//
Bipartisan Senate Bill to Direct Pentagon to Develop Cyber Workforce Strategy
Published on
Military cyber workforce. A bipartisan Senate bill would direct the Pentagon to develop a cybersecurity workforce strategy.

Sens. Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., have proposed a bill that would require the Department of War to develop a cybersecurity workforce strategy.

Bipartisan Senate Bill to Direct Pentagon to Develop Cyber Workforce Strategy

As lawmakers push for a more coordinated Pentagon cyber workforce strategy, collaboration across government and industry remains essential to strengthening national cyber capabilities. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit will bring together leaders shaping the cyber mission across the federal landscape on May 21. Register today to connect with the broader cyber community and stay informed about developments shaping the future of cybersecurity.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said Wednesday the proposed Department of Defense Comprehensive Cyber Workforce Strategy Act aims to prioritize the recruitment and retention of cybersecurity professionals to protect federal networks from foreign adversaries and evolving cyberthreats.

“This bipartisan, commonsense bill will ensure that we have the highly skilled experts we need in place to protect against ever-evolving cybersecurity threats,” said Peters.

What Are the Provisions of the Senate DOW Cyber Workforce Strategy Bill?

According to Federal News Network, the proposed measure would require the Pentagon to submit a report on its cyber workforce strategy by the end of January 2027.

The bill calls for the department to perform a detailed analysis of the Defense Cyber Workforce Framework, including its implementation efforts, goals and milestones, as well as identify any problems or issues with regard to the framework’s implementation.

Under the legislation, the Pentagon should explore alternative personnel models; leverage talent management authorities used by other agencies; assess the use of commercial tools for tracking workforce certifications and qualifications; and work with universities and academic centers of excellence to improve talent acquisition and workforce development, according to FNN.

What Steps Is the Pentagon Taking to Advance Cyber Workforce Development?

In June 2025, Mark Gorak, Director of the department’s Cyber Academic Engagement Office, emphasized the need to expand the DOW’s cybersecurity workforce and provided updates on the CyberSkills2Work program at an event in Washington.

Gorak also highlighted the five initiatives that the DOW chief information officer is advancing to establish a “world-class” cyber workforce: qualifying personnel; mature, skills-based hiring; increasing certification and training opportunities; enhancing cyber workforce initiatives and pay flexibilities; and recognizing and addressing resource limitations.

/
University of Arizona, Precise Systems Team Up for $151B SHIELD Contract Vehicle
Published on
Golden Dome missile system. The University of Arizona and Precise Systems will compete for Golden Dome contracts

The University of Arizona has joined a team led by Maryland-headquartered defense technology company Precise Systems to compete for task orders under the Missile Defense Agency’s $151 billion Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense, or SHIELD, contract vehicle.

The university said Wednesday that its participation in SHIELD, which supports the establishment of the Golden Dome multi-layer missile defense system, aligns with the U of A Office of Research and Partnerships’ national defense focus.

University of Arizona, Precise Systems Team Up for $151B SHIELD Contract Vehicle

Be among the first to learn about opportunities related to the Golden Dome and other technology initiatives at the Department of War by registering for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. The highly anticipated GovCon event will have keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring Pentagon leaders and industry innovators, including a keynote from the Missile Defense Agency’s Warren O’Donnell. Get your tickets today.

“At the University of Arizona, we view national security as one of the grand challenges of our time and a call to action for public research universities,” Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, the university’s senior vice president for research and partnerships.

“Partnerships like this one with Precise Systems are essential, as they enable us to connect our expertise in space science and satellite systems, hypersonics, quantum technologies and cybersecurity with mission needs to succeed in an increasingly complex global landscape,” Diaz de la Rubia continued.

What Capabilities Will the University of Arizona Offer to the Golden Dome?

The U of A offers its expertise in space sciences to the program. The university said it is home to experts in directed energy, optical sciences, and spectrum and information dominance.

It has also launched multiple projects to support secure communications, critical infrastructure, military readiness and economic resilience.

What Is Precise Systems’ Role in the SHIELD Contract?

Precise Systems, a Bluestone Investment Partners portfolio company, is one of the companies named in the second tranche of SHIELD awards in November. Other awardees include Lockheed Martin, Leidos, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, CGI Federal and General Dynamics Information Technology.

/
CISA, NCSC-UK, FBI Release OT Secure Connectivity Guidance
Published on
CISA's Nick Andersen. CISA, NCSC-UK and the FBI have released Secure Connectivity Principles for Operational Technology.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in collaboration with UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, or NCSC-UK, the FBI and international partners, has released Secure Connectivity Principles for Operational Technology.

CISA, NCSC-UK, FBI Release OT Secure Connectivity Guidance

As cyber threats intensify and the DOW’s 2027 zero-trust deadline approaches, join government and industry cyber leaders at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to assess agency readiness, share best practices and build critical partnerships. Register now to attend.

What Is the Joint Guidance For?

The NCSC-UK-led guidance provides organizations with practical direction on addressing insecure connectivity and safeguarding operational technology environments from cyber risks, including nation-state-sponsored activity, CISA said Wednesday.

The joint guide outlines clear goals to help owners and operators design and operate secure connectivity within their operational technology, or OT, environments. As CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Nick Andersen noted, the guidance helps safeguard critical infrastructure against cyber threats and highlights the agency’s focus on collaborating with U.S. and international partners to deliver timely, actionable cybersecurity guidance.

“Together with our partners, CISA also urges OT device manufacturers and integrators to embrace secure-by-design principles because building security in from the start is the most effective way to reduce risk and safeguard the nation’s vital systems,” said Andersen.

Why Is OT Connectivity a Growing Concern?

As OT networks become more interconnected, organizations gain capabilities such as real-time analytics, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. They also face greater exposure to cyber threats, which can potentially result in physical, environmental, or service-level impacts.

//
DARPA RACER Program Nears End After Army Autonomy Tests
Published on
DARPA logo. DARPA's RACER program is nearing completion following Army demonstrations.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is nearing the conclusion of its Robotic Autonomy in Complex Environments with Resiliency, or RACER, program, marking a milestone in the evolution of off-road autonomous ground systems for military use.

Launched in 2021, RACER was designed to move beyond single-purpose robotic vehicles and deliver a reusable autonomy stack that can be applied across multiple ground platforms, DARPA said Wednesday. As the program wraps up, recent Army demonstrations indicate the technology is ready to transition from the experimentation phase into operational use.

DARPA RACER Program Nears End After Army Autonomy Tests

DARPA serves as the Department of War’s central research and development organization. Join the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29 to learn from top defense leaders, researchers and innovators about the technologies revolutionizing the future of warfare.

What Capabilities Did RACER Demonstrate?

In late 2025, U.S. Army units used RACER platforms during live demonstrations to validate autonomous mobility in contested and GPS-denied environments. At Fort Hood, Texas, the Army’s 36th Engineer Brigade integrated a Carnegie Robotics-built RACER Heavy Platform with a mine-clearing line charge to support combat breaching operations, illustrating how autonomy could reduce risk to soldiers during high-threat missions.

In a separate exercise at the National Training Center, soldiers from the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment deployed RACER Fleet Vehicles for autonomous long-range reconnaissance. By utilizing these Polaris RAZR-based systems, which carry intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance payloads, the Army could conduct deep-penetration missions without the need for human scouts. The RACER platform operates with diminished reliance on GPS and pre-programmed routing.

Why Is RACER’s Autonomy Architecture Significant?

According to DARPA, RACER’s most important advancement lies in its perception and adaptation architecture. Unlike earlier autonomous systems that required weeks of retraining when moved to new terrain, RACER platforms can adapt to unfamiliar environments in roughly a day.

The system uses predictive reasoning to anticipate terrain and adjust behavior in uncertain conditions, enabling higher speeds and safer operation in complex off-road settings. DARPA validated this capability during its final RACER experiment at Fort Irwin, California, concluding years of testing with military partners.

What Comes Next After RACER?

Although the program is coming to an end, DARPA expects its impact to continue. RACER has already contributed to the emergence of new companies focused on off-road autonomy, including Field AI and Overland AI. The autonomy stack developed under the program is considered transferable to commercial sectors such as agriculture, construction, mining and transportation.

“It’s time for both military users and private investors to recognize the transformative potential of RACER and embrace a future where autonomous systems are not just a possibility, but a reliable and integral part of our world.” said Stuart Young, DARPA RACER program manager.

///
How AI & Cloud Are Reshaping Federal Healthcare—From Battlefield Care to Biomedical Research
Published on
AI and cloud are transforming how federal agencies are performing healthcare services.

Artificial intelligence and cloud technologies are becoming increasingly more prevalent across government as federal agencies pursue modernization initiatives. 

A Government Accountability Office report published in July found that AI use across 11 federal agencies increased from 571 to 1,110 instances from 2023 to 2024, with generative AI use in government also growing from 32 to 282 usage cases in the same period.

Cloud migration from legacy systems has also been a long-time priority across government. Data from The Global Statistics revealed that federal civilian agencies invested $8.3 billion in cloud computing initiatives in fiscal 2025. For comparison, the same agencies spent $4.4 billion in cloud products and services in 2020. 

For this article, we dove deep into cloud and AI use cases in healthcare across the government. 

How AI & Cloud Are Reshaping Federal Healthcare—From Battlefield Care to Biomedical Research

The Potomac Officers Club is hosting a panel on cloud and AI in healthcare featuring leaders from government and industry at the 2025 Healthcare Summit on Feb. 12 (rescheduled due to the fall’s government shutdown). The event will convene government and industry leaders to examine the future of healthcare technology. Get your tickets today.

How Can Cloud, AI Improve Organizational Efficiency?

Health agencies are looking to cloud and AI to reduce routine tasks, simplify workloads and accelerate mission execution. 

For instance, the Department of Veterans Affairs’ partnership with cloud company Oracle to modernize its electronic healthcare record system is intended to provide a secure and interoperable medical record system, allowing healthcare professionals across federal and commercial partners to share data and coordinate care. 

Meanwhile, General Dynamics Information Technology is one of the companies providing the government with AI tools to bolster the productivity of the federal workforce. The company is utilizing AI and automation to improve benefits coordination, digital imaging, secondary payer assessment and debt determination, waivers and appeals, data management, and debt collection for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center.

Martin Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, highlighted the potential of AI to improve efficiency when he announced in May an agency-wide rollout of the technology to support scientific reviewers. 

“The agency-wide deployment of these capabilities holds tremendous promise in accelerating the review time for new therapies,” Makary said at the time. 

“The opportunity to reduce tasks that once took days to just minutes is too important to delay,” he added.

How Does Advanced Tech Improve American Healthcare Outcomes?

Many agencies are exploring AI to improve patient care, especially because of the technology’s capability to process large volumes of data and generate insights. 

Jim O’Neill, deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said in a report by FedScoop in September that OpenAI’s ChatGPT can “promote rigorous science, radical transparency and robust good health.” O’Neill added that ChatGPT has received an authority to operate, or ATO, while OpenAI has achieved Federal Information Security Management Act moderate level certification. 

The Defense Health Agency also wants AI deployed in the Military Health System, or MHS, a program providing virtual health care capabilities on the battlefield. 

Stephen Ferrera, acting assistant secretary for health affairs for the Department of War, said on a Federal News Network podcast that AI can serve as a force multiplier for field personnel. 

“We can have specialists, whether they’re trauma specialists, intensivists, surgeons — you name it — be able to, in real time, help guide people that are on the ground at the front line,” he shared. 

One potential use of AI in healthcare is to monitor patient conditions in real time and generate informed clinical support to a battlefield provider. 

Jesus Caban, chief data and analytics officer at DHA, will participate in a panel discussion on integrating cloud and AI capabilities to public health services at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Feb. 12. Register here.

What Are the Roles Cloud & AI Play in Biomedical Research?

In biomedical research, cloud and AI offer opportunities to aid scientists and accelerate scientific discovery. In November, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the Genesis Mission to promote the use of AI in federal research and development activities, including in finding new drugs and other breakthroughs.

The National Institutes of Health also sees the benefits of cloud computing in biomedical research. The agency said cloud offers scalable computing power and storage and provides access to extensive datasets, which are especially valuable to research institutions with limited on-premise capability.

Its Cloud Resources Program is designed to empower NIH researchers to utilize cloud resources in their research, with the latest cohort announced in March.

Can AI Stop Fraud?

One way the federal government wants to utilize AI capabilities is to detect fraudulent activities related to Medicare. According to CMS, Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service program reported $31.7 billion in improper payments in fiscal year 2024. Medicaid $31.1 billion in improper payments for the same period.

The One Big Beautiful Bill, which was signed into law in July, includes a $25 million in funding for HHS to develop AI tools that can prevent and recoup improper Medicare payments.

In August, CMS launched the Crushing Fraud Chili Cook-Off Competition, a research challenge that aims to identify data-driven methodologies for analyzing volumes of data and detecting unusual patterns or behavior that may signify fraud. 

Don’t miss the Cloud‑First, AI‑Ready: Powering the Next Generation of Public Health Services panel featuring expert perspectives on the role of cloud and AI in healthcare at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit. Secure your tickets today.

How AI & Cloud Are Reshaping Federal Healthcare—From Battlefield Care to Biomedical Research
//
NSA Issues Primer, Discovery Phase Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines
Published on
The National Security Agency logo. NSA has introduced the Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines series

The National Security Agency has issued two new Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines, or ZIGs, to provide organizations with steps and actionable recommendations for the adoption of the cybersecurity framework.

The documents, titled Primer and Discovery Phase, were issued Wednesday as part of a series of reports that the agency intends to release to support efforts to achieve target-level zero trust capabilities.

NSA Issues Primer, Discovery Phase Zero Trust Implementation Guidelines

As the Department of War’s 2027 deadline for compliance looms, find out where agencies are in their zero trust journeys at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. The event brings together leaders from across government and industry for insightful panel discussions and networking sessions. Sign up today to secure your spot. 

What Is NSA’s Zero Trust Implementation Guideline?

The ZIG series is an effort to organize the 152 activities in the Department of War’s Zero Trust Strategy. NSA, in partnership with the DOW’s Office of the Chief Information Officer, developed five phases for zero trust implementation, with Discovery and upcoming guidelines titled Phase One and Phase Two are designated as “target level.” Phase Three and Phase Four are “advanced levels.”

The Discovery Phase ZIG covers 14 zero trust activities, while Phase One and Phase Two include 36 and 41 activities, respectively.

According to NSA, the Primer and Discovery Phase documents will provide organizations with information to ensure that they are ready for future implementation guidelines.

Primer discusses how the ZIGs were developed and how it is intended to be used. The NSA said the guidelines are designed to be modular, which will enable organizations to select and implement recommendations based on where they are in their zero trust journeys.

Meanwhile, the Discovery Phase document is intended to enable organizations to establish foundational visibility across their environments and identify critical data, applications, assets and services for zero trust prioritization.

What Other Zero Trust Resources Has NSA Released?

In addition to the ZIG series, the NSA also released seven zero trust framework pillars. The last pillar, published in November 2024, offers guidance on applying automation and orchestration for repetitive, predictable tasks; enhancing critical functions; and coordinating security and incident response.

/
Navy CNO Urges 4% GDP Defense Spending Rebaseline to Meet Readiness Demands
Published on
Naval Operation Chief Adm. Daryl Caudle. Adm. Daryl Caudle urged a defense spending reset to 4% of gross domestic product.

Adm. Daryl Caudle, the U.S. Navy’s chief of naval operations, said defense spending should be reset to a minimum of 4 percent of gross domestic product to support readiness requirements and fleet growth needed to counter future threats, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.

How Does the Current Budget Compare to GDP?

The defense budget currently stands at nearly $1 trillion, representing roughly 3.3 to 3.4 percent of the nation’s GDP. Caudle noted that potential increases discussed by President Donald Trump, including an additional $500 billion in fiscal 2027, could raise defense spending to about 5 percent of GDP. Despite current funding levels, the Navy has struggled to expand beyond roughly 300 ships, falling short of its goal of 355 ships.

What Is the Golden Fleet Initiative?

Caudle linked funding needs to the Navy’s Golden Fleet vision, announced in December, which includes new ship classes such as a next-generation battleship, redesigned frigates and expanded use of unmanned systems. He said the initiative is intended to complement, not replace, existing programs and will require a Navy budget aligned with its mission set.

How Could Shipbuilding Capacity Be Expanded?

To execute future shipbuilding plans, Caudle said the Navy and industry must adopt new approaches, including modular shipbuilding, supply chain improvements and workforce development. He added that expanding modular construction could allow more U.S. shipyards to participate and increase production speed. Caudle also said foreign shipbuilders could help add capacity, though such partnerships would require careful consideration of supply chain access and integration challenges.

//
Cybersecurity Executive Sean Plankey Renominated as CISA Director
Published on
Sean Plankey. The National Security Council’s former cyber policy director has been renominated to lead CISA.

President Donald Trump has renominated Sean Plankey, former director for cyber policy at the National Security Council, to serve as director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Cybersecurity Executive Sean Plankey Renominated as CISA Director

With Plankey’s renomination to lead CISA, cybersecurity leadership and resilience are once again at the forefront of the national conversation. That momentum continues at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21, where government and industry leaders will explore what’s next for securing critical infrastructure. Sign up now to reserve your seat at this must-attend event.

Plankey was part of the list of nominations that the Trump administration had submitted to the Senate, according to a White House release published Tuesday.

He was first nominated for the CISA director position in March 2025.

NextGov/FCW reported that Plankey encountered several Senate holds on his nomination in 2025, with some driven by broader political disputes.

Table of Contents

Who Is Sean Plankey?

According to his LinkedIn profile, Plankey most recently served as general manager of Indigo Vault and global head of cybersecurity software at WTW.

During Trump’s first term, the former U.S. Coast Guard officer served as head of cyber policy at NSC.

His government career included time as principal deputy assistant secretary for cybersecurity, energy security and emergency response at the Department of Energy and weapons and tactics branch chief within U.S. Cyber Command.

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate previously served as public sector chief technology officer at DataRobot and chief architect for critical infrastructure at BedRock Systems.

Plankey also worked as a global cyber intelligence adviser at BP and as a strategic adviser at Option3 and CLASS zero3.

What Is CISA?

CISA is a component of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for protecting and defending critical infrastructure and federal networks against cyberthreats.

The agency provides training, resources, exercises and guidance for cybersecurity best practices.

//
Army-Led Task Force Makes 1st Counter-Drone Tech Purchase Under Replicator 2
Published on
Drone swarm. The Army-led JIATF 401 awarded a contract to buy two DroneHunter F700 counter-UAS systems under Replicator 2.

The Army-led Joint Interagency Task Force 401, or JIATF 401, has awarded a contract for two DroneHunter F700 counter-unmanned aerial systems, marking its first acquisition under the Replicator 2 initiative.

Army-Led Task Force Makes 1st Counter-Drone Tech Purchase Under Replicator 2

As the Army accelerates efforts like Replicator 2 to rapidly field counter-UAS capabilities and outpace emerging threats, the need for closer alignment between innovation, acquisition and operational leadership has never been clearer. That broader push toward speed and adaptability will frame discussions at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18, bringing senior Army leaders and industry partners together to discuss the future of the force. Reserve your seat now to be part of the conversation driving the Army’s next generation of capabilities.

The Department of War said Tuesday JIATF 401 expects the DroneHunter F700 systems to be delivered by April.

“We’re designed to move at the speed of relevance, cutting through red tape, consolidating resources, and engaging venture capitalists, tech startups, and nontraditional defense firms as critical partners,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF 401.

“We have just one measure of effectiveness: to deliver state-of-the-art counter-UAS capabilities to our warfighters both at home and abroad. This purchase of the DroneHunter system is a key first step in accomplishing our Replicator 2 mission,” Ross added.

What Is Replicator 2?

Launched in 2023, the Replicator initiative is a Pentagon effort designed to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to warfighters. The initial phase of the program, Replicator 1, focused on fielding thousands of autonomous platforms across multiple domains. 

Replicator 2 aims to counter the threat posed by small drones. Established in August 2025, JIATF 401 leads the effort by synchronizing counter-small UAS initiatives across DOW and advancing rapid delivery of joint capabilities.

“Replicator 2 is not about starting from scratch,” Ross said. “It’s about leveraging the incredible innovation happening in the commercial sector and getting it deployed where it is needed most.”

In November, the joint task force announced plans to introduce an online marketplace to facilitate the procurement of c-UAS from various vendors.

What Is DroneHunter F700?

DroneHunter F700 is a counter-UAS weapon system that can be equipped with various payloads and countermeasures to stop rogue drones, including Group-1 and large Group-2 drones.

According to the department, the reusable interceptor drone uses artificial intelligence and radar to detect and track small, low-altitude UAS in complex environments. After detecting a potential threat, the system can intercept the drone using a tethered net and move it to a secure location for further examination and forensic analysis.

/
DOE, NASA Team Up to Develop Nuclear Reactor to Power Lunar Missions By 2030
Published on
The lunar surface. The Department of Energy and NASA teamed up to build a nuclear reactor for the lunar surface

The Department of Energy is working with NASA to create a nuclear reactor that would power missions on the lunar surface by 2030.

The agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the research and development of a fission surface power system that will deliver safe and efficient electrical power on the moon or Mars, DOE said Tuesday.

“History shows that when American science and innovation come together, from the Manhattan Project to the Apollo Mission, our nation leads the world to reach new frontiers once thought impossible,” stated Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “This agreement continues that legacy.”

What Is Fission Surface Power?

The partnership is a continuation of the work that DOE and NASA are already doing to develop a safe and reliable energy source for space missions under the Fission Surface Power Project.

On the moon, nighttime lasts around 14.5 Earth days. A fission surface power system will deliver continuous power, even in the absence of sunlight, for several years without the need for refueling.

Why Are DOE and NASA Targeting a 2030 Timeline?

The 2030 deadline is aligned with President Donald Trump’s Ensuring American Space Superiority executive order, which called for the establishment of space nuclear power on the moon for long-term utilization.

Under the EO, the president said a lunar surface nuclear reactor must be ready for launch by 2030.

1 … 30 31 32 33 34 … 2,697