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FCC Exempts 4 Drones From Covered List After Pentagon Review
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Drones. FCC has updated its Covered List to exempt four UAS after DOW determined they do not pose national security risks.

The Federal Communications Commission has updated its Covered List to exempt four uncrewed aircraft systems after the Department of War determined they do not pose national security risks.

FCC Exempts 4 Drones From Covered List After Pentagon Review

As federal agencies refine policies around trusted drones and secure airspace technologies, industry leaders are converging to discuss capabilities and strategies shaping the evolving air and space landscape. Secure your spot at the 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 to connect and exchange insights with government and industry leaders.

FCC said Wednesday the decision marks the first set of “Conditional Approvals” following DOW’s January determination that certain drones and components do not pose national security risks.

The commission’s Covered List is a list of communications equipment and services identified as posing potential risks to U.S. national security and the safety of individuals.

What Are the Newly Exempted UAS?

FCC removed the following systems from its Covered List:

  • Mobilicom’s SkyHopper series, including M Band, tactical data link, controllers and ICE OS3 security software
  • ScoutDI’s Scout 137 uncrewed aircraft system
  • SiFly Aviation’s Q12 UAS
  • Verge’s X1 UAS

In December, FCC added foreign-made drones and critical UAS components to its Covered List following an interagency finding of national security concerns. The designation blocked affected systems from receiving authorization for import or sale of new models in the U.S.

What Is the DOW Determination Regarding Drones, Critical Components?

In January, DOW determined that certain categories of drones and critical components do not present unacceptable national security risks through Jan. 1, 2027.

The determination applies to systems that fall into three categories: platforms on DOW’s Blue UAS Cleared List; drones and UAS components that qualify as “domestic end products” under the Buy American Standard; and UAS and drone components that receive conditional approval.

Companies seeking exemptions must submit required documentation to FCC, which forwards applications to DOW and the Department of Homeland Security for review.

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ODNI Flags Expanding Missile, Cyber Threats to US in New Intelligence Community Report
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Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to Senate on Wednesday

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has warned that missile and cyber threats to the United States are accelerating, posing serious risks to the homeland.

Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence and a 2026 Wash100 awardee, presented the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Wednesday, outlining key risks identified by the intelligence community.

ODNI Flags Expanding Missile, Cyber Threats to US in New Intelligence Community Report

Join government and industry leaders as they discuss how to combat rising cyberthreats at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. The event will feature panels on applying automation and AI in cyber defense and the threat that advancing quantum computing pose on sensitive data. Get your tickets today.

How Are Missile Threats Evolving Worldwide?

According to ODNI, Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan are developing advanced missile systems capable of reaching the U.S. homeland. China and Russia, in particular, are building delivery systems that can bypass missile defenses, while North Korea has already demonstrated intercontinental ballistic missiles that can reach the U.S. Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program may also include ICBMs capable of striking the U.S.

Iran’s remaining missile capability will be determined as the full impact of Operation Epic Fury is assessed.

The total number of missiles threatening the U.S. could grow from more than 3,000 today to over 16,000 by 2035, according to the IC assessment.

“These nations will likely seek to understand US plans for advanced missile defense for the Homeland, probably for the purpose of shaping their own missile development programs and assessing US intentions regarding deterrence,” Gabbard told legislators.

What Are the Risks the US Is Facing in the Cyber Domain?

The report also underscores the growing intensity of cyber threats from both nation-states and nonstate actors. China and Russia remain the most persistent cyber adversaries, but Iran and North Korea continue to pose a threat.

Innovations in artificial intelligence and quantum computers are expected to further accelerate cyber operations. Gabbard noted that cyber actors used AI to carry out data-extortion operations against international government, healthcare and emergency services sectors and religious institutions in 2025. Meanwhile, quantum computing advancements could eventually enable adversaries to break current encryption methods used to protect sensitive government finance and healthcare data. 

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GAO Calls for Updates to National Quantum Strategy
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GAO logo. The Government Accountability Office is urging for updates to the National Quantum Strategy.

The Government Accountability Office is urging updates to the national quantum computing strategy, citing gaps in coordination, performance tracking and agency responsibilities across federal efforts.

For an illuminating panel discussion on the security concerns of quantum and post-quantum cryptography, attend Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21!

What Are the Gaps in the National Quantum Computing Strategy?

According to the GAO report published Wednesday, the current strategic plan developed by the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, or SCQIS, under the National Quantum Initiative Act, does not fully meet the criteria for an effective national strategy.

While it defines purpose and risks, it lacks performance measures to assess progress and does not outline the required resource levels, including infrastructure needs. Planning documents also do not clearly assign roles to participating agencies or integrate their individual implementation plans.

What Are GAO’s Recommendations?

GAO advised the Office of Science and Technology Policy, one of four SCQIS co-chairs, to augment the strategy to fully address the desirable characteristics of a national plan, noting that such updates could strengthen interagency planning and coordination while enabling more efficient use of federal resources, accelerating technology deployment and enhancing oversight of quantum computing initiatives.

Why Did GAO Do the Review?

Quantum computing is among the emerging technologies the government prioritizes, with the potential to transform simulation and optimization and unlock new frontiers in scientific discovery. It could help address complex challenges, such as drug development and sustainable energy, while driving economic growth and solving problems beyond the reach of today’s computers.

The study was conducted to assess how the government is organizing and managing its quantum computing efforts, as well as how it is developing a skilled workforce to support quantum research and development.

GAO Calls for Updates to National Quantum Strategy
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GSA, CAISI Partner to Advance Federal AI Evaluation
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Artificial intelligence. GSA and CAISI signed an MOU to support USAi evaluation needs.

The General Services Administration has partnered with the Center for AI Standards and Innovation to develop approaches to assessing artificial intelligence tools.

The collaboration will support the evaluation needs of USAi, a governmentwide platform designed to help agencies test and adopt generative AI technologies, the National Institute of Standards and Technology said Wednesday. 

GSA, CAISI Partner to Advance Federal AI Evaluation

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22 will examine how federal agencies are adopting and governing AI and other emerging technologies. Register now to hear leaders from government and industry share insights on building trust in AI systems, establishing evaluation frameworks and aligning innovation with mission requirements across the federal enterprise.

What Role Will CAISI Play?

Under a memorandum of understanding with GSA, CAISI will contribute measurement frameworks that allow agencies to assess how AI systems perform in operational settings, including how they handle security, reliability and mission-specific use cases.

It will also support the development of methodologies to evaluate user workflows on the USAi platform, guidelines for pre-deployment assessments and tools to help agencies measure performance after an AI system is deployed. GSA and CAISI will work on other resources that support federal AI procurement and adoption activities.

“We’re at a pivotal time in the AI revolution and this partnership between CAISI and GSA will enable federal agencies to adopt AI in ways that help the American people,” said Craig Burkhardt, acting NIST director and deputy under secretary of commerce for standards and technology.

What Is USAi?

USAi, launched in 2025, provides agencies with a shared environment to experiment with AI tools and compare capabilities. GSA said the platform supports priorities outlined in the administration’s AI Action Plan, which aims to solidify U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence by aligning federal efforts, accelerating technology adoption and optimizing digital infrastructure.

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Space Force Extends Arctic Comms Capability With EPS-R Operational Milestone
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U.S. Space Force logo. USSF announced the operational acceptance of the Enhanced Polar System–Recapitalization.

The U.S. Space Force has moved its Enhanced Polar System–Recapitalization program into operational status, extending secure communications for U.S. and allied forces operating in the Arctic into the mid-2030s.

Space Force Extends Arctic Comms Capability With EPS-R Operational Milestone

Save your spot at the 2026 Air and Space Summit, hosted by the Potomac Officers Club, to hear government and industry stakeholders discuss developments affecting the air and space mission areas. Scheduled for July 30, the event will feature keynote speakers and panel sessions examining service priorities, emerging technologies and collaboration between the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force and the private sector.

What Capabilities Does EPS-R Provide?

EPS-R supports command and control for deployed forces and connectivity for special operations units, combatant commands, and joint operations across land, sea and air domains, Space Systems Command said Wednesday. The system enables the secure transmission of voice, data and multimedia communications, providing increased bandwidth and coverage for operations in the northern polar region compared to the initial EPS payloads.

EPS-R is intended to prevent a gap in Arctic communications as the Space Force transitions to next-generation military satellite communications platforms — the polar variants of the Evolved Strategic SATCOM architecture.

What Infrastructure Supports EPS-R?

The system consists of two extremely high-frequency payloads hosted on Space Norway’s Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission satellites, which launched in 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

It is operated by Space Force units responsible for satellite communications and supported by a Northrop Grumman-led ground segment that manages both legacy and recapitalized systems through a common software baseline.

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Commerce Department Seeks Proposals for Full-Stack AI Export Packages
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DOC seal. The Commerce Department launched a new American AI Exports Program phase and seeks proposals for exporting AI tech.

The Department of Commerce has launched a new phase of the American AI Exports Program, inviting industry-led consortia to submit proposals for exporting full-stack artificial intelligence technologies to allied nations.

What Is Included in the Call for Proposals?

The department said Monday the request for proposals calls for both pre-set and on-demand industry-led consortia. Pre-set groups offer full-stack AI capabilities for ongoing global deployment and serve as standard offerings to allies, while on-demand consortia are formed to address specific opportunities with only the necessary technology stack layers needed for execution.

Industry-led consortia will have 90 days starting April 1 to submit proposals for full-stack AI export packages, including AI-optimized hardware, data center storage systems, models, cybersecurity safeguards and applications for various sectors.

What Support Will Selected Participants Receive?

Following selection, approved consortia may provide AI technologies to trusted international partners. In addition, participants could receive federal support such as priority export license reviews, access to government-backed credit programs and coordinated advocacy through interagency engagement. Further details on the program and submission requirements will be published in an upcoming Federal Register notice.

What Is the American AI Exports Program?

The American AI Exports Program is an initiative intended to expand the global reach of U.S. artificial intelligence technologies. It was launched in October 2025 under an executive order to promote U.S. AI technology exports. The program aligns with the government’s AI Action Plan, which includes more than 90 federal actions focused on accelerating innovation, expanding AI infrastructure and strengthening U.S. leadership in global AI policy and security.

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Gen. Michael Guetlein: DOW Boosts Golden Dome Cost Estimate to $185B
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Michael Guetlein. The Golden Dome director said DOW has increased the missile defense shield’s cost estimate by $10 billion.

Gen. Michael Guetlein, director of the Golden Dome initiative, said the Department of War has increased the program’s cost estimate by $10 billion to $185 billion to speed up the development of space-based capabilities designed to defend the homeland from aerial threats, Breaking Defense reported Tuesday.

Gen. Michael Guetlein: DOW Boosts Golden Dome Cost Estimate to $185B

The discussion around Golden Dome’s expanding scope and space-based priorities comes as defense leaders prepare to convene at a key industry forum this summer. The 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 will bring together government and industry experts to explore emerging capabilities and strategic initiatives shaping the future of air and space defense. Save your spot now!

“We were asked to procure some additional space capabilities, so we are at $185 billion for the objective architecture,” Guetlein, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, said Tuesday at the McAleese Defense Programs conference.

What Are the Other Space Capabilities Being Pursued by DOW?

The Pentagon is advancing several key space-related systems as part of the Golden Dome effort, with a focus on accelerating development timelines. These include the Airborne Moving Target Indication capability, the Space Data Network and the Hypersonic Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor.

Guetlein said accelerating the development of space-based interceptors remains a challenge, noting that the issue is not the technology itself but the ability to scale it affordably.

What Is Golden Dome?

Golden Dome is a homeland defense initiative focused on building a multi-layered system to counter hypersonic, ballistic and cruise threats through advanced sensors, data networks, space capabilities and interceptors.

A U.S. government slide presentation released in August 2025 revealed that the next-generation missile defense shield will have four layers: one will be a space-based sensing and targeting layer to serve as a missile warning and tracking system, while the other three will feature ground-based radar arrays, lasers and missile interceptors.

In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to build the Golden Dome for America, which had an initial cost estimate of $175 billion.

In May 2025, Trump selected Guetlein, then vice chief of space operations, to lead the Golden Dome project.

How Does the MDA SHIELD Vehicle Support Golden Dome?

The Missile Defense Agency has awarded companies positions on the potential 10-year, $151 billion Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense, or SHIELD, contract vehicle through several tranches. In January, 340 companies won spots on the vehicle, expanding the competitive pool to more than 2,400 awardees. 

SHIELD is designed to support a broad range of activities tied to layered homeland defense, including research and development, systems engineering, experimentation, prototyping, modernization and sustainment, with task orders incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled applications.

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OPM Introduces HR Shared Service Center
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Office of Personnel Management logo. OPM launched the HR Shared Service Center to modernize HR service delivery.

The Office of Personnel Management has unveiled the HR Shared Service Center, a governmentwide initiative aimed at modernizing human capital management and streamlining the delivery of HR services across federal agencies.

OPM Introduces HR Shared Service Center

OPM’s launch of a new HR Shared Service Center underscores the broader federal push toward modern, technology-driven operations. Hear from artificial intelligence, cyber and enterprise IT experts and be part of the conversation shaping government technology at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Sign up now!

OPM said Tuesday the center aims to provide agencies with centralized, scalable HR support under a voluntary, fee-for-service model through its evolving fund authority.

“This Shared Service Center is a milestone in our effort to streamline operations, reduce duplication, and deliver high quality service across government. With the expertise and modern HR technology we have at OPM, we are well positioned to make that vision a reality,” said OPM Director Scott Kupor.

What Services Will the HR Shared Service Center Offer?

The HR Shared Service Center will provide a full suite of operational HR services, including benefits administration, staffing, onboarding, performance management, classification and personnel action processing.

In addition, OPM will deliver strategic offerings such as workforce planning, human capital strategy, assessment services and executive development to help agencies align HR functions with mission needs.

How Will the OPM Implement the HR Shared Service Center?

OPM plans to implement the Shared Service Center over an estimated six-month timeline, beginning with a planning phase focused on assessing agency needs, defining success metrics and risks, and establishing communication protocols and funding requirements. The agency will also formalize interagency agreements to support each transition.

The implementation will continue through coordination, onboarding and migration phases, during which OPM and partner agencies will align on requirements, prepare systems and processes, and execute onboarding activities. The final phase will focus on completing migration tasks, conducting performance checks and ensuring a smooth operational handoff.

The effort aligns with the Federal HR 2.0 initiative, which was launched by OPM and the Office of Management and Budget in December. Federal HR 2.0 seeks to consolidate more than 100 outdated federal HR systems into one Core Human Capital Management platform.

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FAA Moves to Single Licensing Framework for Commercial Space Launches
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FAA logo. The FAA’s Part 450 rule consolidates launch and reentry licensing into a single framework.

The Federal Aviation Administration has completed the transition to a streamlined licensing framework for commercial space launch and reentry operations, consolidating approvals under a single rule to reduce regulatory complexity for industry.

Under the updated approach, all commercial space licensing will now fall under Part 450, replacing multiple legacy regulations that previously governed launch and reentry activities, the FAA said Tuesday.

FAA Moves to Single Licensing Framework for Commercial Space Launches

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit, scheduled for July 30, will bring together Air Force, Space Force and industry leaders to discuss evolving priorities across the air and space domains, including regulatory developments, technology adoption and operational challenges shaping the sector. Register now to join the conversation.

What Changes Under Part 450?

The Part 450 rule introduces a performance-based framework that provides operators with greater flexibility in meeting safety requirements while reducing administrative and cost burdens. It allows companies to operate under a single license covering multiple missions, vehicle configurations, and launch or reentry sites, eliminating the need to seek separate approvals for each variation. The rule also reduces the number of licensing actions required over time, enabling operators to scale launch activities more efficiently.

Which Companies Have Transitioned?

Several major commercial space providers transitioned their legacy licenses to Part 450 by the March 9 deadline, including Blue Origin, SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace.

FAA said it has issued 14 licenses under the rule since it took effect in 2021.

How Does This Fit Broader Policy Efforts?

The shift aligns with broader federal efforts to streamline regulations and support growth in the commercial space sector.

A 2025 executive order directed federal agencies to accelerate licensing and environmental reviews, eliminate redundant requirements and improve coordination to support spaceport development and commercial space activity.

In 2024, the FAA took steps to refine the Part 450 rule through an industry-focused advisory committee. It also initiated efforts to modernize internal licensing processes, including exploring automation tools.

Why It Matters for Commercial Space Operations

The move to a single licensing framework reflects the FAA’s effort to adapt oversight to a growing launch market, where operators are conducting more frequent and varied missions.

By reducing regulatory fragmentation and enabling more flexible licensing, the agency aims to support a higher launch cadence while maintaining public safety standards.

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Space Force Unveils New PAE Mission Areas to Accelerate Acquisition
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Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. Meink said the PAE model will empower leaders to deliver mission-critical capabilities faster

The U.S. Space Force has announced six mission areas to be overseen by portfolio acquisition executives, or PAEs. The service said Tuesday that all PAEs will report to the secretary of the Air Force through the space service acquisition executive.

Space Force Unveils New PAE Mission Areas to Accelerate Acquisition

Gain insights into acquisition reforms across the Space Force 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 evolving acquisition requirements and share opportunities for industry to collaborate with the military. Get your tickets today.

What Mission Areas Will the New PAEs Oversee?

The newly designated portfolios are:

  • Infrastructure
  • Battle Management, Command, Control, Communication and Space Intelligence
  • Satellite Communication and Positioning, Navigation and Timing
  • Missile Warning and Tracking
  • Space-based Sensing and Targeting
  • Space Access

Each PAE will be responsible for delivering capabilities within a defined mission area, according to the Space Force. For instance, PAE Infrastructure will focus on delivering data management, training and personnel systems, while the PAE BMC3I will provide data, networks, command and control, and space domain awareness.

“To win in the long run we must innovate faster than our adversaries,” stated Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, a 2026 Wash100 Award winner. “These next six PAEs will allow us to do just that by capitalizing on the right talent, giving them the resources they need and empowering them to deliver mission effective capability to the warfighter faster.”

Tom Ainsworth, who is performing the duties of the Air Force assistant secretary for space acquisition and integration, mentioned three other PAE mission areas that the Space Force has yet to announce. The three PAEs will cover Space Control; Electronic Warfare, Cyber Warfare and Orbital Warfare; and Integration, Breaking Defense reported.

Why Is the Space Force Transitioning to Portfolio Acquisition Executives?

Space Force’s new PAEs align with the Department of the War’s acquisition overhaul to accelerate decision-making and capability delivery. The shift to PAEs reflects the Department of the Air Force’s effort to streamline acquisition and accelerate the delivery of capabilities to warfighters. By moving away from the program executive officer model, the department aims to align authority with responsibility and enable faster decision-making across integrated mission portfolios.

The Air Force previously announced five PEOs overseeing Fighters and Advanced Aircraft; Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management; Nuclear Command, Control and Communications; Weapons; and Propulsion.

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