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Army Awards ERIS Prototyping Contracts to Advance EW Capabilities
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US Army. Pacific Defense Strategies, SRC and Herrick Technology Laboratories were awarded Army contracts to prototype ERIS.

The U.S. Army has selected Pacific Defense Strategies, SRC and Herrick Technology Laboratories to develop prototypes of the Electromagnetic Warfare Rapid Integration System, or ERIS, under separate contracts. One of the prototypes will continue to the second phase of the program for an operational demonstration, the Army said Friday. Army Awards ERIS Prototyping Contracts to Advance EW Capabilities

Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18 to gain new insight into how top officials are working to efficiently and effectively deliver on the Army’s 2030 goals. 

What Is the ERIS Program?

The ERIS program, led by the Capability Program Executive Office for Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare, or CPE ISW, aims to counter advanced radio frequency threats. It will explore how modular electromagnetic warfare capabilities can be deployed via air, ground and autonomous platforms to enable the military branch to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum during high-intensity, contested operations.

The program aligns with the Army’s Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Characteristics of Need, which prioritizes flexible, rapidly deployable capabilities to address evolving threats.

How Does ERIS Accelerate Acquisition?

The ERIS effort marks the CPE ISW’s first use of the Army’s open solicitation and commercial solutions opening authority, which provides an acquisition pathway intended to speed access to commercial technologies.

“The Commercial Solutions Opening plays an important role in our efforts to modernize and accelerate acquisition,” said Brent Ingraham, assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology. 

“The ERIS program exemplifies this approach in action, demonstrating our commitment to equipping the force with advanced capabilities needed to outpace our adversaries,” he added.

The prototyping effort comes as the Army increases investment in electromagnetic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities. In its fiscal year 2027 budget request, the Army allocates funding for key systems, including the Terrestrial Layer System Manpack, a dismounted electronic attack tool for detecting and disrupting enemy signals.

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FAS Undergoes Restructuring to Optimize Acquisition Workforce, Advance Procurement Consolidation
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GSA seal. FAS has undergone restructuring to strengthen the acquisition workforce.

The General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service has implemented a new organizational structure in an attempt to strengthen the acquisition workforce and align operations with federal procurement consolidation efforts, in support of two executive orders issued in 2025.

How Is FAS Restructuring Its Operations?

Under the new model, FAS operations are consolidated into five distinct offices, each dedicated to specific functions: assisted acquisition, centralized acquisition, acquisition solutions development, shared service delivery and business optimization, GSA Deputy Administrator Michael Lynch said in a blog post published on the agency’s site on Friday. GSA also established a new office focused on accelerating automation and the adoption of artificial intelligence.

The creation of the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services within FAS was already announced in 2025. Its responsibilities include overseeing the government’s procurement of common goods and services valued at nearly $500 billion annually.

According to Lynch, the reorganization is designed to provide contracting professionals with improved tools, training and organizational support to enhance performance and accountability.

What Does This Mean for Agencies and Industry?

The changes will not immediately affect customer agencies or vendor partners, and existing programs and contract vehicles will continue to operate as usual.

The agency noted that the restructuring is intended to improve internal alignment and long-term outcomes without disrupting current acquisition processes.

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NGA Expands Access to Commercial Vendors for Satellite Data, AI Analytics
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NGA Deputy Director Brett Markham. Markham said the NGA is expanding commercial access to satellite data and AI analytics.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is expanding commercial participation in its programs to accelerate access to satellite data and artificial intelligence-powered analytics, SpaceNews reported Sunday.

NGA Expands Access to Commercial Vendors for Satellite Data, AI AnalyticsThe Potomac Officers Club presents the 2026 Intel Summit on September 24, where leaders and industry experts will examine advancements in AI, data and secure information-sharing. Sign up now!

How Is NGA Shifting Its Acquisition Strategy?

NGA Deputy Director Brett Markham said at the GEOINT Symposium that the agency has been increasingly buying data and analytics from private companies instead of developing systems in house. Programs such as Luno utilize this approach, collaborating with vendors to procure AI-driven geospatial intelligence from satellite imagery and other sources. Markham noted that advances in computer vision and data analytics are now largely driven by startups, small businesses and other private firms.

The agency established a Rapid Capabilities Office to streamline acquisition and accelerate the integration of commercial tools and provide rapid access to emerging technologies. NGA is also encouraging small business participation through its Mentor-Protégé Program and planning industry outreach events this summer.

To manage data from over 13,000 satellites, a number expected to rise sharply by 2030, NGA is surveying the marketplace for advanced capabilities. Following the June 2025 implementation of standardized disclosures for AI-generated products, the agency has established new AI standards to ensure NGA can reliably process the surge in space-based sensor data.

What Role Does the Luno Program Play?

The Luno program focuses on acquiring finished intelligence products, such as change detection and activity analysis, rather than raw imagery. Valued at $500 million, the effort uses a multi-vendor contracting model that enables NGA to scale services and onboard new providers as capabilities advance.

The program is divided into two key areas: Luno A handles infrastructure monitoring, while Luno B focuses on human domain monitoring and situational awareness. In July 2025, the agency awarded three delivery orders under the Luno A and B contract vehicles, including a $24.4 million Facility and Object Monitoring 2 order, a $21 million TrueSight order and a $4.5 million Almanac order.

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USSPACECOM Announces 1st Operational HQ Element at Redstone Arsenal
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Gen. Stephen Whiting. The USSPACECOM commander announced the command's operational control of a Redstone Arsenal facility.

U.S. Space Command has taken operational control of a facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

USSPACECOM Announces 1st Operational HQ Element at Redstone Arsenal

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During a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of USSPACECOM, said the facility will house the first operational element of the command’s headquarters as part of its ongoing transition from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville.

“This facility represents a critical step forward for U.S. Space Command. This is where we plant our flag for the first operational element of our headquarters – the Joint Intelligence Support Element – here at Redstone Arsenal,” noted Whiting, a previous Wash100 awardee.

What Is JISE?

The Joint Intelligence Support Element, or JISE, operates under the USSPACECOM Intelligence Directorate and provides intelligence analysis to support the command’s operational mission.

The unit is expected to consist of about 80 personnel once the transition is complete. Its role includes delivering intelligence capabilities that support freedom of movement in the space domain.

How Is USSPACECOM Managing Its Transition to Huntsville?

In September, President Trump announced the relocation of USSPACOM’s headquarters to Huntsville.

Since then, the command has worked to identify facility requirements and coordinate with partners at Redstone Arsenal to support the move.

Whiting has set a goal of having at least 50 percent of the command operating from Redstone Arsenal by the end of 2028.

“As we execute the strategic transition of our combatant command headquarters to our new home at Redstone Arsenal here in Huntsville, our primary imperative remains absolute: maintaining uninterrupted space superiority and continuous warfighting readiness,” said Brig. Gen. Nathan Rusin, director of the USSPACECOM Intelligence Directorate. “Make no mistake, the JISE leading this charge serves as a symbol of our commitment to ensuring mission needs are executed flawlessly throughout this move.”

What Does USSPACECOM Do?

U.S. Space Command plans, executes and integrates military spacepower into multidomain global operations to defend national interests, deter aggression and counter threats.

The command delivers space capabilities to joint and combined forces. It employs joint forces from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force to accomplish its mission.

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US, Allies Issue Joint Guidance on Agentic AI System Security
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Artificial intelligence. The U.S. and international cyber and intel agencies issued guidance on agentic AI system security.

The intelligence and cybersecurity agencies of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.K. have released new guidance on securing agentic artificial intelligence systems used in critical infrastructure and defense environments. 

US, Allies Issue Joint Guidance on Agentic AI System Security

The latest guidance highlights the growing cybersecurity risks tied to agentic AI. As agencies emphasize governance, oversight and continuous risk assessment, these priorities are expected to shape ongoing discussions across the defense and critical infrastructure sectors. Save your seat now for the 2026 Cyber Summit, which will explore the role of AI in cyber defense, post-quantum cryptography, zero trust and other cyber priorities.

What Are the Security Risks of Agentic AI?

The National Security Agency said Thursday the cybersecurity information sheet titled “Careful Adoption of Agentic AI Services” outlines several risks associated with the use of agentic AI.

  • Privilege risks
  • Design and configuration risks
  • Behavior risks
  • Structural risks
  • Accountability risks

NSA noted that agentic AI systems also inherit risks associated with large language models and contribute to an evolving cybersecurity landscape. 

What Are the Best Practices for Securing Agentic AI Tools?

The document outlines best practices across multiple phases of the AI lifecycle:

  • Designing secure agents
  • Developing secure agents
  • Managing third-party components
  • Deploying agents securely
  • Operating agents securely

According to the guidance, organizations should deploy agentic AI incrementally and continuously assess systems against evolving threat models. The document also highlighted the need for strong governance, rigorous monitoring, explicit accountability and human oversight.

How Does the Guidance Build on Prior AI Cybersecurity Efforts?

The new guidance follows earlier federal and allied efforts to address AI security risks across critical systems.

In 2025, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and its allied partners issued guidance for critical infrastructure operators deploying AI in operational technology systems.

In a separate cybersecurity information sheet, NSA and international partners also outlined best practices for securing data across the AI lifecycle.

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DOE, NRIC Seek Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Applications
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DOE seal. DOE and NRIC are accepting applications for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad.

The Department of Energy and the National Reactor Innovation Center have opened applications for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, signaling an effort to accelerate private sector deployment of advanced nuclear technologies through streamlined federal pathways.

The request for applications, posted on SAM.gov, builds on 2025 pilot programs to reduce regulatory friction and move technologies more quickly from development to demonstration and eventual commercialization, Idaho National Laboratory said Friday. DOE, NRIC Seek Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Applications

Government and industry leaders at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 FedCiv Summit on Oct. 29 will provide insight into how federal agencies are advancing priority initiatives and shaping procurement strategies. Register now!

What Opportunities Does the Launch Pad Offer?

The program provides two participation pathways:

  • Launch Pad INL: A roughly 2,000-acre site at Idaho National Laboratory offering pre-characterized land, existing infrastructure and direct access to nuclear expertise
  • Launch Pad USA: A framework allowing developers with DOE authorization to deploy projects at federal or nonfederal sites nationwide

Both pathways are designed to support various technologies, including advanced reactors, fuel fabrication, enrichment, recycling and related nuclear systems. Selected developers will benefit from regulatory assistance, flexible contracting mechanisms and access to national lab capabilities.

What Are the Key Requirements for Applicants?

The RFA outlines strict technical and financial expectations for participation, emphasizing near-term deployability.

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Sufficiently mature designs ready for safety analysis and development
  • Established nuclear material and fuel supply plans
  • Adequate financing to support the full project life cycle
  • Execution readiness across procurement, staffing and supply chain
  • A clear commercialization pathway beyond demonstration

DOE will not provide funding for selected projects. All deployments must be privately financed, with participants responsible for design, construction, operations and decommissioning costs.

How Will Projects Be Selected?

DOE may select all, some or none of the proposals received, with priority given to projects that can move quickly into testing and operation. Launch Pad will not support commercial deployment projects licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

What’s the Timeline for Industry for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad?

DOE and NRIC will host a virtual industry day on May 19 to inform potential participants about the program, with questions accepted through mid-June and initial applications due in early July. The first round of selections is expected in August, after which the application process will remain open on a rolling basis for future consideration.

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Trump Signs Executive Order Prioritizing Use of Fixed-Price Contracts to Address Cost Overruns
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White House. The White House issued a new EO mandating the use of fixed-price and performance-based contracts

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and performance in federal contracting by utilizing fixed-price and performance-based contracts as the default and preferred method of procurement.

What Changes Does the EO Introduce?

According to a White House fact sheet issued Thursday, under the EO, agency leaders will also be required to justify the use of non-fixed-price contracts and, in some cases, seek approval before proceeding.

Agencies will also have to review their largest existing non-fixed-price contracts and, where feasible, modify or renegotiate them to incorporate fixed-price and performance-based elements.

In addition, the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy are required to issue guidance and regulatory updates to ensure consistent implementation of the EO across the federal government.

Why Is the Administration Shifting Contracting Strategy?

The administration said the move addresses long-standing concerns about cost overruns and weak performance incentives in federal procurement. Cost-reimbursement contracts, which accounted for roughly $120 billion in obligations for consulting services in fiscal year 2024, can reduce incentives for contractors to control spending.

The EO aligns with a previous mandate from the president to ensure that defense contractors increase production capacity and accelerate the delivery of critical warfighter capabilities by restricting stock buybacks, corporate distributions and executive compensation of underperforming vendors.

In February, Trump also directed the Department of Government Efficiency and agency leaders to develop a centralized system for recording payments issued to covered contracts and grants.

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FCC Updates Decades-Old Satellite Spectrum Sharing Rules
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FCC seal. FCC replaced a decades-old regulatory framework that had limited the operation of NGSO satellites.

The Federal Communications Commission has approved new rules for satellite spectrum-sharing to increase capacity for space-based broadband services and improve user performance, particularly in underserved areas.

The order replaces a decades-old regulatory framework that had limited the operation of non-geostationary orbit, or NGSO, satellite systems, aligning policy with advances in satellite technology and growing market dem cnbhand, FCC said Thursday.

Why Did the FCC Change the Satellite Spectrum-Sharing Rules?

The Equivalent Power Flux Density, or EPFD, established in the 1990s prevented interference with geostationary orbit, or GSO, satellites; however, those limits were based on earlier-generation system designs and no longer reflect the capabilities of modern satellite constellations.

“Technological advances now allow NGSO systems to use shared spectrum far more efficiently and to mitigate interference in ways that were not possible when EPFD limits were first implemented,” said FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty.

The legacy framework had effectively capped performance for low Earth orbit systems, restricting coverage, signal quality and overall capacity.

The new approach introduces performance-based protection criteria and builds on a framework for good-faith coordination, allowing GSO and NGSO operators to negotiate interference protections through voluntary agreements.

What Does the Update Mean for Satellite Broadband?

The changes could significantly expand satellite broadband network capacity, potentially increasing it several times over, while also lowering costs and improving reliability.

The move is expected to benefit consumers and businesses that rely on satellite connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. It also positions satellite providers to compete more directly with cable and wireless broadband services.

“Wireless carriers are now competing for in-home subscribers. Cable companies are competing for wireless customers. And satellite is competing with both cable and wireless. Today’s FCC decision will help supercharge that competition while expanding our country’s technological leadership,” said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.

How Does the Rule Advance FCC Spectrum Policy?

The rule change follows the FCC’s 2025 review of satellite spectrum-sharing regulations, specifically targeting the EPFD framework. It examined power restrictions in the Ku- and Ka-band frequencies and their impact on coverage, capacity and signal quality for next-generation satellite broadband.

The update aligns with the commission’s effort to expand spectrum access for emerging space capabilities. FCC leadership recently proposed to make additional spectrum available for next-generation space assets and operations.

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Army Requests Increased Funding for EW, SIGINT Technologies in Fiscal 2027
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U.S. Army logo. The Army is boosting investments in electromagnetic warfare capabilities in fiscal 2027

The U.S. Army has increased its budget request for electromagnetic warfare and signals intelligence capabilities for fiscal year 2027, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

Documents released as part of the service’s FY27 budget request revealed that the Army is accelerating the delivery of electromagnetic spectrum operations, or EMSO, capabilities to formations, with plans to prioritize the rapid deployment of relevant capabilities to troops and incorporate soldier input from operational employment.

“The pace of technology evolution is faster than the pace of traditional procurement processes, and this is particularly evident within the EMSO environment,” Joseph Welch, the Army portfolio acquisition executive for command and control and counter C2, shared. “We have reformed these processes and are now prioritizing investments in capabilities that will allow us to achieve spectrum dominance.”

Army Requests Increased Funding for EW, SIGINT Technologies in Fiscal 2027

Find out how industry can support the U.S. Army’s efforts to revitalize its EW capabilities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18. Army leaders will be present to discuss the service’s capability requirements to achieve spectrum dominance. Sign up today. 

What EW Systems Are in the Army’s FY27 Request?

The Army’s FY27 budget request reflects a shift from bespoke systems to commercial capabilities ready for fielding.

The request also allocates funding for key systems, including $76.1 million in procurement and $47.9 million in research and development funds for the Terrestrial Layer System Manpack, a dismounted electronic attack system for detecting and disrupting enemy signals. The funding request also supports the prototyping of the Modular Adaptor Kit, which is installed on manpacks to increase range and enhance signal processing.

In addition, the Army needs $34.2 million to acquire 60 Spectrum Situational Awareness Systems that provide a visualization of a unit’s electromagnetic signature in real time to support decision-making. 

What Recent Programs Has the Army Launched to Enhance EMSO Capabilities?

The Army has launched several recent initiatives to speed up the development and fielding of EW capabilities in support of efforts to achieve spectrum dominance. In February, the Army Contracting Command issued a request for information to gather industry input on EMSO technologies that can strengthen the service’s spectrum control during large-scale combat operations. The service intends to award multiple indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for the requirement.

The service also introduced the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare and Signals Intelligence, or REWSI, initiative in April to identify and integrate commercially available technologies. The program uses a library model, allowing commanders to access pre-vetted capabilities tailored to mission needs.

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Matthew Swartz Takes on Dual Role to Lead Navy Staff
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Matthew Swartz. Swartz has assumed the role of Navy staff director.

Matthew Swartz has assumed the role of Navy staff director while continuing to serve as executive director on the chief of naval operations’ staff, the U.S Navy announced Wednesday.Matthew Swartz Takes on Dual Role to Lead Navy Staff

Register now for the Potomac Officer Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 to hear senior Navy leaders, defense officials and industry executives discuss how emerging technologies are shaping the future of naval operations.

Why Is the Navy Consolidating Leadership Roles?

CNO Adm. Daryl Caudle said the dual-hatted leadership structure is intended to sharpen accountability and decision-making speed as the Navy shifts from a peacetime posture to a more operationally focused footing under its recently released Fighting Instructions.

The change aligns with the priorities of Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient, including strengthening support for sailors, advancing force structure initiatives such as the Golden Fleet effort and maintaining an unwavering commitment to homeland defense.

What Will Swartz Oversee?

In his expanded role, Swartz will coordinate Navy staff activities, serve as a senior adviser for the civilian workforce and help instill a warfighting mindset across the total force. Additionally, he will continue to spearhead engagement with academic and community partners to fortify the Navy industrial base.

“My goal is to ensure our team has the coordination and resources necessary to effectively manage the business of the Navy, Swartz said. “We remain focused on empowering our people as we advance Admiral Caudle’s priorities of Foundry, Fleet and Fight.”

Who Is Matthew Swartz?

Swartz has held several senior civilian leadership roles within the Navy, including executive director at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, where he aligned resources in support of fleet operations.

He also served in leadership positions at Naval Information Forces and U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, overseeing information warfare, communications and cybersecurity functions.

“His experience and leadership are essential to driving alignment between staffs, enforcing high standards, and empowering our civilian and military professionals to think, act, and perform with the urgency required to prevail in an ever evolving and complex maritime environment,” said Caudle.

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