secure Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP, High authorization. 

VA also wants to hear about transition and migration strategies, integration with federal systems, customer service management, and compliance with the government security requirements. 

Interested parties may submit their responses until Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. Eastern time. 

According to Federal Procurement Data System records, Booz Allen Hamilton currently provides ITSMP support services to the VA. The company secured contracts from the VA for computer systems design services in January and February.

Previous 1 … 17 18 19 20 21 … 2,639 Next
News Briefing
I'm Interested In:
Recent Posts
  • Lt. Gen. Michele Bredenkamp Takes on NGA Director Role
  • Tom Harker Appointed DOD Deputy CFO
  • Former USDA CIO Gary Washington Named ACT-IAC Chief Strategy Officer
  • Army Secretary Shares Plans to Procure 1 Million Drones, Bolster Domestic Supply Chain
About

ExecutiveGov, published by Executive Mosaic, is a site dedicated to the news and headlines in the federal government. ExecutiveGov serves as a news source for the hot topics and issues facing federal government departments and agencies such as Gov 2.0, cybersecurity policy, health IT, green IT and national security. We also aim to spotlight various federal government employees and interview key government executives whose impact resonates beyond their agency.

Read More >>

RSS ExecutiveBiz
  • Army Selects Anduril’s Lattice for IBCS-M Program
  • Parsons Awarded Coast Guard Contract to Modernize Biometrics System
  • Sonatype Partners With Vertosoft to Strengthen Public Sector Software Supply Chain Security
  • Neros Secures $75M Series B Funding to Expand FPV Drone Production
  • Tricentis Exec Discusses How Automation Is Key to Building Resilient Digital Government Systems
  • Raytheon, Lockheed Martin Partner With Avio to Open US Solid Rocket Motor Facility
RSS GovConWire
  • CBP Plans FY2026 Recompetition for Airbus H125 Configuration, Management
  • Jess Berrellez Named VP of Health IT Strategy & Operations at DLH
  • Arcline to Acquire Novaria Group in $2.2B All-Cash Deal
  • DOD Seeks Industry Input on Upcoming Engineering, Technical Support Contract
  • BigBear.ai Strikes $250M Deal for Ask Sage
  • General Dynamics NASSCO Awarded $1.7B for Two Navy John Lewis-Class Oilers
Footer Logo

Copyright © 2025
Executive Mosaic
All Rights Reserved

  • Executive Mosaic
  • GovCon Wire
  • ExecutiveBiz
  • GovCon Exec Magazine
  • POC
  • Home
  • Acquisition & Procurement
  • Agencies
    • DoD
    • Intelligence
    • DHS
    • Civilian
    • Space
  • Cybersecurity
  • Technology
  • Executives
    • Profiles
    • Announcements
    • Awards
  • News
  • Articles
  • About
  • Wash100
  • Contact Us
    • Advertising
    • Submit your news
    • Jobs
Go toTop