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War Department’s OIG Raises Concerns Over Pentagon’s Quantum Technology Management
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Emil Michael. The USD(R&E) leads tech efforts at DOW. DOW's inspector general raised concerns related to quantum requirements

The Department of War’s Office of Inspector General has published a management advisory that identifies concerns with the Pentagon’s development and implementation of quantum technologies.

What Quantum Concerns Did the OIG Raise in Its New Report?

One of the concerns identified in the 10-page document, which was issued Wednesday, is related to the implementation of section 234 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019. The section directed the war secretary, through the under secretary of war for research and engineering, or USD (R&E), to oversee the planning, management and coordination of quantum information science and technology research and development programs.

War Department's OIG Raises Concerns Over Pentagon’s Quantum Technology Management

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29 will have a panel on advancing U.S. leadership in quantum computing featuring Fredrik Fatemi from the Army Research Laboratory and industry representatives. Top Department of War officials, including the USD (R&E) himself, Emil Michael, will also be present at the event to deliver insights through keynote speeches and panel discussions and to network. Click here to get your tickets.

The document also mentions section 214 of the FY 2021 NDAA, which tasked military department secretaries to maintain an updated list of technical and research problems that quantum computers may be able to address.

The OIG warned that failure to implement the congressional mandates may prevent the DOW from enhancing its quantum computing capabilities and may cause the United States to fall behind adversaries in quantum innovation.

In response to the report, the acting deputy USD (R&E) committed to collaborating with military department secretaries to address the aforementioned concerns.

What Are DOW’s Top Technology Priorities?

USD (R&E) Emil Michael previously identified quantum and battlefield information dominance as one of the six critical technology areas, or CTAs, to advance American warfighter capabilities.

According to the official, warfighters require tools that can preserve communication and deliver precise navigation and timing in degraded or denied environments.

The CTAs also include artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, hypersonics, directed energy and contested logistics technologies.

“These six Critical Technology Areas are not just priorities; they are imperatives,” Michael stated. “The American warfighter will wield the most advanced technology to maximize lethality.” 

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NASA’s Pandora Satellite Launches Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9
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SpaceX Falcon Rocket. NASA has launched its Pandora Satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 mission.

NASA launched its Pandora small satellite on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Jan. 11 as part of the Twilight commercial rideshare mission.

What Is NASA’s Pandora Small Satellite?

The agency said the Pandora satellite is a spacecraft designed to study the atmospheres of distant exoplanets while monitoring the behavior of their host stars. It will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit, enabling it to observe targets under consistent lighting conditions by passing over the same point on Earth at nearly the same local time each day. By examining at least 20 exoplanet systems, Pandora will help researchers distinguish atmospheric chemical signals from effects caused by stellar activity, enhancing the accuracy of exoplanet observations.

How Will Pandora Perform Its Mission?

According to Elisa Quintana, principal investigator for Pandora at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the mission aims to “disentangle the atmospheric signals of planets and stars using visible and near-infrared light.”

Using its onboard telescope, the spacecraft will gather visible and infrared light from each target system during extended observation campaigns. It will observe each system up to 10 times, with each session lasting up to 24 hours. These prolonged, multi-wavelength observations will allow scientists to separate planetary signals from stellar activity and identify the sources of elements and molecules such as water and oxygen.

Data collected by Pandora will help scientists identify the origins of elements and compounds, supporting efforts to determine signs of life. Furthermore, it is also expected to enhance NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope’s ability to study exoplanet atmospheres.

BlackCAT & SPARCS CubeSat Missions

The launch also carried dozens of additional satellites, including two NASA-sponsored CubeSats. The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat, or SPARCS, will monitor ultraviolet emissions from low-mass stars to evaluate the effects of stellar activity on nearby planets. The Black Hole Coded Aperture Telescope, or BlackCAT, will study gamma-ray bursts and other transient cosmic events using advanced X-ray detection technology.

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CISA Sunsets SolarWinds, Nine Other Emergency Directives
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CISA logo. CISA has closed 10 emergency directives issued between 2019 and 2024.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has retired 10 emergency directives issued over a five-year period, signaling that the immediate risks the directives were designed to address have been mitigated.

CISA Sunsets SolarWinds, Nine Other Emergency Directives

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21 convenes public- and private-sector cybersecurity professionals to review evolving threats and federal security requirements as agencies work toward the Department of War’s 2027 zero trust deadline. Register now to be part of the conversation!

Why Did CISA Retire the Emergency Directives?

CISA said Thursday that a review of all active emergency directives found them no longer necessary, noting that mandated actions have either been fully implemented or are now covered under Binding Operational Directive 22-01, which requires agencies to remediate flaws listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Other directives were retired after changes in security practices and threat posture made the original requirements outdated.

“The closure of these ten Emergency Directives reflects CISA’s commitment to operational collaboration across the federal enterprise, said Madhu Gottumukkala, acting director at CISA. “Every day, CISA’s exceptional team works collaboratively with partners to eliminate persistent access, counter emerging threats, and deliver real-time mitigation guidance. Looking ahead, CISA continues to advance Secure by Design principles – prioritizing transparency, configurability, and interoperability - so every organization can better defend their diverse environments.” 

Gottumukkala added that CISA will continue to issue emergency directives when conditions warrant “swift, decisive action,” particularly in response to nation-state cyber threats.

Which Emergency Directives Were Retired?

CISA confirmed the closure of the following emergency directives:

Legacy Infrastructure & System Threats

  • ED 19-01: DNS infrastructure tampering
  • ED 20-02: Windows vulnerabilities 
  • ED 20-03: Windows DNS server vulnerability 
  • ED 20-04: Netlogon elevation of privilege
  • ED 21-04: Windows Print Spooler service vulnerability

Major Supply Chain & Software Compromises

  • ED 21-01: SolarWinds Orion code compromise
  • ED 21-02: Microsoft Exchange on-premises vulnerabilities
  • ED 21-03: Pulse Connect Secure product vulnerabilities
  • ED 22-03: VMware vulnerabilities
  • ED 24-02: compromise of Microsoft corporate email accounts by Midnight Blizzard, a Russian state-sponsored cyber actor
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Emil Michael Announces Key Actions to Safeguard DOW-Funded Research
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Emil Michael. The undersecretary of war for research and engineering issued a memo to protect DOW-funded research.

Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael has issued a memorandum outlining key measures to protect Department of War-funded research from intellectual property theft, malign foreign influence and other means of exploitation that undermine U.S. national security and economic interests.

Emil Michael Announces Key Actions to Safeguard DOW-Funded Research

Michael will address GovCons in a fireside chat in person at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. Join Michael and other senior defense and industry leaders as they share their insights on safeguarding defense innovation while ensuring the U.S. maintains its technological edge against evolving threats. Book your spot today!

DOW said Thursday the memo titled Fundamental Research Security Initiatives and Implementation aligns with congressional oversight initiatives and reflects the department’s commitment to advancing research security.

What Measures Does the Memo Outline to Protect DOW-Funded Research?

According to the memo, the measures include prohibiting research funding to certain Chinese military-linked companies, establishing a departmentwide risk review repository, and developing automated vetting and monitoring tools to better detect foreign influence. 

Additional steps include expanded spot checks of research awards, standardized foreign support reporting, enhanced training for research security personnel and closer coordination with congressional oversight committees.

What Did Emil Michael Say About Strengthening Research Security?

Michael said the War Department is intensifying its efforts to safeguard taxpayer-funded research and uphold the integrity of the U.S. scientific community.

“These measures represent a decisive step toward strengthening the Department’s ability to safeguard its DoW Fundamental Research from adverse exploitation, ensure accountability in the stewardship of resources, and preserve the research and technological superiority of the U.S. military,” he wrote in the memo. “By fostering a culture of vigilance and collaboration across the entire DoW, the Department will be better equipped to anticipate emerging threats, adapt to evolving adversarial tactics, and maintain its position as a global leader in defense, innovation and research.”

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Air Force Rolls Out Hegseth’s Warfighting Acquisition System
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Troy Meink. The secretary of the Air Force commented on the implementation of Hegseth’s Warfighting Acquisition System.

The Department of the Air Force has begun implementing the Warfighting Acquisition System as part of its effort to expedite the delivery of capabilities to warfighters.

DAF said Thursday the move supports the acquisition reforms introduced by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a Wash100 awardee, in November. 

“This transformation is a generational opportunity for the Department of the Air Force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “It enables us to holistically reform our enterprise—from requirements, to acquisition, to test—in order to support the rapid and efficient development of our warfighting capabilities in order to get the operators what they need when they need it.”

What Is the Goal of the Warfighting Acquisition System?

According to Hegseth’s memo, the Pentagon redesignated the Defense Acquisition System as the Warfighting Acquisition System to prioritize the urgent delivery of operational capabilities to warfighters. 

The change seeks to recognize acquisition as a warfighting function and enable the continuous improvement of warfighting capabilities.

What Does the Shift From PEOs to PAEs Mean for Air & Space Force Acquisition?

As part of the Department of the Air Force’s shift to a warfighting-focused acquisition model, the transition from program executive officers, or PEOs, to portfolio acquisition executives, or PAEs, is now underway.

The Air Force has designated five PEOs as the first tranche of PAEs overseeing fighters and advanced aircraft; command, control, communications and battle management; nuclear command, control and communications; weapons; and propulsion.

The transition empowers leaders to streamline decision-making, manage integrated portfolios and align accountability with mission outcomes.

In parallel with the departmentwide transformation, the U.S. Space Force is implementing the same PAE construct, designating space access and space-based sensing and targeting as its first mission areas to strengthen leadership authority and rapidly deploy space capabilities.

“We will ensure that every one of our Portfolio Acquisition Executives, and the teams that support them, has the three things they need to succeed: the authority, the resources, and the talent to execute their mission,” said Meink.

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GSA’s OneGov Initiative Delivers Up to 72 Percent Off Cohesity Cyber Resilience Software
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Josh Gruenbaum. The commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service said the OneGov agreement will secure AI systems

The General Services Administration has secured discounts of up to 72.25 percent for Cohesity’s artificial intelligence-powered data protection and replication software and other tools for federal agencies under its OneGov initiative.

The agency said Thursday that the discount is exclusively available through its Multiple Award Schedule through September 2027.

GSA's OneGov Initiative Delivers Up to 72 Percent Off Cohesity Cyber Resilience Software

Government systems are being targeted by global adversaries. Learn about ongoing and future initiatives to protect American data amid intensifying international conflict at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Click here to secure your spot.

According to Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service and a 2025 Wash100 recipient, the agreement will secure AI infrastructure across the government and is in line with President Donald Trump’s call for America’s leadership in the global AI race.

“Through this agreement, agencies can fortify cyber resilience and ensure operational continuity across hybrid and multicloud environments with secure, modern data protection tools,” the official added.

What Is Included in Cohesity’s OneGov Agreement With GSA?

Under the agreement, select data protection and replication software is available at up to 72.25 percent off its list price.

Meanwhile, the Cohesity OneGov FedShield and OneGov FedCloud are discounted by 65 percent and 35 percent, respectively. The bundles offer comprehensive backup, recovery and replication services managed via a Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program-authorized control plane.

“The federal government urgently needs a simple, efficient, and secure way to manage data to keep the country safe from cyberattacks — and the American people deserve the world’s best cyber resilience,” Sanjay Poonen, president and CEO of Cohesity, stated. “Our platform, Cohesity Data Cloud, can protect data wherever it resides and will bring exceptional efficiency and compliance to the public sector.”

What Is OneGov?

The agreement is part of GSA’s OneGov strategy to centralize procurement of commercial IT products and services through standardized pricing and contract terms. Launched in April 2025, OneGov aims to reduce duplicate purchases across agencies and drive efficiency.

Trump Creates New DOJ Division to Investigate Federal Program Fraud
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White House. The White House published a fact sheet on a new DOJ anti-fraud division

President Donald Trump has announced a new division within the Department of Justice to address fraud targeting federal government programs, nonprofit organizations, businesses and private citizens.

An assistant attorney general will lead the national fraud enforcement division’s investigation and work with other federal agencies to disrupt fraud schemes, the White House said in a fact sheet published Thursday.

What Are the Responsibilities of the New Anti-Fraud Division’s Assistant Attorney General?

According to the fact sheet, the assistant attorney general will also provide assistance and guidance to the attorney general, deputy attorney general and the U.S. attorneys’ offices on high-impact investigations, policy development and issues related to fraud.

What Are the Actions the Government Is Taking in Minnesota?

The White House fact sheet also specifically addressed what it described as a “fraud epidemic” in Minnesota, saying that the DOJ is investigating fraudulent activity targeting Feeding Our Future, Housing Stabilization Services, Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention, and other programs.

The DOJ has charged over 98 defendants, 64 of whom were convicted, and issued over 1,750 subpoenas, the document revealed.

In addition, multiple federal agencies have paused payments and implemented stricter verification for federal benefits programs.

What Did GAO Find in Its Review of Federal Programs?

The Government Accountability Office recently reported that many federal award programs, including CHIPS for America, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Center Program, and the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Hubs, lack complete fraud-prevention safeguards.

GAO recommended implementing fraud risk management practices, conducting fraud risk assessments and recovery audits, and establishing anti-fraud strategies and procedures.

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Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Reauthorize National Quantum Initiative
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PsiQuantum EVP Mark Brunner. Todd Young and Maria Cantwell introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.

Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., have introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would extend federal support for quantum research and development.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Reauthorize National Quantum Initiative

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29 will convene senior defense leaders, researchers and innovators to explore breakthrough technologies—such as quantum science—reshaping the future of warfare. Register now to gain actionable insights and connect with the decision-makers advancing next-generation defense innovation.

What Is the Purpose of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act?

Young’s office said Friday the bipartisan bill proposes to authorize funding for five additional years to continue advancing quantum R&D programs across multiple federal science agencies, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation and NASA. The measure is intended to strengthen basic research, advance practical quantum applications and support workforce development to enhance U.S. competitiveness and national security.

The legislation directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a framework for global collaboration on quantum research and the secretary of commerce to develop a plan for quantum supply chain resilience. It mandates that agencies establish metrics and report progress to Congress and supports public-private collaboration through prize challenges. The bill also authorizes funding for new quantum centers and calls for a Government Accountability Office study to reduce administrative barriers to participation.

“This legislation is a great example of concrete, bipartisan support for major U.S. investments in quantum R&D, workforce development, and real-world applications,” Mark Brunner, executive vice president of public sector at PsiQuantum, said on a LinkedIn post.

Who Is Supporting the Bipartisan Measure?

The bill is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, including Steve Daines, R-Mont.; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.; Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.; Ted Budd, R-N.C.; Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.; Mike Rounds, R-S.D.; and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. It is also supported by academic institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University and Purdue University.

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DOT, FAA Unveil New UAS Test Sites in Oklahoma & Indiana
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Drone swarm. DOT and FAA unveiled plans for two new unmanned aircraft system test sites.

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have unveiled plans for two new unmanned aircraft systems test sites.

The new testing sites, the first FAA-designated drone test sites in almost 10 years, will be located in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Indiana Economic Development Corp., FAA said Thursday.

What Is the Purpose of the New UAS Test Sites?

The new testing grounds, part of the FAA’s UAS Test Site program, will be used to develop, test and evaluate public and civil aerial drones and related technologies. The program will emphasize beyond visual line of sight, or BVLOS, operations, under a rule proposed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to enable broader operational use of drone technologies.

“We’ve added these new test sites to help us gather critical data and test new systems so we can safely unleash innovation in our skies,” Duffy said.

The sites are also intended to advance the safe commercialization of drone capabilities and support the full integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.

“These test sites help the U.S. assess emerging technologies to modernize methods for cargo delivery, Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations and multiple drone operations while informing safety and security. Together, we will usher in the safe commercialization of drone technologies and fully integrate UAS into our NAS,” said Bryan Bedford, administrator of the FAA.

How Does the Expansion Support National Drone Policy?

The test sites align with President Trump’s executive order, “Unleashing American Drone Dominance.” The new locations will become the eighth and ninth FAA UAS test sites and were authorized under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which permits the designation of up to two additional test ranges.

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AIA Backs Trump Push to Speed Defense Contracting, Urges Stable Demand Signals
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Eric Fanning. The AIA CEO welcomed President Trump’s EO aimed at accelerating defense contracting.

The Aerospace Industries Association has expressed support for President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at reshaping defense contracting practices, stating that the administration’s focus on accelerating acquisition aligns with industry efforts to deliver capabilities to U.S. warfighters more quickly.

AIA Backs Trump Push to Speed Defense Contracting, Urges Stable Demand Signals

As defense contracting and acquisition practices evolve, the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29 will provide a setting for government, industry and research leaders to discuss how innovation is developed and delivered across the defense enterprise. Convened by the Potomac Officers Club, the event will focus on research and technology efforts that support U.S. military capabilities and national security. Register now!

Why Does AIA Support Faster Defense Acquisition?

In a statement released Thursday, AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning, a past Wash100 Award recipient, said defense companies are already mobilizing to improve speed, innovation and production capacity, but emphasized that sustained investment depends on predictable requirements and long-term commitments from the government.

“The proven way to drive investment across the defense ecosystem is by providing stable demand signals and clear requirements,” Fanning noted. “Multi-year procurement agreements, like the new munitions framework, supported by appropriations, show how strategic planning drives results.”

According to the AIA CEO, accelerating acquisition timelines will help ensure warfighters receive critical capabilities without unnecessary delays, while reinforcing U.S. leadership in defense technology.

How Does Private Investment Factor Into Defense Readiness?

The trade group emphasized that attracting private investment has long been a defining advantage of the U.S. defense industry, highlighting the importance of federal policies in continuing to encourage capital investment in manufacturing and production capacity.

“We share this Administration’s deep commitment to U.S. national security and our troops, and we will continue working with them to advance policies that reward performance, strengthen the defense industrial base, and keep America ahead of fast-moving threats,” Fanning said. 

The White House issued the executive order, titled “Prioritizing The Warfighter in Defense Contracting,” on Wednesday, directing changes to defense contracting practices, including closer scrutiny of contractor performance, investment behavior and executive compensation.

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