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NSRI Secures $500M Strategic Command Contract for Defense R&D Efforts
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USSTRATCOM logo. The U.S. Strategic Command awarded the National Strategic Research Institute a contract for defense R&D.

The U.S. Strategic Command has awarded the National Strategic Research Institute, or NSRI, at the University of Nebraska a $500 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to support defense-focused research and development efforts.

What Does the STRATCOM IDIQ Contract Cover?

The award supports R&D activities to enhance the safety of U.S. forces and preserve the nation’s technological capabilities through rapid-response research, the University of Nebraska said Tuesday. It includes a five-year base period and a five-year option period, enabling federal agencies to issue funded task orders without lengthy procurement processes. The contract also allows NSRI to retain its designation as a University Affiliated Research Center sponsored by USSTRATCOM.

What Research Has NSRI Conducted?

NSRI has focused on strategic deterrence and countering weapons of mass destruction since 2012. Its work spans multiple domains and addresses a wide range of threats. The institute has partnered with more than 50 federal and state agencies, providing research, technology development, training, exercises and expert support, resulting in hundreds of products now used by defense operators and decision-makers.

Past initiatives include electromagnetic operations analysis, acute radiation syndrome prophylactic development, infectious aerosol risk studies and gamma radiation technology assessments. The institute has also provided chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear readiness frameworks and training exercises.

NSRI has previously received three IDIQ contracts from USSTRATCOM, including $107 million in 2020, $92 million in 2018 and $84 million in 2012.

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Navy Restructures SBIR, STTR Programs to Accelerate Technology Transition
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US Navy logo. The Navy is preparing changes to SBIR and STTR programs..

The Department of the Navy is preparing changes to its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs to accelerate the transition of technologies from development to operational use, Federal News Network reported Monday. 

Navy Restructures SBIR, STTR Programs to Accelerate Technology Transition

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Andrew Magliochetti, the Navy’s director of small business programs, said the changes are intended to simplify execution of the programs, increase access to capital and strengthen commercialization outcomes as the service works to transition more capabilities to the fleet.

The updates are expected to align with pending SBIR/STTR reauthorization legislation, which would extend the programs through fiscal 2031 and introduce new requirements tied to proposal limits, workforce training and commercialization incentives.

What Changes Is the Navy Planning?

Magliochetti said the Navy plans to centralize contract execution through a center of excellence, consolidating responsibilities that are currently distributed across multiple organizations.

The service is also looking to move companies through SBIR and STTR phases more efficiently and award larger amounts of capital to support technology maturation and adoption.

In parallel, the Navy is exploring ways to incorporate more private investment alongside government funding to help scale emerging technologies beyond early development.

How Does This Fit Broader Navy Innovation Efforts?

The planned changes build on ongoing efforts to reduce the gap between research and deployment, an area the Navy has been addressing through multiple initiatives.

Programs such as Naval Information Warfare Systems Command’s Catapult have accelerated the development of new capabilities and worked to bridge the so-called “valley of death” for small business innovations.

How Is the Navy Supporting Commercialization?

The Navy continues to expand programs to help small businesses transition technologies into commercial and dual-use markets.

One example is Navy Launch, which provides Phase II awardees with training, advisory support and access to private capital to develop commercialization strategies and pursue opportunities beyond traditional defense customers.

The program includes workshops on customer discovery, product-market fit and intellectual property, as well as forums that connect companies with investors and funding partners.

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DOE Launches $293M Genesis Mission Funding Call for AI-Driven National Challenges
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DOE Under Secretary Darío Gil. The Department of Energy has issued a request for applications under the Genesis Mission.

The Department of Energy has issued a $293 million request for application, or RFA, under the Genesis Mission, inviting interdisciplinary teams to apply artificial intelligence to a range of national science and technology challenges.

What Areas Are Covered by the Genesis Mission Funding Opportunity?

The Energy Department said Tuesday the RFA, titled “The Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI,” calls for proposals addressing 26 challenge areas, covering advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, critical materials, nuclear energy and quantum information science.

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Moreover, the initiative encourages the use of emerging AI models and frameworks to tackle complex research problems tied to energy and scientific advancement. The funding opportunity is open to teams from DOE national laboratories, private industry and academic institutions.

“With these investments, we seek breakthrough ideas and novel collaborations leveraging the scientific prowess of our National Laboratories, the private sector, universities, and science philanthropies,” said Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil and Genesis Mission Director.

How Will Awards Be Structured?

Phase I awards will range from $500,000 to $750,000 for projects lasting nine months. Phase II funding will range from $6 million to $15 million over a three-year period. Applicants may apply directly to either phase during fiscal year 2026, while teams selected for Phase I can later compete for expanded Phase II awards.

The deadline for Phase I applications and Phase II letters of intent is April 28, while Phase II applications must be submitted by May 19.

DOE Launches $293M Genesis Mission Funding Call for AI-Driven National Challenges
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DCMA Selects Craig Morgan to Lead Contracts Directorate
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Craig Morgan. DCMA’s former chief digital and AI officer has been named executive director of its contracts directorate.

The Defense Contract Management Agency has appointed Craig Morgan, most recently its chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, as executive director of its contracts directorate, effective March 22.

DCMA said Friday Morgan will lead DCMA acquisition efforts and oversee the development of policies and processes for contract administration services.

He will also guide the development of training materials, business platforms and the agency’s contributions to federal and defense acquisition reform.

Who Is Craig Morgan?

Morgan is a federal government veteran with over two decades of experience as a U.S. Army officer and a civilian.

He most recently served as DCMA’s CDAO, a position established in July 2023. In that role, he aligned the agency’s analytics, data and optimization efforts with the Department of War’s strategy to modernize infrastructure and strengthen defense readiness.

He has held multiple roles within DCMA, including contract administrator and contracts director.

What Does DCMA Do?

DCMA is a combat support agency that provides administration services for more than 300,000 Department of War contracts. It delivers hundreds of millions of items to the U.S. military each year and offers acquisition insights to inform DOW decisions related to the defense industrial base.

Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, assumed leadership of DCMA after being confirmed by the Senate in October.

In December, DCMA launched a five-year strategic plan as part of efforts to overhaul the agency’s operations to improve acquisition processes and strengthen the defense industrial base.

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Johns Hopkins APL Selects Former Navy Captain Vernon Parks to Lead Sea Control Mission Area
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Vernon Parks, mission area executive at Johns Hopkins APL. Parks will oversee Johns Hopkins APL's sea control mission area

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has appointed former Navy captain Vernon Parks as its sea control mission area executive. In his new role, Parks will oversee efforts to support U.S. Navy and joint service missions, Johns Hopkins APL said Monday.

“CJ’s operational insight, technical acumen and leadership make him exceptionally well qualified to lead sea control at this critical time for the Navy and the Joint Force,” APL Director Dave Van Wie stated. “His prior Navy service and deep understanding of naval and joint operations will be instrumental as we work with our partners to deliver innovative, mission-focused solutions to strengthen maritime deterrence, enhance survivability and ensure U.S. naval forces remain ready to meet emerging threats worldwide.”

Johns Hopkins APL Selects Former Navy Captain Vernon Parks to Lead Sea Control Mission Area

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Who Is Vernon Parks?

Parks brings more than three decades of experience as a submarine and joint officer. During his military career, he commanded the USS Santa Fe and Submarine Development Squadron 12.

He joined APL in 2019 and was named program area manager for submarine warfare in 2021, where he led efforts in submarine security, stealth, sensors and tactical operations.

How Does APL’s Sea Control Mission Area Support Navy Operations?

Sea control is one of APL’s 13 mission areas. It focuses on delivering capabilities designed to project power on, under and above the seas. The organization develops technologies that enhance maritime awareness and force survivability and enable kinetic and non-kinetic effects to deter adversaries and support naval operations.

The laboratory has a long history of supporting Navy programs. It has contributed to the development of the AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band, worked with naval partners on autonomy software for uncrewed surface vessels and deployed additive manufacturing systems aboard ships, such as the USS Bataan, to support expeditionary maintenance. 

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Navy Launches 5 More PAE Offices to Accelerate Capability Delivery
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John Phelan. The Navy secretary commented on the creation of five more PAE organizations.

The Department of the Navy is restructuring its acquisition enterprise by establishing five additional portfolio acquisition executive organizations as part of a push to reduce bureaucracy, accelerate capability delivery and align procurement with operational needs.

Navy Launches 5 More PAE Offices to Accelerate Capability Delivery

The Navy’s shift to a new PAE structure underscores the urgency of faster, more accountable defense procurement. Attend the 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 to join defense leaders and industry executives as they discuss naval modernization efforts and other developments shaping the service’s future priorities. Sign up today to secure your spot!

The Navy said Monday the move formalizes the PAE model as the service’s new acquisition standard and builds on earlier acquisition reform efforts, including the establishment of the DON Rapid Capabilities Office, or DON-RCO, and the creation of a PAE for robotics and autonomous systems in December.

“In a time where our warfighters are on the frontline and the nature of warfare is changing at a rapid pace, the Department of the Navy needs a warfighting acquisition system that better responds to those at the tip of the spear,” said Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.

“Every acquisition decision ties directly to deterrence, and if deterrence fails, decisive victory. With the establishment of PAEs, we are instilling a war-fighting mindset to accelerate delivery to the fight,” added Phelan, a 2026 Wash100 awardee.

Who Will Serve as Interim PAEs?

The Navy has appointed five senior acquisition leaders to serve as interim PAEs.

  • Christopher Miller — PAE Maritime
  • Lt. Gen. Eric Austin — PAE Marine Corps
  • Vice Adm. James Downey — PAE Industrial Operations
  • Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe — PAE/DPRM Strategic Systems Programs
  • Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher — PAE Undersea / DRPM Submarines

Each PAE will act as the single accountable official for their respective portfolio, overseeing program execution and associated acquisition functions.

What Is the Navy PAE Model?

Under the PAE construct, leaders are responsible for making trade-offs across schedule, performance and cost, with priority placed on accelerating time to field. They will also manage industrial base considerations, including supply chain risk, production capacity and supplier diversification.

“PAEs will have direct authority not only for program offices but also over associated technical, contracting, and sustainment functions, providing true cradle-to-grave control to deliver fully integrated capability,” said Jason Potter, who is performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, or ASN(RDN). “We are moving from a compliance-based bureaucracy to having outcome-focused organizations, fundamentally changing how we do business.”

Each PAE organization will include a dedicated rapid capability cell linked to the DON-RCO. These cells will focus on conducting rapid prototyping, integrating commercial technologies and accelerating fielding in response to urgent operational requirements.

“Each PAE will operate with a digital first mind-set – we will align on data and eliminate non-value-added layers of program reviews and bureaucracy to identify risks earlier and enable faster and more informed decision making,” said Vice Adm. Seiko Okano, principal military deputy to ASN(RDA).

The Navy is also continuing transition studies across aviation, industrial infrastructure, mission systems and munitions programs, with additional organizational updates expected.

How Does the Navy PAE Model Align With DOW Acquisition Reform Effort?

The Navy’s PAE model, which supports a key tenet of Phelan’s Golden Fleet initiative, aligns with the Department of War’s effort to transition toward a warfighting acquisition system by emphasizing speed, accountability and operational outcomes, while empowering leaders to make faster, data-driven decisions across portfolios.

The Department of the Air Force is also transitioning to the PAE structure as part of its shift to the warfighting-focused acquisition model. 

In November, the Army created six PAEs as part of an acquisition reorganization. 

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PNNL, NVIDIA to Integrate GPU Acceleration to Quantum-Classical Computing
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Quantum computing. PNNL has partnered with NVIDIA to integrate GPU acceleration to quantum-classical computing.

The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has partnered with NVIDIA to develop an open-source framework that connects open-source graphics processing unit, or GPU, acceleration to quantum-classical computing using the NVIDIA NVQLink platform.

What Is the Purpose of the PNNL Framework?

PNNL said Monday the framework is designed to expand access to advanced quantum research capabilities by lowering barriers for scientists and engineers. Announced at NVIDIA GTC 2026, the initiative enables more detailed exploration of quantum control and measurement than is typically possible through cloud-based services.

How Does the Framework Work?

The research team is integrating NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips with a field-programmable gate array, or FPGA-based measurement and control system. FPGAs are reconfigurable logic devices used in quantum instrumentation kits for fast signal processing. By linking GPUs directly, the system enables high-throughput computing with minimal delay, a critical factor for quantum experiments where timing and rapid data processing are essential.

How Does the Integration Support Quantum Experimentation?

Connecting directly to GPUs enables high-throughput computing to handle complex calculations while reducing delay. This close integration is important for quantum experiments, where precise timing and fast data processing are critical. The approach also offers a practical way to test and refine near-term quantum systems, with potential benefits for both scientific research and industry use.

PNNL project lead Sam Stein said the NVQLink platform, an open system architecture that integrates GPU computing with quantum processors, leverages high-performance classical GPUs to handle the intensive real-time computing demands of quantum processors.

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White House Launches Task Force to Combat Fraud in Federal Benefit Programs
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White House seal. President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a new interagency body tasked with coordinating efforts to address fraud, waste and abuse across federal benefit programs, the White House said in a fact sheet published Monday.

What Are the Primary Objectives of the Task Force?

The order instructs the task force to lead a nationwide effort to combat fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs such as housing, food, healthcare and financial assistance. It will oversee stronger eligibility checks, introduce preventive pre-payment controls, identify emerging fraud risks and break up organized fraud schemes.

The group will also establish baseline anti-fraud standards, such as identity verification, documentation, risk management and auditing. Member agencies will create measurable implementation plans.

Who Will Lead the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud?

The vice president will chair the task force, supported by the Federal Trade Commission chair serving as vice chair. The assistant to the president for homeland security will act as a senior adviser while day-to-day operations will be managed by an executive director. Cabinet secretaries and agency heads will participate as members.

Building on Previous Anti-Fraud Initiatives

This task force builds on recent administration efforts to strengthen anti-fraud enforcement, including executive orders issued in March 2025 that expanded data access and enhanced the Treasury Department’s ability to detect improper payments. In January 2026, a new Department of Justice fraud enforcement division was also established to coordinate investigations and disrupt fraud schemes.

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NGA Seeks Industry Input for Mercury Contract Supporting GEOINT Systems
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NGA logo. NGA has issued an RFI for the potential Mercury contract.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has issued a request for information to identify industry partners capable of sustaining and modernizing mission-critical analytic systems supporting geospatial intelligence operations.

According to a notice posted by NGA on SAM.gov on Thursday, the agency intends to award a contract, called Mercury, to support NGA’s analysis mission and the Analytic Services Production Environment for the NSG program of record through lifecycle management of software, applications and data environments used across the intelligence community and the Department of War. Mercury is planned as a follow-on to the Chinook contract with a similar scope.

NGA Seeks Industry Input for Mercury Contract Supporting GEOINT Systems

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit, scheduled for April 22, will highlight how agencies like NGA are advancing modernization across mission-critical systems. Government and industry leaders will share insights on integrating AI, cloud and advanced analytics into operational environments, with discussions focused on sustaining legacy capabilities while accelerating the adoption of next-generation technologies. Register now.

What Is NGA Asking Industry to Provide?

NGA is seeking contractors capable of maintaining existing analytic systems while rapidly integrating new and unanticipated capabilities as mission requirements evolve.

The agency is also requesting feedback on acquisition strategies that would support mission-responsive delivery, including contract structures that can accommodate changing requirements, emerging technologies and evolving mission priorities.

What Work Would the Mercury Contract Support?

According to a draft performance work statement, Mercury requires systems engineering and integration, software development, operations support, maintenance and cybersecurity, among other end-to-end lifecycle support services.

Work will support both existing and emerging systems, with an emphasis on transitioning new capabilities into operations, sustaining cross-project technologies and enabling continuous modernization across NGA’s analytic environment.

Mercury is expected to support a range of applications, including cloud-based data environments, computer vision tools and artificial intelligence-enabled analytic platforms used to process and analyze geospatial intelligence.

How Might NGA’s Mercury Contract Be Structured?

NGA is considering flexible acquisition approaches, including a potential indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with one or multiple vendors to support varying levels of demand and specialized expertise.

The agency is evaluating a performance period of at least five years, with work expected to take place at NGA facilities and contractor locations. The effort may require personnel and facilities capable of operating at high classification levels, including top secret/sensitive compartmented information environments.

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CDC Unveils AI Strategy to Improve Operations, Disease Detection & Response
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logo. CDC issued a new AI Strategy to advance public health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published on Friday an artificial intelligence strategy aimed at accelerating disease detection and response and enhancing public health operations.

CDC’s AI Strategy aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services’ plan issued in December to improve healthcare delivery, public health and human services, biomedical research, and agency operations through responsible AI adoption.

CDC Unveils AI Strategy to Improve Operations, Disease Detection & Response

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How Will CDC Use AI to Advance Public Health?

Covering fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the strategy identifies four pillars to guide AI deployment to advance public health. The pillars are: accelerating AI adoption to support public health, strengthening governance and public trust, advancing enterprise data platforms, and empowering an AI-ready workforce.

Under its first pillar, CDC plans to integrate AI into public health workflows to enhance prevention, detection and response to infectious diseases and emerging threats. The agency said it will also explore agentic AI systems to support adaptive automation, improve data-sharing and integration, and accelerate access to critical information.

To strengthen governance and public trust, CDC will implement risk-based oversight and ensure compliance with federal privacy and security requirements, including the Federal Information Security Modernization Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

To integrate AI into enterprise data platforms, CDC said it will invest in scalable, secure and interoperable infrastructure to accelerate scientific discovery.

CDC also aims to build an AI-ready workforce by expanding training, upskilling and recruitment efforts. The agency will work with partners to promote AI fluency across its workforce and establish best practices for training, governance and use of emerging technologies.

What Is CDC’s Guidance on Agentic AI Research in Public Health?

The AI Strategy follows CDC’s release of a new resource that identifies considerations for using agentic AI tools to support early-stage research and public health decision-making. The agency said agentic research tools can autonomously conduct multi-step research, analyze information from multiple sources and generate citation-based reports.

However, the agency emphasized that human oversight remains essential, noting that AI outputs should be reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, scientific integrity and compliance with privacy and security requirements.

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