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OMB Memo Calls for Risk-Based Approach to Software Security
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Office of Management and Budget logo. OMB’s new memo calls for agencies to adopt a risk-based approach to software security.

The Office of Management and Budget has issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to adopt a risk-based approach to software and hardware security by implementing secure development principles and comprehensive risk assessments.

OMB Memo Calls for Risk-Based Approach to Software Security

As federal guidance on software and hardware security continues to evolve, stakeholders across government and industry are closely watching how these changes may shape future priorities. To connect with peers and stay engaged in broader cybersecurity discussions, register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21.

Why Did OMB Rescind the Previous Software Security Policies?

In a memo published Friday, OMB Director Russell Vought ordered the rescission of two prior OMB policies, stating that they prioritized compliance over security and imposed burdensome software accounting requirements.

OMB Memorandum M-22-18, introduced by the previous administration in September 2022, sought to strengthen the software supply chain through secure software development practices. However, Vought said the policy “diverted agencies from developing tailored assurance requirements for software and neglected to account for threats posed by insecure hardware.”

OMB also rescinded a companion policy, Memorandum M-23-16, issued in June 2023. That memo reaffirmed secure software development practices and extended deadlines for agencies to collect security attestations from software providers.

What Software & Hardware Security Actions Does the OMB Memo Require?

According to the latest OMB guidance, agencies should continue to maintain complete inventories of their software and hardware and develop assurance policies and processes that align with their risk determinations and mission needs.

Agencies may choose to use the Secure Software Development Attestation Form and other governmentwide resources established under M-22-18.

The memo also allows agencies to incorporate contractual terms requiring software producers to provide a current software bill of materials upon request.

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NIST Seeks Public Comments on OT Cybersecurity Guide Update
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NIST logo. NIST is seeking public comment on proposed updates to its Guide to Operational Technology Security.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released an initial preliminary draft of Special Publication 800-82 Revision 4, launching a public comment period as part of its effort to update federal guidance on operational technology, or OT, cybersecurity.

NIST Seeks Public Comments on OT Cybersecurity Guide Update

Get your tickets to the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to hear government and industry leaders address evolving cyber threats.

Why Is NIST Revising Special Publication 800-82?

The agency intends to update Special Publication 800-82, or the Guide to Operational Technology (OT) Security, to reflect lessons learned, ensure consistency with related NIST guidance and account for the evolving OT cybersecurity threat environment, NIST said Thursday. Comments on the planned revision are due Feb. 23.

What Changes Is NIST Proposing?

NIST is considering expanded guidance for different OT systems, including building automation, transit and maritime systems. The proposed revision would also introduce updated guidance on the use of emerging technologies in OT environments, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, behavioral anomaly detection, digital twins, Internet of Things, zero trust architectures, cloud services, edge computing, 5G and advanced wireless technologies.

The agency also plans to update the OT threat landscape to reflect current vulnerabilities, incidents, standards and recommended cybersecurity practices, including recent activities in OT cybersecurity and updates to capabilities, tools and mitigations.

In addition, the proposed update would reorganize several appendices by moving Appendix F, the OT Overlay, into a standalone document and relocating Appendices C, D and E, which address threats, vulnerabilities, incidents, organizations, research, activities and security tools, to web-based resources. NIST is also considering removing outdated or no longer relevant content.

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Space Force Wants to Establish Pool of Vendors for RG-XX GEO Satellites
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Col. Byron McClain, program executive offer at Space Systems Command. McClain shared RG-XX acquisition plans

The U.S. Space Force is seeking companies interested in joining a pool of qualified vendors capable of designing and building its fleet of neighborhood watch satellites in geosynchronous orbit called the Geosynchronous Reconnaissance & Surveillance Constellation, or RG-XX, Breaking Defense reported.

How Will the Space Force Acquire the RG-XX Satellites?

Col. Byron McClain, program executive officer for Space Combat Power at Space Systems Command, told reporters that the Space Force will set up an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract that will enable the service to procure capabilities every year based on available funding.

Space Force Wants to Establish Pool of Vendors for RG-XX GEO Satellites

Explore the new technologies and initiatives that ensure U.S. superiority 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 meet industry partners and to participate in insightful discussions about the capabilities guardians need to stay ahead of adversaries. Get your tickets here. 

He added that a flexible acquisition approach is necessary because the Space Force has not determined how many satellites will be needed to create RG-XX.

“The quantity will be based off of a couple of factors,” revealed McClain, “the cost of the individual systems that we get, [but also] available funds and the mission need.”

SSC posted in early January a request for competitive proposals for the IDIQ, nicknamed Andromeda. According to the solicitation notice, the command wants companies that provide technologies and space-based systems that enable space domain awareness.

Proposals are due on Feb. 12. Defense Daily reported that SSC may begin awarding contracts by March.

What Is the Space Force’s Plan for the RG-XX Satellite Constellation?

RG-XX is the planned successor of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, or GSSAP, a satellite constellation that collects for tracking and characterizing man-made objects in orbit. The GSSAP satellites lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in July 2014 and became fully operational in September 2027.

Compared to GSSAP, RG-XX satellites will be more maneuverable and will be capable of refueling in orbit, McClain shared.

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NASA, GE Aerospace Validate Hybrid Aircraft Engine Under HyTEC Program
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A GE Aerospace Passport engine. GE Aerospace and NASA teamed up to develop a hybrid engine

Researchers from NASA and GE Aerospace have conducted a power extraction test of a hybrid aircraft engine being developed under the space agency’s Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core, or HyTEC, program.

During the test, the team fired up a modified Passport engine at a level that can power an airliner at GE Aerospace’s Peebles Test Operation site in Cincinnati, Ohio, NASA said Monday.

What Happened During NASA’s Hybrid Engine Demonstration?

The test was the first time that the NASA-GE Aerospace team demonstrated an integrated system. Previous tests assessed the performance of engine components, including electric motors and power system controls.

“They had to integrate equipment they’ve never needed for previous tests like this,” shared Laura Evans, acting HyTEC project manager at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

GE Aerospace’s Passport is equipped with an electric motor and generators in a gas turbine engine. It is capable of extracting energy during different phases of operation.

The company said the engine exceeded NASA’s technical performance benchmarks. The space agency added that the researchers now have real data to determine how to integrate the technology into aircraft.

“Our latest milestone successfully demonstrated a narrowbody hybrid electric engine architecture that doesn’t require energy storage to operate,” Arjan Hegeman, vice president of future of flight for GE Aerospace, shared. “It’s a critical step to making hybrid electric flight a reality for commercial aviation with technologies that meet customer needs for greater efficiency, durability, and range.”

What Is HyTEC’s Goal?

NASA’s HyTEC program aims to develop a hybrid engine that burns 10 percent less fuel compared to 2020 best-in-class turbofan engines and meet the aviation industry’s sustainability goals.

GE Aerospace is working on the program under a cost-sharing contract.

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DOW Task Force Issues Updated Counter-UAS Guidance for Homeland Installations
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Drone swarm. JIATF-401 has issued updated counter-UAS guidance.

The Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 401, a specialized Department of War organization, has released updated guidance governing how military installation commanders detect, assess and respond to unmanned aerial system threats within the homeland, expanding authorities and clarifying procedures under existing law.

What Does the New JIATF 401 Guidance Change?

The guidance, signed Dec. 8, 2025, by Secretary of War and Wash100 awardee Pete Hegseth, consolidates and updates counter-UAS policy under Title 10 authorities, replacing earlier directives, the DOW said Monday. It removes previous limitations that tied defensive action strictly to installation boundaries, allowing commanders to act across a broader protective area when addressing unmanned aircraft threats.

“With this new guidance installation commanders are empowered to address threats as they develop, and the guidance makes clear that unauthorized drone flights are a surveillance threat even before they breach an installation perimeter,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF-401 director.

What New Authorities Are Granted to Commanders and Services?

The guidance authorizes service secretaries to designate covered facilities or assets based on risk assessments and permits them to delegate that authority to service chiefs. It also directs installation commanders to issue local operating procedures within 60 days to align with the updated policy.

How Does the Guidance Address Interagency Coordination?

The policy incorporates provisions from the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that allow for expanded information-sharing among federal partners, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, regarding unmanned aircraft activity. It also permits the use of trained and certified contractor personnel to support counter-UAS operations.

JIATF-401 will support implementation of the guidance by providing training resources through the Joint Counter-Small UAS University and facilitating access to validated counter-UAS technologies.

The task force, led by the U.S. Army, was created in 2025 to consolidate counter-UAS authorities and accelerate development, acquisition and fielding of capabilities across the department.

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Congress’ FY26 DOW R&D Budget Boost: Essential GovCon News
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Congress. Legislation in Congress would boost the DOW's RDT&E budget for FY 2026.
  • Critical spending legislation moving through Congress would increase the Pentagon’s RDT&E budget by $6.5 billion
  • It would also increase the Pentagon’s overall budget by $8.4 billion
  • Join the conversation on what the extra money would mean for the DOW at the 2026 Defense R&D Summit this Thursday—Jan. 29!

Critical must-pass spending legislation moving through Congress would boost the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2026 research, development, test and evaluation budget by $6.5 billion to a total of $148 billion, according to the compromise bill produced by the House and Senate appropriations committees.

The money, combined with the $37 billion in RDT&E money provided in FY 2026 from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law in 2025, would total a whopping $185 billion for the DOW in RDT&E funds this fiscal year. In comparison, the DOW received $141 billion for RDT&E in FY 2025.

Are you a GovCon technology executive? Then you cannot afford to miss the 2026 Defense R&D Summit this Thursday, Jan. 29—it’s designed specifically for you! Get the latest partnership opportunities directly from top DOW officials like Dr. Thomas Rondeau, principal director for FutureG. Spark collaborations with other GovCon titans and score that big contract. Tickets are running out—get yours now!

The bill would boost the Pentagon’s overall budget by $8.4 billion from the $830 billion it requested, according to Breaking Defense. The House passed the full year, defense, labor, Health and Human Services, education and Housing and Urban Development bill on Jan. 22. The legislation must be signed into law by President Trump by Jan. 30 before FY25 funding expires.

What Programs Will Benefit From the FY2026 RDT&E Boost?

Many key defense RDT&E programs will benefit from the extra money included in the conferenced spending bill. The Navy’s new fighter jet, F/A-XX, received $897 million more than the service requested in its FY26 budget.

The bill also provides roughly $26 billion overall for the Space Force. Combined with the $14 billion provided in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act from mid 2025, the service is set to receive about $40 billion in FY 2026, which is nearly twice as much as it received five years ago, according to Space News.

The legislation adds an additional $642 million to the Space Force acquisition budget, raising the service’s acquisition funds to more than $4 billion. Industry operators of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance spacecraft will benefit from $169 million for the Space Force to acquire services and products from commercial companies. This is an additional $132 million from the service’s roughly $37 million budget submission.

How Is the DOW Investing in C-UAS?

The appropriations committees, in their joint explanatory statement, directed Secretary of War and Wash100 Award winner Pete Hegseth to submit a report on counter unmanned aerial system RDT&E activities taking place throughout the department. The committees are concerned about the growing threat posed by drones, including loitering munitions and other advanced capabilities, to jeopardize national security. The DOW recently started a campaign to procure counter small UAS, or C-sUAS, capabilities.

Explore the details of Pentagon RDT&E spending at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit this Thursday—Jan. 29. Attend our multiple panels on how the DOW wants to use this increase in RDT&E funding to help critical emerging capabilities get through the perilous “valley of death” and into operators’ hands. Get your ticket today!

The committees commended the Navy on its big investment in the defense industrial base, especially in shipbuilding. It congratulated program managers who are leveraging commercial tools like off-the-shelf supply chain management software for their willingness to innovate.

The committees urged Navy Secretary John Phelan to evaluate enterprise-wide opportunities to use and scale firm-fixed-price COTS defense acquisition software-as-a-service. The goal is to fix consistent cost and schedule challenges that impact weapon systems through their lifetimes.  

The appropriations news comes on the heels of President Trump announcing he wants a $1.5 trillion defense budget for FY 27. The president, in a Truth Social post, said this increase in military spending would be offset by the income created through tariffs.

Congress’ FY26 DOW R&D Budget Boost: Essential GovCon News
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Deltek’s Kevin Plexico Offers Thought Leadership on Measuring Contractor Success Ahead of Summit Appearance
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Kevin Plexico. The Deltek SVP will moderate a panel at the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit on Feb. 26.
  • Kevin Plexico’s latest column on how President Trump is redefining defense contractor success in his second term is a must-read for GovCons
  • The six-time Wash100 Award winner and Executive Mosaic GovCon Expert gives sensible advice for contractors to succeed under these new contracting rules
  • Witness Plexico’s thought leadership live when he moderates a panel at the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit on Feb. 26!

Kevin Plexico’s latest column on how defense contractor performance will be measured in President Trump’s second term hits home for many GovCons. The Deltek senior vice president for information solutions, a six-time Wash100 Award winner and one of Executive Mosaic’s GovCon Experts, discusses how publicly traded defense contractors perform a difficult balancing act in prioritizing solid financial results as much as performance.

This balancing act is getting even greater attention from President Trump following his Jan. 7 executive order, Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting. Trump, in this executive order, declares that performance must be prioritized and that contractors who don’t meet this new expectation can expect to suffer consequences.

Plexico provides sensible guidance for GovCon Wire readers so they can stay in the president’s good graces.

  • Boost visibility into business processes
  • Invest in your business
  • Create new compensation milestones, like risk reduction
  • Get ready for recovery before it’s needed

Who Is Kevin Plexico?

GovCon Wire readers trust Plexico for his exclusive insight and expertise into today’s turbulent contracting ecosystem. As SVP for information solutions, he directs overarching research, analysis and specification development for customers in the GovCon and architecture, engineering and construction industries.

He also supervises the production of GovWin, Deltek’s government market information and research service. On Feb. 26, readers can hear directly from Plexico at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit!

Witness Plexico’s thought leadership in person when he moderates the Leading the Shift: CEOs at the Crossroads of Innovation and Integration panel. He’ll be joined by other titans of GovCon, including QinetiQ US’ Tom Vecchiolla, Capgemini Government Solutions’ Dan Ford and CGI Federal’s Stephanie Mango. Get your pressing questions answered by the best and brightest minds in GovCon and get the scoop on strategies that will define the future of government services, technologies and federal mission success. Secure your seat today!

Deltek’s Kevin Plexico Offers Thought Leadership on Measuring Contractor Success Ahead of Summit Appearance
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Navy Completes ERP System Migration
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The Department of the Navy seal. DON completed its migration to the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning system.

The Department of the Navy has completed its migration to the Navy Enterprise Resource Planning system, marking a reportedly major milestone in modernizing the service’s financial and business operations.

Navy Completes ERP System Migration

As the Navy completes its ERP system migration, senior leaders continue to focus on strengthening readiness and decision-making across the force. Those priorities will take center stage at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27, where officials and industry leaders will discuss the future of naval operations and innovation. Save your spot to join the conversation.

DON said Friday Navy ERP now supports nearly 100,000 users and helps the service manage billions of dollars in resources.

The final phase of the migration included U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet and the commander of the Navy Reserve Forces Command. With the transition complete, the Navy has unified finance, logistics, supply chain and other core business functions under one enterprise system.

According to the department, the migration could help the service improve fleet readiness and strengthen its strategic advantage.

What Did Senior Leadership Comment About the Navy ERP Migration?

Alaleh Jenkins, currently performing the duties of assistant secretary of the Navy, financial management and comptroller, highlighted the importance of the achievement and the collaboration behind it.

“Having an agile systems environment and a unified resource planning system allows the Navy to act quickly on investments, make the best use of taxpayers’ dollars, deliver unmatched capabilities to our warfighters, and make decisions necessary to equip and sustain the fleet,” Jenkins said.

What Is Navy ERP?

Navy ERP is the Navy’s cornerstone financial and business management system. It integrates finance, supply chain and logistics functions into a single enterprise platform, consolidating legacy systems and automating processes. The system is designed to allow personnel to focus on higher-value work while providing leaders with real-time information to accelerate decision-making.

The system comprises nine end-to-end business scenarios, including acquire to dispose; plan to perform; plan to pay; budget to authorize; repair to replenish; plan to maintain; and personnel check in to check out.

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Former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady Named Special Counsel at HHS
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HHS Special Counsel Scott Brady. The Department of Health and Human Services has appointed Scott Brady a special counsel.

Former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady has been appointed special counsel in the Department of Health and Human Services Office of General Counsel.

Former U.S. Attorney Scott Brady Named Special Counsel at HHSJothi Dugar will represent the Department of Health and Human Services at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Feb. 12, joining government and industry leaders to discuss healthcare IT, user experience and partnership opportunities across federal health agencies. Register now!

Who Is Scott Brady?

Brady is a seasoned legal executive and will focus on advancing the agency’s anti-fraud initiative, HHS said Thursday. He previously served as chief compliance officer at Wabtec and as a partner at Jones Day. Before that, he served at the Department of Justice as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania for four years, leading major healthcare fraud prosecutions and launching the nation’s first joint federal-state COVID-19 Fraud Task Force.

His career includes six years as an assistant U.S. attorney, a clerkship with U.S. District Judge Thomas Hardiman and work as an associate at Reed Smith, following earlier international humanitarian roles with World Vision International and Shelter Now International.

What Did Mike Stuart Say About Brady’s Appointment?

HHS General Counsel Mike Stuart praised Brady’s appointment as special counsel, saying, “This marks a decisive escalation in our mission to protect American taxpayers. We are launching the most formidable anti-fraud initiative in the history of HHS to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that those who steal from the public face the full weight of federal law.”

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Pentagon Selects Stratolaunch, Varda for Hypersonic Test Bed Task Area 3
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Pentagon. TRMC and NSWC Crane selected Stratolaunch and Varda to support Task Area 3 under the MACH-TB 2.0 program.

The Department of War’s Test Resource Management Center, or TRMC, and Naval Surface Warfare Center, or NSWC, Crane Division have selected Stratolaunch and Varda Space Industries to support Task Area 3 under the second iteration of the Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed, or MACH-TB 2.0, program.

Pentagon Selects Stratolaunch, Varda for Hypersonic Test Bed Task Area 3

As the Pentagon continues to expand hypersonic testing and development efforts through programs like MACH-TB 2.0, defense leaders are gathering to discuss what comes next for research, development and innovation. The Potomac Officers Club will host the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29, bringing together government and industry experts to examine emerging technologies and acquisition priorities shaping the future force. Sign up now!

The National Security Technology Accelerator said Thursday the Task Area 3 contract was awarded through the NSWC Crane-sponsored Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems other transaction authority agreement.

According to NSTXL, the selection advances the MACH-TB 2.0 initiative by expanding hypersonic flight testing beyond traditional missile-based approaches.

What Is the Scope of MACH-TB 2.0 Task Area 3?

Task Area 3 focuses on reusable, recoverable and innovative, or RRI, hypersonic flight test solutions. Under the award, Stratolaunch and Varda will provide reusable or recoverable test and launch vehicles, as well as perform RRI launch services.

Task Area 3 is designed to work in coordination with Task Area 2, which will focus on providing additional hypersonic test capabilities once awarded.

TRMC and NSWC Crane view RRI test platforms as a key enabler for meeting the Pentagon’s goal of conducting 50 hypersonic flight tests per year.

“This award marks an important milestone in advancing the nation’s hypersonics testing ecosystem. By expanding into reusable and recoverable flight test solutions, MACH-TB 2.0 is enabling faster, more affordable, and data-rich testing that will accelerate innovation across the hypersonics community,” said Tony Kestranek, vice president of S2MARTS at NSTXL.

What Is MACH TB?

The Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed is a Pentagon program designed to accelerate the testing of hypersonic technologies.

TRMC launched the MACH-TB program to build an affordable hypersonic flight test bed designed to rapidly boost hypersonic flight test capacity. The program leverages commercial launch service providers to support scalable testing.

In late 2024, MACH-TB 2.0 kicked off with the award of Task Area 1 to Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, which is leading engineering, integration and testing efforts for the program. Kratos announced that it secured a five-year, $1.45 billion contract for Task Area 1 under the MACH-TB 2.0 program.

In May 2025, TRMC and NSWC Crane completed two flight tests for a reusable hypersonic vehicle.

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