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Michael Obadal: Army to Issue New Software Directive
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Michael Obadal. The Army under secretary said the service is set to release its new software directive in the next few weeks.

Army Under Secretary Michael Obadal said the military branch is updating its software directive and is set to release it “in the coming weeks,” Federal News Network reported Friday.

Michael Obadal: Army to Issue New Software Directive

As the Army moves closer to releasing its updated software directive, the changes signal a broader evolution in how the service approaches digital capabilities. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit offers an opportunity for government and industry leaders to engage on the Army’s priorities and direction. Register now!

The service plans to update the document on an annual basis to keep pace with the evolving operating environment.

What Are Army CIO Leonel Garciga’s Thoughts on the New Software Directive?

Leonel Garciga, the Army’s chief information officer and a two-time Wash100 awardee, said the upcoming software directive will include “fine-grained tuning” on low-code, no-code tools, according to Breaking Defense. He also called the directive a “living document.”

“A lot of what you’re going to see is taking the stuff that’s kind of already now institutionalized out and thinking through those new things that need to be institutionalized and putting them in,” Garciga said. “We don’t want to do one document that lives forever and like 80 percent is done so who cares at that point. So how do you take this from shelfware to something that’s more operational.”

In December 2024, the Army CIO signed five policy memos seeking to advance software modernization and accelerate cybersecurity through DevSecOps.

Why Is the Army Changing Its Software Funding Policy?

According to Obadal, the Army is also canceling its existing policy on software funding to enable the service to “apply the appropriate type of money to the applicable use case” and gain greater flexibility in how it uses procurement, operations and maintenance, research, development, testing and evaluation funds for software.

“For many years, as many of you know, we’ve been trapped by the color of money. We try to buy modern, agile software with rigid funding authorities. Predictably, it doesn’t work,” he said Thursday during the AFCEA NOVA Army IT Day event.

What Is Army Budget Activity 8?

The under secretary noted that the Army is advancing Budget Activity 8, or BA-8, to enable program managers to move beyond hardware-focused budgeting model and access funding through a software-specific appropriations category.

“We’re going to pursue Budget Activity 08 for our software, which would realign funding from various appropriations to new software and digital technology in its own budget activity,” Obadal said.

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GAO Urges Navy to Improve Operational Testing Processes, Infrastructure for New Vessels
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Logo of the Government Accountability Office. GAO issued a new report on the Navy's operational testing processes

The Government Accountability Office has identified shortfalls in the way the U.S. Navy plans and conducts operational testing to validate new vessels’ capabilities to counter adversary threats.

In a report published Thursday, the congressional watchdog revealed that the Navy does not involve fleet organizations when planning operational tests, missing the opportunity to gain direct user feedback, and has not taken coordinated action to establish a digital test infrastructure.

GAO Urges Navy to Improve Operational Testing Processes, Infrastructure for New Vessels

Get insider insights from upcoming Navy initiatives at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27. The event will bring together defense agency and industry leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the Navy and to build partnerships that will ensure stronger warfighter capabilities. Get your tickets today. 

What Issues Did GAO Discover in Its Review of the Navy’s Operational Testing?

According to the report, the Navy’s current policies do not ensure that people working in ship operations are consistently represented in test planning and execution, which could prevent the service from guaranteeing that the fleet’s needs and requirements are reflected.

The report also raised concerns over the Navy’s program-centric approach to funding and developing digital test tools, which GAO said is hindering investments in new shipbuilding capabilities and impairs the effectiveness of operational testing.

Additionally, GAO found that the service has no plans to replace its aging self-defense test ship used for remotely validating if a system can protect ships from incoming missiles. The watchdog warned that gaps in or the total loss of a self-defense test could endanger ships and warfighters in a conflict.

What Actions Must the Navy Take to Improve Its Vessel Operational Testing?

GAO made three recommendations to the Navy: ensure that policy and practices integrate user representatives from fleet forces organizations, make a decision that outlines steps for maintaining self-defense operational testing capability and establish a plan for investing in the development and sustainment of digital infrastructure.

The Navy did not agree with the first suggestion, but partially concurred with the second and concurred with the third recommendations.

GAO’s Previous Navy Reports

The report comes as the Navy faces wider challenges across ship sustainment. In 2025, the watchdog found that the Navy struggled to maintain its surface fleet despite receiving $1 billion in maintenance funding. GAO also urged the Navy in a March report to develop a comprehensive ship industrial base strategy aligned with the National Defense Industrial Strategy. 

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SpaceX Launches New Batch of NRO’s Proliferated Architecture Satellites
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Falcon 9 launch. The National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-105 mission launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket

The National Reconnaissance Office has confirmed the launch of the NROL-105 mission, deploying a new batch of satellites to orbit as part of the agency’s proliferated architecture.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Friday, at 11:39 p.m. EST, the agency said in a post-launch press release.

NROL-105 is SpaceX’s first national security launch for 2026 and NRO’s 12th overall mission for its proliferated architecture.

The agency shared that it plans to conduct approximately a dozen launches throughout the year to support its national security objectives.

What Is NRO Building in Space?

NRO started deploying satellites for its proliferated architecture in May 2024. SpaceX, together with Northrop Grumman, is also building the satellites for NRO, Space.com reported.

According to the agency, it now has hundreds of satellites in orbit, which enhances mission resilience and delivers persistent coverage with reduced revisit times and accelerated data processing.

NRO plans to launch more satellites to expand its proliferated structure in 2029.

When Was the NROL-77 Mission Launched?

NRO and the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command also worked with SpaceX for the launch of the NROL-77 mission in December.

In a statement, Col. Kathryn Cantu, director of the NRO Office of Space Launch and NROL-77 mission director, shared that the partnership between NRO and SSC reinforces the nation’s space superiority.

“As space becomes increasingly contested, this partnership enables us to rapidly deploy advanced intelligence capabilities while maintaining the agility and resilience needed to address emerging threats,” the official added.

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Retired Air Force F-15s Join NASA Effort to Advance Quiet Supersonic Research
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F-15 aircraft. Two retired F-15s join NASA’s flight research fleet to help advance the X-59 program.

NASA is expanding the capabilities of its flight research fleet with the addition of two retired U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft, strengthening the agency’s ability to support high-speed aeronautics testing tied to its quiet supersonic research goals.

The aircraft have been integrated into operations at Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, where they will support the Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities project, NASA said Friday. One of the jets will be returned to flying status as an active research aircraft, while the second will be used to sustain long-term operations by supplying parts for the fleet.

Why Are F-15s Important to NASA’s Supersonic Research?

NASA said the F-15 remains suited for flight research due to its ability to operate at high speeds and altitudes while carrying experimental hardware. The aircraft’s design allows researchers to mount instruments externally and adapt onboard systems for specialized test missions. Its ground clearance also enables the installation of test equipment that would not fit beneath many research aircraft.

At Armstrong, engineers will modify the aircraft’s software, avionics and flight controls to meet mission-specific requirements.

How Do the Aircraft Support the X-59 Mission?

The F-15s will support testing associated with NASA’s Quesst mission, which centers on the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin. The X-59 is designed to reduce the disruptive sonic boom produced during supersonic flight into a quieter “thump,” a key step toward enabling commercial supersonic travel over land.

NASA already operates modified F-15s capable of safely flying at altitudes up to 60,000 feet, aligning with the X-59’s planned cruise altitude of approximately 55,000 feet. The newly added aircraft will receive similar modifications, enabling them to operate within the same high-altitude flight envelope and to support data collection throughout the program’s life.

Where Did NASA’s F-15 Aircraft Come From?

The two F-15s were transferred from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field following their retirement from military service. After completing their final Air Force flights, the aircraft arrived at NASA Armstrong in late December 2025.

NASA has a long history of operating F-15s for research, dating back to the aircraft’s early years.

“Dozens of scientific experiments have been flown over the decades on NASA’s F-15s and have made a significant contribution to aeronautics and high-speed flight research,” said Troy Asher, director for flight operations at NASA Armstrong.

What Comes Next for F-15?

While their immediate priority is supporting X-59 testing, Asher said both aircraft are expected to provide long-term value beyond the quiet supersonic mission. The addition of the F-15s positions NASA to resume collaboration with external partners, including the Department of War and commercial aviation companies.

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DOE Issues RFI for Genesis Mission Support, AI Workforce Development
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DOE seal. DOE has issued a request for information to support Genesis Mission technical needs and AI workforce development.

The Department of Energy has issued a request for information seeking feedback from public and private organizations on addressing technical challenges associated with its Genesis Mission and developing a skilled workforce to support artificial intelligence in science and engineering.

DOE Issues RFI for Genesis Mission Support, AI Workforce DevelopmentSecure your spot at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18 to learn how AI is advancing innovation that is reshaping government and military operations.

The RFI invites educational and industrial institutions, philanthropic organizations, think tanks and research institutions to submit responses by March 4, the agency said Friday. 

What Is DOE’s Genesis Mission?

The Genesis Mission is a DOE-led effort to mobilize national laboratories, industry and universities to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation through high-performance computing, AI and quantum computing.

“The Genesis Mission will double the productivity and impact of American science and engineering in a decade and address some of the most challenging problems of this century. It will lead to new industries and highly skilled jobs for our next generation. We are going to prepare them for these opportunities,” said Dario Gil, DOE’s under secretary for science.

Why Is Workforce Development a Key Focus?

DOE said achieving the mission’s objectives will require training approximately 100,000 scientists and engineers over the next 10 years. The agency aims to establish a robust pipeline for AI-enabled science and engineering that spans undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and postdoctoral education, with an emphasis on developing dual competencies in AI and a core scientific or engineering discipline.

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University of Arizona Launches Kyl Institute for National Security to Advance Defense Priorities
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University of Arizona logo. The University of Arizona has launched the Kyl Institute for National Security.

The University of Arizona has launched the Kyl Institute for National Security to replace and expand the University of Arizona Applied Research Corporation, a nonprofit established in 2018 to facilitate mission-focused partnerships.

What Is U of A’s Kyl Institute for National Security?

The Kyl Institute is an initiative aimed at strengthening U of A’s ability to translate research into capabilities that support national security and defense priorities, the university said Friday. The institute will address emerging security challenges, drawing on the university’s research in directed energy, hypersonics, materials science, optical sciences and imaging, space science, space domain awareness, and space systems engineering.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Robin Rand will serve as president and CEO of the Institute, which will operate as an independent nonprofit, serving as a gateway for federal agencies, defense contractors and research partners to access U of A expertise.

“The Kyl Institute for National Security provides the focused capacity for the University of Arizona to advance technologies and bring forward talent that elevate capability and create advantages for our federal and defense partners, as well as those in uniform,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella.

Who Is Kyl Institute Named After?

The institute is named for former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, a university alumnus who represented Arizona in the House of Representatives and the Senate for a total of 26 years. Kyl held seats on major committees and played a prominent role in shaping national security, defense and intelligence-related policy.

“The University of Arizona played an important role in my life. It’s especially meaningful to see the university applying its research strengths in partnership with government and the private sector to address real-world national security challenges,” Kyl said.

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Venatôre Names Sebastian Lambert, Turner Hirsh to Leadership Positions
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Sebastian Lambert and Turner Hirsh. The pair on Tuesday were named to executive positions at Venatôre, an integrator
  • Venatôre named Sebastian Lambert director of talent strategy and growth and Turner Hirsh as senior enterprise operations manager
  • Lambert has experience leading talent efforts with SOCOM while Hirsh led a large-scale citizen security initiative in Ecuador
  • Learn new business opportunities from leading executives like Lambert and Hirsh at the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit on Feb. 26!

Venatôre, a defense and intelligence services integrator, has named Sebastian Lambert and Turner Hirsh to leadership positions, the Tampa, Florida-based company said Tuesday.

Lambert was appointed director of talent strategy and growth while Hirsh was tapped as senior enterprise operations manager. The additions support the company’s growth and expanding mission support across defense, intelligence and government customers.

“Sebastian and Turner bring the right combination of mission understanding, operational discipline and people-first leadership,” said Maria Martinkov, Venatôre chief executive officer. “As we grow, these roles are critical to ensuring we scale with intention while continuing to deliver trusted outcomes for our customers.

Who Is Sebastian Lambert?

Lambert has nearly 20 years of experience guiding staffing and recruiting endeavors with U.S. Special Operations Command and other intelligence and national security organizations. He has created and scaled recruiting efforts for highly-specialized and security clearance-cleared roles in U.S. and global environments.

Lambert has also served at other GovCon firms including ISPA Technology and ARMA Global Corporation, a division of GDIT. He implemented a formal staffing process at ISPA Technology while defining a workflow and adding structure to the recruiting process. 

Why should you attend the 2026 GovCon Executive Leadership Summit on Feb. 26? It’s a can’t-miss opportunity for high-level executives and ambitious professionals to meet in an atmosphere conducive to relationship-building. Compare notes on your successes in delivering key technologies to demanding federal customers. Strike up collaborations with other GovCon titans and score that big contract you might not achieve on your own. Secure your seat today!

Who Is Turner Hirsh?

Hirsh has more than 10 years of experience supervising finance, compliance and enterprise operations for government-aligned programs across the world. He worked at Palladium in two stints, most recently serving in a position as deputy chief of party for operations on a large-scale citizen security initiative in Ecuador.

Hirsh also worked at Palladium from 2015 to 2020, finishing as a project excellence manager where he worked on a variety of international development efforts. He served as a project specialist at CARANA Corp. in 2015.

What Are Lambert’s and Hirsh’s Responsibilities at Venatôre?

At Venatôre, Lambert is leading Talent Pathfinder, the company’s talent deployment and recruiting apparatus. Talent Pathfinder is designed to quickly identify and place mission-ready professionals aligned with client operational requirements. Hirsh, at Venatôre, is responsible for scaling operational infrastructure, governance and program readiness to enable sustained growth.

Venatôre Names Sebastian Lambert, Turner Hirsh to Leadership Positions
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Charles Wall Named ICE Deputy Director
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Charles Wall. The principal legal adviser at U.S. Immgration and Customs Enforcement has been named ICE’s deputy director.

Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced the appointment of Charles Wall, principal legal adviser at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as deputy director of ICE.

DHS said Thursday Wall has served at ICE since 2012.

What Are DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Thoughts on Charles Wall’s Appointment?

Noem, a previous Wash100 awardee, said she looks forward to working with Wall.

“For the last year, Mr. Wall served as ICE’s Principal Legal Advisor, playing a key role in helping us deliver historic results in arresting and removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from American neighborhoods. Mr. Wall has served as an ICE attorney for 14 years and is a forward leaning, strategic thinker who understands the importance of prioritizing the removal of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from our country,” the DHS secretary noted.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Wall will succeed Madison Sheahan as ICE’s deputy director. Sheahan, who took on the role in March 2025, stepped down to run for Congress in Ohio’s 9th District.

Who Is Charles Wall?

As ICE’s principal legal adviser, Wall managed over 3,500 attorneys and support staff who represent DHS in removal proceedings and offer legal counsel to the agency’s senior officials and workforce.

Prior to this role, he served as ICE’s deputy chief counsel for New Orleans and assistant chief counsel in Louisiana.

Before joining ICE, he was a prosecutor and senior assistant district attorney at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office from 2009 to 2012.

The University of New Orleans history graduate earned his law degree from Tulane Law School.

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SEC Appoints Russell McGranahan as General Counsel
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SEC General Counsel Russell McGranahan. The Securities and Exchange Commission named Russell McGranahan as general counsel.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has named Russell McGranahan as its new general counsel, succeeding Jeffrey Finnell, who served as acting general counsel.

McGranahan will direct legal counsel and provide guidance to the SEC chairman, commissioners and staff across the commission’s regulatory and enforcement activities, the agency said Thursday.

Who Is Russell McGranahan?

McGranahan most recently served as senior adviser to the SEC chairman, providing strategic and legal counsel. Before joining the SEC, he was general counsel of the General Services Administration, serving as the agency’s chief legal officer.

Earlier, McGranahan spent more than nine years as general counsel of wealth management firm Focus Financial Partners, overseeing legal strategy during a period of significant growth. He previously served as a managing director at BlackRock, where he worked as mergers and acquisitions counsel and corporate secretary. He began his legal career practicing corporate and M&A law at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and White & Case.

What Did SEC Chairman Paul Atkins Say About McGranahan’s Appointment?

“I have known Rusty for many years and am excited to have recruited someone of his caliber and experience to my senior team,” said SEC Chairman Paul Atkins. “In addition to being a seasoned securities and M&A lawyer, he has served as both a public company and government agency general counsel. I expect Rusty to deploy these skills immediately across a wide range of priorities, including our initiatives to strengthen the capital markets and deliver on a robust rulemaking agenda,” he added.

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US Aims to Revitalize Domestic Semiconductor Sector Via Trade Deal With Taiwan
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Semiconductors. The U.S. government and Taiwan signed a trade agreement to strengthen U.S. semiconductor supply chains.

The U.S. government and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement to strengthen U.S. semiconductor supply chains and secure the country’s industrial and technological leadership.

US Aims to Revitalize Domestic Semiconductor Sector Via Trade Deal With Taiwan

As the U.S. deepens strategic partnerships like the recent Taiwan trade deal to strengthen semiconductor and advanced technology supply chains, artificial intelligence remains at the center of America’s economic and national security priorities. These developments underscore why leaders across government and industry are focused on building resilient AI ecosystems powered by secure, next-generation chips. Join the conversation at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18. Book your spot now to hear directly from top decision-makers shaping the future of AI.

How Will the US-Taiwan Agreement Strengthen America’s Semiconductor Ecosystem?

The Department of Commerce said Thursday that under the agreement, semiconductor and technology companies in Taiwan will make at least $250 million in direct investments to develop and expand semiconductor, AI and energy production and innovation capacity in the U.S.

To further support the expansion of the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, Taiwan will offer at least $250 billion in credit guarantees to encourage additional investments.

Taiwan and the U.S. will also build industrial parks in the U.S. to strengthen the latter’s industrial infrastructure under the deal, which was signed by the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

How Does the Tariff Framework Promote Balanced US-Taiwan Trade?

The agreement establishes a clear, predictable tariff framework between the two countries. 

Most Taiwanese goods, including certain auto parts and wood products, will face tariffs capped at 15 percent, while key items such as generic pharmaceuticals, aircraft components and unavailable natural resources will be tariff-free. 

Under the agreement, future Section 232 duties on Taiwanese semiconductors will be tied to investment in U.S. manufacturing. While building new chip facilities in the U.S., Taiwanese companies can import up to 2.5 times their planned U.S. production capacity without paying Section 232 duties, with a lower tariff rate for imports above that amount. After the new U.S. facilities are completed, companies can continue to import up to 1.5 times their U.S. production capacity without paying Section 232 duties.

How Is the US Government Advancing Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing?

The U.S. government is stepping up its semiconductor strategy. In August, the U.S. government agreed to acquire a 9.9 percent stake in Intel through an $8.9 billion investment in the technology company’s common stock to help achieve U.S. technology leadership and expand the domestic semiconductor industry. 

The White House’s research and development budget priorities for fiscal year 2027 highlight semiconductors and microelectronics as critical areas for federal funding, underscoring their importance to national and economic security and innovation leadership. 

In November, the Trump administration signed a trade and economic agreement with China that includes commitments on semiconductors and rare-earth exports, aiming to ease barriers for U.S. semiconductor firms and stabilize access to key materials used in advanced chip production.

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