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Space Force Reassigns GPS III Launch to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Amid ULA Vulcan Review
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SpaceX's Falcon 9. The Space Force selected the launch vehicle to deliver a GPS III satellite

The U.S. Space Force is switching its launch service provider from United Launch Alliance to SpaceX for an upcoming Global Positioning System III national security space launch mission.

The service said Friday that a Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida no earlier than late April to deliver the 10th and final GPS III space vehicle to orbit.

Space Force Reassigns GPS III Launch to SpaceX's Falcon 9 Amid ULA Vulcan Review

Explore the new technologies and defense initiatives that are ensuring the U.S. military maintains an edge over adversaries in the space domain at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. Space Force leaders will be present at the event to discuss opportunities for industry to support American warfighters. Get your tickets for one of the year’s most important GovCon events!

Why Did the Space Force Pause Vulcan’s National Security Missions?

ULA’s Vulcan was scheduled to launch seven national security missions in 2026, but the rocket encountered an anomaly in a Space Force flight in February. Air and Space Forces Magazine reported that, during the USSF-87 mission, ULA observed an issue in one of the Vulcan’s four solid rocket motor boosters. Although the rocket delivered its payloads to orbit, the Space Force paused upcoming military launches on the Vulcan while an investigation into the anomaly is ongoing.

“With this change, we are answering the call for rapid delivery of advanced GPS capability while the Vulcan anomaly investigation continues,” USSF Col. Ryan Hiserote, commander of System Delta 80 and program director for the NSSL system, stated. “We are once again demonstrating our team’s flexibility and are fully committed to leverage all options available for responsive and reliable launch for the nation.”

The Space Force still plans to use the ULA Vulcan rocket to launch the USSF-70 mission in 2028. USSF-70 will carry Northrop Grumman’s satellite refueling port Geosynchronous Auxiliary Support Tanker, or GAS-T.

What Is GPS III?

GPS III satellites are designed to enhance positioning, navigation and timing capabilities for military and civilian users. According to the Space Force, the Lockheed Martin-built satellites provide three times greater positional accuracy and up to eight times improved resistance to jamming compared to earlier GPS systems.

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Pentagon DIB Cybersecurity Chief Stacy Bostjanick to Retire
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Stacy Bostjanick. The DOW chief of DIB cybersecurity will retire federal service by the end of April.

Stacy Bostjanick, chief of defense industrial base cybersecurity in the Department of War’s Office of the Chief Information Officer, will retire from federal service on April 30 after a 37-year career, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

Bostjanick has led DOW’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program in the past six years and helped guide the initiative from its early development through multiple iterations to its current implementation phase.

Pentagon DIB Cybersecurity Chief Stacy Bostjanick to Retire

As the Pentagon prepares for a leadership transition in its CMMC program, attention is turning to what comes next for defense industrial base cybersecurity. Industry and government leaders will explore these evolving priorities at the 2026 Cyber Summit in May. Sign up now to join the conversation.

Sources said Bostjanick is expected to transition to a role in the private sector.

Who Will Succeed Bostjanick?

Buddy Dees, director of the CMMC program management office, is expected to assume leadership of the DIB cybersecurity program on an interim basis, according to sources.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Dees previously served as nuclear command, control and communications portfolio manager at DOW. He also held program management and analyst roles at SAIC and Harris.

He spent three years at the Defense Information Systems Agency, where he served as director of the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration. He also held leadership positions at the U.S. Air Force, including chief of the resources branch and head of future concepts.

Who Is Stacy Bostjanick?

In 1989, Bostjanick began her federal career as a secretary in the applied math branch at the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s White Oak division.

She later moved into contracting and held several acquisition roles across the department, including serving as a senior contracting official at the Missile Defense Agency and as head of contracting at the Defense Intelligence Agency.

Her acquisition experience led her to support the CMMC program in 2018, working with then-DOW CIO Katie Arrington following her involvement in the Protecting Critical Technology Task Force.

“Stacy is truly one of the nation’s greatest national assets. Her knowledge base of how government works and how to make it work for the right things is unparalleled. She will continue to be the heartbeat of the CMMC and ensuring that what is right is done for the right reasons,” Arrington, a previous Wash100 awardee who now serves as CIO at IonQ, told FNN in a statement.

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US, Japan Announce 2nd Tranche of Investments, Unveil Defense & Tech Initiatives
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White House. Trump and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi unveiled a series of economic, energy, defense and technology initiatives.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have announced a series of economic, energy, defense and technology initiatives to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and enhance economic security and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The White House said Thursday the initiatives are aimed at expanding market access for U.S. agriculture, accelerating Japanese investment in U.S. industry and enhancing bilateral cooperation across critical supply chains, energy, emerging technologies and defense.

What Are the US Projects Under the 2nd Tranche of Japanese Investments?

The second tranche includes up to $40 billion from GE Vernova Hitachi to build small modular reactor power plants in Alabama and Tennessee and up to $33 billion in natural gas generation facilities in Pennsylvania and Texas.

The U.S. and Japan will also continue coordination on investment security, with Japan planning to strengthen its inbound investment review processes tied to national security risks.

The previously announced $36 billion commitment under the 2025 U.S.-Japan Strategic Trade and Investment Agreement represents the first tranche and includes a 9.2-gigawatt natural gas facility in Ohio, a deepwater crude export facility in the Gulf of America and domestic synthetic industrial diamond production.

How Could the US-Japan Partnership Strengthen Deterrence & Defense Cooperation?

The U.S. government welcomed Japan’s plans to increase defense spending and expand its capabilities while continuing joint operations with U.S. forces in the region.

The two countries will deploy advanced military capabilities in Japan; build on the 2025 deployment of the Typhon missile system; expand co-production planning for AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles; and increase production of SM-3 Block IIA interceptors in Japan by fourfold.

Japan will also develop a sovereign cloud platform to support secure data sharing and improve bilateral coordination.

How Will the Partnership Advance Science, Tech & Space Initiatives?

The U.S. and Japan signed a statement of intent to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and quantum technologies.

Argonne National Laboratory, RIKEN, Fujitsu and NVIDIA will collaborate under a new agreement to advance computing architectures.

In space, the two countries will support NASA’s Artemis program, with Japan providing a crewed lunar rover; expand cooperation in low Earth orbit and lunar missions; and launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and Martian Moons eXploration mission this year.

The partnership also includes pharmaceutical supply chain resilience and biotech cooperation under the 2025 Technology Prosperity Deal.

In October, the Trump administration outlined a set of U.S.-Japan agreements and investment commitments intended to strengthen cooperation across defense, manufacturing, energy, technology and supply chains.

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DLA’s Adarryl Roberts Discusses AI/ML in Agency’s Digital Transformation
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Adarryl Roberts, chief information officer at the Defense Logistics Agency. Roberts discussed DLA's digital transformation

The Defense Logistics Agency is integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning across its operations as part of a broader effort to strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate digital transformation, according to Adarryl Roberts, DLA’s chief information officer, in an interview published Thursday.

How Is DLA Integrating AI/ML Into Operations?

Roberts, who was a speaker at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Army Summit, said AI is helping unify disparate data sources, enabling faster, more informed decisions and allowing personnel to shift their focus from data collection to mission execution.

DLA's Adarryl Roberts Discusses AI/ML in Agency's Digital Transformation

Hear defense leaders, including Department of War CIO Kirsten Davies, talk about modernization of outdated legacy systems at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. The event will feature panels on AI integration in federal and mission environments. Tickets are still available here.

“Effectiveness and efficiency are bringing those disparate data sources together natively through AI so that our analysts, our procurement specialists, our procurement officers, our human resources representatives and major subordinate commands can focus on mission execution as opposed to data gathering,” Roberts stated.

He also shared that DLA is exploring the concept of a “digital employee” or AI-powered assistants to augment day-to-day tasks and streamline workflows.

Why Is Data Acumen Critical Across the Workforce?

Roberts emphasized that strengthening data acumen across the workforce is a strategic priority for the agency’s digital transformation.

He explained that combining technical expertise with data acumen creates digital acumen, enabling employees to better leverage technology to support secure and resilient supply chains. The agency has introduced training programs, including online courses and academic partnerships, to build a data-literate workforce. He mentioned the agency’s Innovation Navigators Course, which was developed to provide tools to spur innovation.

“Data acumen has now become a base component to be employable in the future, in terms of how we recruit, how we train and how we upscale our workforce,” the CIO added.

DLA Director Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly also highlighted data acumen as the foundation for building tech acumen, which he described as “the competency to confidently navigate and leverage the digital landscape to achieve mission-driven outcomes.” In an article published on the DLA website, he explained that building data acumen and tech acumen better positions DLA to meet future challenges and support defense missions. 

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FedRAMP Seeks Input on Updated Continuous Monitoring Requirements
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FedRAMP logo. FedRAMP requested feedback on proposed updates to Rev5 continuous monitoring requirements.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program is requesting public feedback on proposed updates to continuous monitoring requirements for cloud service providers under its Rev5 security baselines.

The request for comments, open through April 22, focuses on clarifying expectations for how cloud service providers share continuous monitoring data — including vulnerabilities, assessment results and remediation activities — with all federal agency customers, FedRAMP said Thursday.

What Changes Is FedRAMP Proposing?

The draft updates revise the CA-7 continuous monitoring control to standardize reporting and coordination requirements across providers with multiple agency authorizations.

Key changes include removing outdated references to the Joint Authorization Board, requiring independent assessors to flag gaps in meeting the continuous monitoring requirement as high-impact findings and outlining clearer expectations for documenting corrective actions.

The proposal also introduces a detailed blueprint to guide providers in implementing collaborative continuous monitoring.

Why Is FedRAMP Updating the Guidance?

FedRAMP said the revisions are intended to ensure agencies have consistent access to the information needed to maintain ongoing authorizations for cloud services already in use.

The update follows changes introduced under OMB Memorandum M-24-15, which shifted FedRAMP’s operating model and eliminated prior authorization pathways, necessitating alignment of existing guidance with the new framework.

When Would the Changes Take Effect?

FedRAMP plans to integrate these updates into its 2026 consolidated rules by late June. While initial adoption begins upon publication, enforcement will be phased in through the end of the year. Full compliance is expected by 2027, at which point providers failing to meet requirements will face formal remediation.

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DOE CESER Unveils First Strategy Plan to Strengthen Energy Sector Security
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Department of Energy seal. CESER released its five-year strategic plan to protect the energy sector.

The Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, or CESER, has released its inaugural five-year strategic plan to enhance the security and resilience of the U.S. energy sector.

DOE CESER Unveils First Strategy Plan to Strengthen Energy Sector Security

The CESER Strategic Plan highlights the significance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure. Register for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to learn how the government and industry can address escalating cyber threats.

What Are CESER’s Priorities?

The Energy Department said Wednesday its priorities will center on providing industry partners with timely, actionable information to enhance their capabilities to address emerging threats and strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure.

Under the strategic plan, CESER will focus on three core goals. First, it will collaborate with utilities to develop practical, scalable security technologies. Second, it will work on hardening the energy system by implementing cybersecurity measures and physical security protocols to prevent disruptions. The DOE office will also build prototypes designed for rapid recovery from disruptions. The final objective is to oversee emergency preparedness and response efforts for natural disasters, physical threats and cyber attacks.

Alex Fitzsimmons, acting under secretary of energy and director of CESER, stated that collaborating with industry partners will allow the department to safeguard vital energy infrastructure against evolving threats and strengthen U.S. energy security. He also noted that 80 percent of the energy sector is owned or operated by the private sector, Federal News Network reported.

“A lot of those organizations are well resourced, but a lot of them are not. They might have one person working on [operational technology] or IT, not even a dedicated cyber person, but they’re expected to defend their networks against nation state threat actors,” Fitzsimmons said.

What Is CESER?

CESER is a DOE subcomponent established to ensure reliable access to energy amid emerging threats and natural and manmade emergencies. The CESER Strategic Plan aligns with the Trump administration’s national cybersecurity strategy, which emphasizes strengthening protections for critical infrastructure by protecting supply chains and reducing dependence on technology vendors deemed potential security risks.

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ONI Seeks Industry Input on AI Development for Mission-Critical Data Workflows
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ONI seal. The Office of Naval Intelligence is seeking evaluation-driven AI development and delivery suppport.

The Office of Naval Intelligence, or ONI, has issued a sources sought notice for evaluation-driven artificial intelligence development and delivery support to enhance mission-critical data workflows.

ONI Seeks Industry Input on AI Development for Mission-Critical Data Workflows

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 brings together senior Navy leaders and industry executives to explore how emerging technologies, modernization efforts and strategic investments are shaping the future of naval operations. Save your seat today to be part of the conversation.

What Is ONI Seeking From Industry?

According to a notice published Monday on SAM.gov, ONI requests information on vendors capable of delivering AI applications to support analysts’ work in national security missions.

Building on previous Small Business Innovation Research Phase III work and aligning with ONI’s objectives, the contractor will deliver the AI platform in phases, advancing model development through data collection, training and validation.

The company will establish evaluation benchmarks, develop cold-start assessment tools and expand the model to support additional mission areas and data types. The effort also includes building secure data pipelines, ensuring compliance with data standards and preparing deployment packages with full documentation, labeling guidance and onboarding support.

What Maintenance Support Is Required?

The government requires services to support the AI delivery program, including integration and evaluation of AI systems, personnel training, technical data, and repair and maintenance. The contractor will provide a detailed transition roadmap outlining maintenance, updates and post-deployment support to ensure long-term sustainment and a smooth transition into operational use.

Responses to this market survey are due by March 31.

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State Department Opens Applications for Defense Trade Advisory Group
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State Department logo. The State Department seeks experts to join the Defense Trade Advisory Group.

The Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is seeking new members for the Defense Trade Advisory Group, a committee that provides industry input on U.S. defense export policies and regulations.

The State Department said Thursday it is inviting applications from subject matter experts across the defense sector, including representatives from industry, trade associations, academia and research organizations.

DTAG, limited to 50 members, was renewed earlier in March after the agency determined it remains essential to its operations.

What Does the Defense Trade Advisory Group Do?

The group serves as a formal mechanism for the State Department to engage with private sector stakeholders. Its advisory scope covers the regulatory frameworks for defense exports and transfers, including the administration of International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Arms Export Control Act; foreign military sales policy; licensing processes; and updates to the U.S. Munitions List.

DTAG has contributed to recent efforts to streamline compliance and modernize export processes. Its recommendations have supported initiatives to reduce reporting burdens under Part 130 requirements, informed development of compliance tools such as risk assessment frameworks and program guidelines, and provided industry input on updates to the Defense Export Control and Compliance System.

With its renewal, members are expected to provide policy and technical recommendations to support U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, while identifying ways to reduce barriers to legitimate defense exports.

Who Can Apply to DTAG and What Is Required?

DTAG membership is limited to U.S. citizens with demonstrated expertise in defense trade and relevant policy areas. Selected individuals typically serve two-year terms. Members serving as representatives are expected to reflect the views of their organizations.

Applications are due within 15 days of the notice’s publication. The assistant secretary of state for political-military affairs is responsible for appointing, renewing or terminating DTAG members.

2026 Wash100 Popular Vote Heats Up as Leaders Mango & Gray Surge; New Contenders Frazer & Supplee Enter Rankings
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Wash100 Popular Vote Top 10 Leaderboard for week six. Includes Hung Cao, Rubio, Gabbard, Hegseth, Noem, Loeffler

The 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote, now underway for over six weeks,is heating up — and if this week’s shifts are any indication, we’re just getting started.

The Wash100 Popular Vote is an annual contest where the GovCon community can show their support for the most influential government and industry leaders recognized by the prestigious Wash100 Award.

Momentum is building across the board as executives climb the rankings, new contenders enter the race and competition tightens in nearly every tier, setting the stage for even bigger shake-ups in the weeks ahead. Join in on the competition — cast your vote here! 

Who Is Shaping the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote? 

One of the most notable movers this week is Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels, who surged past the 1,000-vote mark to 1,036 votes — a massive jump that solidifies his No. 6 position and puts pressure on the top five.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also posted a strong increase in votes, strengthening his spot on the leaderboard, while SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler continues her steady ascent in the dynamic top 10.

But the biggest shake-up in the top 10 comes from Gen. Michael Guetlein. After sitting outside the upper tier for much of the race, Guetlein rocketed into the top 10 with more than 100 votes this week, overtaking several contenders in a decisive move — one small step for the general, one giant step for the 2026 Wash100 Popular Vote. 

Which Executives Are Making Waves? 

The middle of the leaderboard is where competition is fiercest — and most volatile.

Aretum CEO Rohit Gupta and AT&T Executive Tang Pham remain neck-and-neck, with only a few votes separating them as they battle for the last spot in the top 10. 

The 2025 Wash100 Popular Vote winner, DeEtte Gray, president of U.S. operations at CACI, leaped into 12th, bounding ahead of several peers and advancing her bid for a second consecutive win. 

In a sign of growing momentum, Stephanie Mango, president of CGI Federal, surged in rank this week, moving up two spots to 14th place. The executive has been increasing her position every week this year, as she steadily makes her way toward the top.

Any of these leaders could take over the top 10 in the next week — make sure to cast your vote!

Who Are the New Entrants & Rising Voices?

This week brings fresh energy to the leaderboard, and the new contenders are already making moves.

Immediately gaining ground, Jake Frazer, co-founder and president of Precision Talent Solutions, debuts at No. 26, signaling he’s one to watch.

Entering right behind at No. 27, SAIC’s Barbara Supplee sailed onto the leaderboard, adding even more competition to an already crowded field.

With new names jumping into the rankings and climbing fast, the race is only getting more intense.

Push Your Pick to the Top

The Wash100 Popular Vote is far from decided.

The leaderboard is alive with movement with candidates gaining hundreds of votes week over week, new names constantly entering the race and executives surging into the spotlight.

Every vote is shifting the narrative. Which rising contender will break into the top five?

It all comes down to you

Now is the time to make your voice heard and push your pick up the leaderboard.

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CISA Asks Organizations to Strengthen Endpoint Management Systems
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Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency logo. CISA called for endpoint management system hardening.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has warned of ongoing malicious cyber activity targeting endpoint management systems and urged organizations to strengthen configurations against potential threats.

CISA Asks Organizations to Strengthen Endpoint Management Systems

The latest CISA alert underscores the growing urgency for organizations to strengthen endpoint security and defend against evolving cyberthreats. Timely discussions around cybersecurity strategies continue across government and industry. Reserve your spot at the 2026 Cyber Summit and be part of the conversation on May 21.

The alert follows a March 11 cyberattack on medical technology company Stryker that disrupted its global network and affected its Microsoft environment, CISA said Wednesday.

What Are the Best Practices to Help Strengthen Microsoft Intune Protections?

CISA outlined several measures organizations should adopt to reduce risk and prevent unauthorized activity, including applying least privilege principles and using Microsoft Intune’s role-based access control to limit permissions and scope of access.

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based unified endpoint management platform designed to help IT teams manage and secure applications and devices.

The agency also urged organizations to enforce phishing-resistant multifactor authentication, strengthen privileged access controls using Microsoft Entra ID tools and require multi-admin approval for high-risk actions such as device wipes and configuration changes.

CISA also directed organizations to Microsoft and federal resources for broader guidance on securing Intune, implementing zero trust principles and strengthening identity and access management controls.

What Did Acting CISA Director Nick Andersen Say About Efforts to Address the Cyberattack?

Acting CISA Director Nick Andersen said the agency has been working directly with Stryker alongside federal partners to respond to the incident, Nextgov/FCW reported Tuesday.

“We’ve engaged with them. Our teams have worked with them, as well as some of the FBI teams, and our regional personnel have been engaged with them,” Andersen told reporters after speaking at a McCrary Institute event on Tuesday.

He did not provide additional updates but added that CISA is continuing to work with sector-based industry groups on foreign cyberthreats.

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