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US Army Expands JIATF-401 Counter-UAS Marketplace Access to Romania
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U.S. Army logo. The Army and Romania agreed to enable the country to buy counter-UAS systems via the JIATF-401 marketplace.

U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, a 2026 Wash100 awardee, and Romania’s national defense minister have signed an agreement to enable the southeastern European country to buy counter-unmanned aerial systems through the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, or JIATF-401, marketplace.

US Army Expands JIATF-401 Counter-UAS Marketplace Access to Romania

As the Army expands initiatives like the JIATF-401 marketplace to strengthen allied defense capabilities against drone threats, these priorities will take center stage at upcoming forums. Attend the 2026 Army Summit to hear military leaders and industry executives discuss artificial intelligence, hyperconnected battlefield, air defenses and other emerging mission needs and priorities. Sign up now!

The Army said Wednesday the effort supports the Department of War’s initiative to expand partner nation access to critical capabilities and reinforces JIATF-401’s role in rapidly fielding C-UAS systems.

What Are the Details of the US Army-Romania Agreement?

The agreement allows Romania to access and procure C-UAS technologies through the JIATF-401 marketplace, which connects a range of counter-drone systems with government users seeking scalable and interoperable platforms.

JIATF-401 leads DOW efforts to field C-UAS systems and align allies and partners against evolving drone threats. The effort builds on collaboration with allies, including the U.K, to speed up capability delivery and improve interoperability. It also supports the Army secretary’s objective to broaden marketplace access to 25 partner countries by the end of the summer of 2026.

What Did JIATF-401 Leaders Say About the Agreement?

Army Maj. Matt Mellor, lead acquisitions specialist for JIATF-401, said the initiative extends access to established capabilities while maintaining alignment with allies and partners.

“Expanding the marketplace to include Romania is a critical step in strengthening the broader C-UAS ecosystem,” Mellor added.

Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401, said the organization is working to expand the market for counter-UAS technologies across multiple use cases.

“This is not just about the most exquisite systems. It’s about a range of capabilities that can meet the needs of different users from the tactical edge to critical infrastructure protection in our homeland and for our allies and partners. As the market grows, the C-UAS industry must be positioned to scale their production and meet the needs of this broadening customer base,” Ross noted.

What Recent Moves Are Shaping the JIATF-401 Marketplace?

The Army-led JIATF-401 recently announced that it completed four initial purchases worth $13 million combined through the newly launched counter-UAS marketplace, which achieved initial operational capability in February.

In March, the Pentagon and the U.K. defense ministry signed a joint declaration of intent to establish common data standards for C-UAS to enable data sharing with allies and accelerate deployment of new capabilities. Under the agreement, JIATF-401 will adopt the new data standards as a requirement for all systems entering its C-UAS marketplace.

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IARPA Unveils Five AI-Focused Research Programs to Advance Intelligence Capabilities
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IARPA seal. IARPA has issued a solicitation for five AI-focused research programs.

The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity has launched five new artificial intelligence-focused research programs under its Emerging Technology Accelerator framework, opening new pathways for industry to support mission-critical intelligence capabilities through prototype other transaction agreements.IARPA Unveils Five AI-Focused Research Programs to Advance Intelligence Capabilities

The effort aligns with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s ODNI 2.0 initiative to accelerate the transition of emerging technologies into operational use and strengthen collaboration with the private sector, IARPA said Wednesday.

According to IARPA Director Russell Miller, the agency is positioning itself as the entry point for intelligence community technology requirements, with a focus on tapping commercial innovation.

Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Intel Summit on Sept. 24 to gain direct insights from senior intelligence officials and build strategic relationships within the intelligence ecosystem.

How Will Each Program Support Intelligence Missions?

  • ARCADE (Artificial Reasoning for Circuit Automation and Design Engineering)
    Seeks to accelerate electrical circuit design by developing an AI-driven knowledge assistant that ingests technical data, such as schematics and datasheets, and enables rapid component selection and design decisions.
  • COSMIC (Commercial Observation for Spatio-temporal Monitoring for Indications of Change)
    Aims to integrate commercial remote sensing data and open-source geolocation information into dynamic geospatial models and develop an agentic AI analytic system capable of answering intelligence questions.
  • DECIPHER
    Focuses on detecting and interpreting emerging or coded language, including slang, jargon and acronyms, by generating contextual definitions and tracking how meaning evolves over time.
  • LocUS (Location Using Sound)
    Develops capabilities to geolocate video content using audio and visual signals, improving analysts’ ability to determine where footage was captured even when metadata is unavailable.
  • MOVES (Movement Observation and Video-based Evaluation System)
    Explores the use of video analytics to support remote assessment of neurological conditions, with potential applications in both healthcare and broader intelligence use cases.

“These research programs will help build capabilities that are directly applicable to mission needs by bridging the technical gap between emerging solutions and successful application,” said Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas.

What Does the OTA-Based Approach Mean for Industry?

IARPA’s Emerging Technology Accelerator uses an other transaction authority model for the programs to streamline engagement with both traditional and non-traditional contractors.

The structure is intended to accelerate award timelines, reduce barriers to entry for commercial firms, enable iterative development and rapid prototyping, and support transition of technologies into operational environments.

To qualify for an other transaction agreement, a prototype project must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

  • Significant non-traditional participation: At least one non-traditional defense contractor or a non-profit research institution must participate in the project to a significant extent.
  • Small business & NDC exclusivity: All significant non-federal participants must be either small businesses or NDCs.
  • Cost-sharing requirement: At least one-third of the total project cost must be funded by non-federal sources.
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CISA, Federal Partners Release Zero Trust Guide for Operational Technology
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DOW CIO Kirsten Davies. CISA and other federal partners have issued a zero trust guide for operational tech. Davies comments.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, along with the Department of War, Department of Energy, Department of State and the FBI, have released new guidance to help organizations apply zero trust principles to operational technology, or OT, systems.

CISA, Federal Partners Release Zero Trust Guide for Operational Technology

Zero trust is a major point of discussion at the 2026 Cyber Summit, a GovCon event hosted by the Potomac Officers Club on May 21. Learn more about the evolving cyberthreat landscape and the push toward zero trust ahead of the 2027 deadline. Secure your spot today!

What Does the New CISA Guidance Cover?

CISA said Wednesday the document, titled “Adapting Zero Trust Principles to Operational Technology,” offers practical guidance for OT owners, operators and zero trust practitioners on addressing challenges and prioritizing key areas for integrating zero trust into OT environments.

The guide outlines how organizations can address challenges such as legacy system limitations, operational constraints and safety requirements associated with physical processes. It highlights priorities including defining zones and conduits, managing supply chain risks and strengthening identity and access controls.

“The Department of War is driving Zero Trust for operational technology at an accelerated pace,” said Kirsten Davies, DOW chief information officer and 2026 Wash100 Award winner. “In lockstep with our federal and industry partners, we are fortifying the infrastructure and interconnected weapon systems our Warfighters demand to fight and win.”

Why Is Zero Trust Adaptation Necessary for OT?

As OT systems become more interconnected, digitally monitored and remotely operated, they face expanding attack surfaces and heightened cyber risks. Threat actors can potentially access IT and OT networks through weakly secured pathways. CISA Acting Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Chris Butera noted activity from groups such as Volt Typhoon targeting OT systems to gain persistent access.

Butera will be a keynote speaker at the 2026 Cyber Summit. Don’t miss his enlightening comments and the chance to engage with him in Q&A! Register now for the May 21 event.

Other CISA Cybersecurity Efforts

CISA recently released an alert warning organizations of malicious cyber activity targeting endpoint management systems. The agency recommended strengthening configurations against potential threats. In January, CISA issued new recommendations to help critical infrastructure entities and state, local, tribal and territorial governments address insider threats.

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AFWERX, SpaceWERX Issue New SBIR, STTR Opportunities Targeting Key Capability Gaps
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AFRL Commander Jason Bartolomei. AFWERX and SpaceWERX have issued new SBIR and STTR solicitations; Bartolomei comments.

AFWERX and SpaceWERX, divisions of the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, have issued new Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer solicitations following the enactment of the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act.

AFWERX, SpaceWERX Issue New SBIR, STTR Opportunities Targeting Key Capability Gaps

The Potomac Officers Club will host the 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30, highlighting how the Air Force and Space Force are advancing technologies and strategies to stay ahead in an increasingly contested domain. Sign up now!

What Do the New Solicitations Support?

AFRL said Wednesday AFWERX and SpaceWERX are seeking proposals from U.S.-owned small businesses with up to 500 employees to contribute to research, development, test and evaluation programs supporting Department of the Air Force missions.

Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, AFRL commander and DAF Technology Executive Officer, said, “We are asking for your disruptive ideas, your investment and your partnership to help supercharge the American industrial base.”

What Are the Solicitations’ Priority Areas?

The latest SBIR and STTR solicitations target high-priority capability gaps, including combat collaborative aircraft and command, control, communications and battle management. Other focused cohorts involve contested logistics, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, manufacturing and readiness. Additionally, the programs seek ideas in small unmanned aircraft systems and weapons technology.

How Are AFWERX & SpaceWERX Changing Their Approach?

The AFRL divisions are adopting a cohort-based model that groups related technologies around defined capability gaps, supported by AFRL integrated product teams that link science and technology efforts to warfighter needs. This structure connects industry, acquisition stakeholders and private capital to specific requirements while coordinating funding and experimentation early.

AFWERX, SpaceWERX Advance Industrial Base Initiatives

In a related move aimed at reinforcing the defense industrial base, AFWERX and SpaceWERX partnered on the 25.5 Release 9 Manufacturing Focused Open Topic Direct-to-Phase II Solicitation, which sought proposals centered on engine production with advanced manufacturing, advanced composite structures, semiconductor production innovations, radiation-tolerant electronics, system integration and interoperability, or affordable energetics.

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Treasury Announces 19 Senior Appointments Across Policy, Operations Offices
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Treasury Department seal. Treasury has named 19 individuals to senior positions spanning economic policy and operations.

The Department of the Treasury has named 19 individuals with experience across government and the private sector to senior positions spanning economic policy, legislative affairs, operations and public affairs.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent made the announcement on Tuesday.

Who Are the Appointed Senior Leaders for Treasury?

  • Austin Browning, deputy chief of staff for operations
  • Aynsley Moore, chief of operational strategy
  • Brandon Mayhew, deputy executive secretary
  • Charlie Bolton, deputy assistant secretary for macroeconomics
  • Christina Skinner, deputy assistant secretary for the Financial Stability Oversight Council
  • Don Snyder, deputy assistant secretary for energy, strategic initiatives and tax administration
  • Elliott Yoshio Hulse, acting assistant secretary for public affairs
  • Eric Ettorre, deputy assistant secretary for trade and investment
  • Francis Brooke, performing the duties of deputy secretary of the Treasury
  • Gene Lange, performing the duties of under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence
  • James Bacon, senior adviser to the secretary
  • Jeremy Wiggins, deputy assistant secretary for investment, energy and infrastructure
  • Kirstin Olson, deputy chief of staff for scheduling
  • Kyle Smithwick, deputy assistant secretary for legislative affairs, oversight
  • Mason Champion, principal deputy assistant secretary for legislative affairs
  • Nathan Wingfield, director of policy and planning
  • Quinn Gabriel, White House liaison
  • Sam Corcos, deputy assistant secretary for information systems and chief information officer
  • Samantha Schwab, principal deputy chief of staff

How Is Treasury Advancing AI & Cybersecurity Initiatives?

Treasury has advanced several initiatives focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity across the financial sector. The department has led efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and risk management practices for AI systems, supporting more secure adoption across financial institutions.

Treasury has also convened stakeholders through an AI Innovation Series to explore use cases and approaches for scaling AI in financial services. In addition, the department has introduced a cybersecurity information-sharing initiative for digital asset firms to help provide threat intelligence and enhance protections across that segment of the financial system.

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Pentagon Launches Cyber Apprenticeship Program
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Pentagon. The DOW Office of the CIO has launched the Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program.

The Department of War’s Office of the Chief Information Officer has launched the Cyber Registered Apprenticeship Program, or Cyber RAP, as part of efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity workforce and support national security missions.

Pentagon Launches Cyber Apprenticeship Program

The latest DOW initiative underscores the growing demand for skilled cyber professionals across the federal landscape. Join the 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 to hear defense officials and industry leaders discuss AI in cyber defense, post-quantum cryptography, cybersecurity compliance, zero trust and more. Register now!

The DOW OCIO said Tuesday Cyber RAP, which will launch as a pilot in the summer of 2026, is designed to expand the department’s cybersecurity talent pipeline through a skills-based hiring approach and hands-on training model.

Marci McCarthy, director of external engagements for the DOW CIO, said the program represents an investment in personnel supporting national security missions.

“The Cyber RAP provides a direct pathway for dedicated individuals to join our mission, securing the vital networks, infrastructure, and weapon systems that our Warfighters depend on every single day,” added McCarthy.

What Are the Training Focus Areas & Key Features of the DOW Cyber RAP?

Cyber RAP will train participants in several core cybersecurity disciplines, including:

  • Security operations
  • Network defense
  • Ethical hacking
  • Artificial intelligence-driven cyberthreat analysis

The 12-month paid apprenticeship will combine online instruction, immersive laboratory work and on-the-job training. Participants will receive mentorship from DOW cyber personnel while developing technical capabilities aligned with operational needs.

The program also features:

  • Structured career pathways for roles such as cyber defense analyst, cyber defense infrastructure support specialist and cyber defense incident responder 
  • Industry-recognized certifications to support workforce readiness 
  • Direct placement opportunities into DOW cyber positions after completion 
  • Continued education pathways through the DOW Cyber Service Academy 

How Does the Initiative Align With Broader Cyber Workforce Efforts?

Lawmakers and defense officials have continued to emphasize cyber workforce development as a priority.

A Senate bill introduced earlier this year would require DOW to create a cybersecurity workforce strategy focused on recruitment, retention and talent development to protect federal networks from foreign adversaries and evolving cyberthreats.

In November, DOW issued an updated strategy to strengthen U.S. Cyber Command’s workforce and operational readiness by establishing a cyber talent management organization, an advanced cyber training and education center, and a cyber innovation warfare center.

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DLA Weapons Support Launches Rapid Sustainment Initiative for Weapon Systems
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Defense Logistics Agency logo. The Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support has launched the Rapid Sustainment Initiative.

The Defense Logistics Agency Weapons Support has introduced the Rapid Sustainment Initiative, or RSI, a contracting approach designed to address gaps in sustainment planning for new weapon systems. DLA announced the initiative in a Friday post to their website.

What Challenge Is the Rapid Sustainment Initiative Addressing?

Sustainment planning often began at initial operating capability, or Milestone C, creating a reactive environment throughout the acquisition lifecycle that triggered delays and parts shortages. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Beth Behn warned that insufficient sustainment planning can result in readiness issues years after fielding.

How Does RSI Work?

The initiative shifts DLA engagement to Milestone B, enabling earlier sustainment coordination after prototype selection. RSI introduces a contracting mechanism that incorporates placeholder contract line item numbers into production agreements. Once parts receive national stock numbers, those placeholders can be updated without requiring full contract modifications. Additionally, DLA is granted ordering authority within the production contract to procure parts ahead of demand and establish supply pipelines.

What Partnerships Support RSI?

DLA is working with the Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, or TACOM, and the Army Contracting Command to prioritize parts and maintain supply chain visibility. TACOM is testing a phased strategy using automated provisioning tools to manage configuration changes. Leaders from both organizations praised the effort as a step toward acquisition reform and improved sustainment planning.

DLA Advances Acquisition Reform & Supply Chain Efforts

The initiative aligns with DLA’s broader push to modernize acquisition and supply chain operations. In December 2025, the agency outlined a strategic transformation effort to enhance logistics support in contested environments, while in November, it advanced outreach to emerging companies through its Tech Accelerator Team. Earlier efforts include the Army’s rollout of the Predictive Analysis Suite to enhance data-sharing with DLA and a 10-year, $600 million agreement signed with the State Department in October 2024 to unify acquisition processes.

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DAF Issues New Workforce Plan to Build AI-Ready Force
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Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. Meink said the Air Force's new workforce plan is designed to secure AI dominance

The Department of the Air Force has introduced a comprehensive strategy to recruit, train and retain professionals capable of utilizing artificial intelligence to achieve military superiority.

The AI Hiring and Talent Development Plan, issued Tuesday by the DAF Chief Data and AI Office, outlines a multi-pronged approach to building an AI workforce.

“This strategy is fundamentally about securing Al dominance in the air and space domains,” stated Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, a 2026 Wash100 winner. “By becoming an Al-first force, we will empower our warfighters to out-think, out-maneuver and out-pace any adversary.”

DAF Issues New Workforce Plan to Build AI-Ready Force

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 will convene top Air Force and industry leaders to explore how advanced technologies, such as AI, ensure American warfighter advantage in the air and space domains. Tickets are available here.

How Will the Air Force Build Its AI Workforce?

To expand its AI workforce, DAF plans to streamline hiring and accession processes by removing bottlenecks and accelerating recruitment for critical roles. The department will also offer competitive financial incentives and implement a “Mission Matching Strategy” to connect candidates with high-impact defense projects.

To retain talent, DAF proposed a dual-track career model that allows AI professionals to advance as technical experts without shifting into traditional management roles.

The department will also establish a baseline AI literacy across the force, ensuring that all personnel are prepared to operate in an AI-enabled environment.

“The successful implementation of this plan will ensure the department can attract, sustain and develop the necessary AI talent at the speed of industry, directly bolstering national security and maintaining a decisive competitive advantage in the global AI landscape,” Susan Davenport, DAF’s chief data and AI officer, commented.

How Does the Workforce Plan Fit Into Broader AI Efforts Across DOW?

The workforce initiative supports DAF’s broader data and AI strategies, which aim to operationalize the technology as a core capability for maintaining air and space dominance. The DAF AI Strategy outlines key priorities, including building an AI-first culture, strengthening data capabilities and speeding up the adoption of advanced capabilities across operations.

It also aligns with the Department of War’s AI strategy issued by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, a two-time Wash100 awardee, to accelerate AI adoption and strengthen national security and maintain a competitive advantage.

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DISA Hosting & Compute Center Shifts to Customer-Centric Hybrid Cloud Delivery Model
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DISA seal. DISA J9 has begun transitioning to a hybrid cloud delivery model.

The Defense Information Systems Agency’s J9 directorate has begun its transition to a hybrid cloud delivery model to better align services with mission requirements.

J9, the agency’s hosting and compute arm, is moving beyond its traditional role as an infrastructure provider to deliver more flexible, tailored cloud capabilities, DISA said Monday. According to J9 Director Jeff Marshall, the effort supports DISA’s vision to modernize support for the warfighter.

What Is the Smart Cloud Journey?

At the center of the transition is J9’s “Smart Cloud Journey,” a framework designed to help mission partners select the most appropriate cloud applications based on operational needs, timing and environment.

Under this model, J9 acts as a strategic adviser, guiding users through capability options within the DISA Cloud Environment, including for maintaining legacy systems, deploying private cloud or scaling into commercial platforms.

“Our mission is to develop and deliver flexible, scalable and secure hybrid cloud solutions and professional services,” Marshall said.

How Is DISA Supporting Cloud Adoption?

J9’s shift builds on existing DISA initiatives designed to accelerate cloud adoption and reduce complexity for Department of War users.

These include the Olympus cloud management platform, which provides pre-authorized security controls, governance tools and managed hosting capabilities for Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability environments. Olympus is designed to streamline deployment and compliance while enabling agencies to focus on applications rather than infrastructure.

DISA has also developed a Cloud Infrastructure as Code framework, which automates the setup of compliant cloud environments. The tool has reduced deployment timelines by several months and helped agencies accelerate their transition to cloud-based operations.

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White House CEQ Seeks Technology Proposals to Modernize Federal Permitting Processes
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White House logo. CEQ is seeking proposals to modernize federal environmental review and permitting processes.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality has issued a call for industry proposals to modernize federal environmental review and permitting processes.

The Permitting Innovators Call for Solutions, launched in collaboration with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation, invites companies, startups, researchers and nonprofits to propose technologies that could improve how agencies manage permitting workflows, the White House said Tuesday. Submissions are due June 2.

What Is the Permitting Innovators Program?

The call is part of the Permitting Innovators program, which seeks to connect federal agencies with private sector technologies to accelerate permitting timelines and improve coordination.

The initiative builds on the Permitting Technology Action Plan, a governmentwide strategy to address challenges such as outdated systems, fragmented data and manual processes that slow environmental reviews. The plan outlines goals for improving data integration, transparency and timeline predictability across agencies.

“America’s innovators have solutions to improve how Federal agencies manage environmental reviews and permitting — and this program gives them a direct path to put those solutions to work,” said CEQ Chairman Katherine Scarlett.

What Types of Tools Is CEQ Seeking?

CEQ is prioritizing technologies that support business process modernization, workflow automation, digital-first documentation and tools that improve schedule predictability.

The goal is to help agencies move away from disconnected, manual systems and adopt more efficient, integrated platforms that enable faster and more consistent decision-making.

How Will Submissions Be Evaluated?

A panel of experts will review proposals and select up to 50 capabilities to be demonstrated at the Permitting Innovators Expo, scheduled for July in Washington, D.C. Selected participants will present their technologies to federal agency leaders and explore potential partnerships.

Qualifying technologies will also be included in a Permitting Innovators Solutions Catalog, which agencies can use to identify vetted tools as they implement modernization efforts under the Permitting Technology Action Plan.

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