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Google, Oracle, Accenture, 21 Other Organizations Sign AI Agreements With DOE to Advance Genesis Mission
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OSTP Director Michael Kratsios. Kratsios met with DOE officials and industry partners to advance Genesis Mission

The Department of Energy has signed memorandums of understanding with Google, Amazon Web Services, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Accenture, Oracle and 18 other organizations to advance the Genesis Mission, a White House initiative that promotes the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery and drive innovation.

DOE said Thursday that the organizations were selected based on responses to a previously issued request for information or currently have active projects with the department and national laboratories. 

Google, Oracle, Accenture, 21 Other Organizations Sign AI Agreements With DOE to Advance Genesis Mission

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Industry participants have already convened at the White House with Energy Secretary Chris Wright; Dario Gil, DOE under secretary for science and Genesis mission director; and Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and a Wash100 winner, to launch public-private AI innovation partnerships.

“Harnessing cutting-edge AI for science will dramatically increase the productivity of American scientists and researchers,” Kratsios stated. “The Genesis Mission will help America’s scientists automate experiment design, accelerate simulations, and generate predictive models that will lead to breakthroughs in energy, manufacturing, drug discovery and beyond.”

What Will Industry Contribute to the White House’s Genesis Mission?

In a Thursday statement, Oracle confirmed that it has entered a non-binding agreement with DOE to accelerate AI deployment and increase domestic capacity for compute infrastructure, data architecture and AI development. 

Kim Lynch, executive vice president for defense and intelligence at Oracle Government and a two-time Wash100 awardee, said the company’s participation at the White House event reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring that the U.S. maintains leadership in AI and high-performance computing. 

Meanwhile, Accenture said it will provide platform design and integration, data curation, and automation tools and services to Genesis research partners. Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture and also a Wash100 recipient, described the Genesis Mission as a “bold national ambition” that requires “a new kind of partnership.”

Google Public Sector offered Gemini for Government, a platform that provides agentic tools to support scientific research, and AI co-scientist, which will serve as a virtual collaborator for researchers, according to a blog post co-written by Jim Kelly, the company’s vice president of federal and a Wash100 recipient.

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Rocket Lab’s Electron Rocket Lifts Off DOW R&D Satellites
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Rocket Lab logo. An Electron spacecraft launched DOW satellites under the STP-S30 mission.

Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket has launched four Department of War research and development satellites into low Earth orbit under the Space Test Program S30 mission.

The Electron vehicle lifted off on Thursday from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia, SSC said that day, adding that satellite operators are expected to begin initial on-orbit checkout activities in the days following deployment to confirm spacecraft health and functionality.

Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket Lifts Off DOW R&D Satellites

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Launch services for STP-S30 were procured through the Rocket Systems Launch Program under the Orbital Services Program-4 contract. Initially scheduled for spring 2026, the launch was advanced by approximately five months. The earlier timeline was attributed to the coordinated execution of programs and the availability of responsive commercial launch services.

The STP-S30 mission is managed by SSC’s System Delta 89 Innovation and Prototyping Program Office and supports technology demonstrations intended to inform future Space Force operational systems. It was conducted with support from NASA, The Aerospace Corp. and SSC’s newly activated System Delta 80.

Why Did SSC Stand Up System Delta 80?

One day prior to the STP-S30 announcement, SSC formally recognized the activation of SYD 80 during a ceremony at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The new delta consolidates acquisition and execution responsibilities across the Assured Access to Space portfolio.

SYD 80 includes six system program directorates covering the National Security Space Launch; the Rocket Systems Launch Program; launch and test range systems; and servicing, mobility and logistics programs.

The delta was officially established in October.

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Douglas Matty Leaving CDAO Post to Focus on Golden Dome
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Douglas Matty. The Pentagon’s CDAO is leaving his post to focus on the Golden Dome for America missile defense project.

Douglas Matty, the Department of War’s chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, is leaving his current role to focus on the Trump administration’s Golden Dome for America next-generation missile defense shield project, DefenseScoop reported Wednesday.

Douglas Matty Leaving CDAO Post to Focus on Golden Dome

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Andrew Mapes, acting principal deputy CDAO, will serve as acting chief of the Pentagon’s AI office until DOW finds a permanent replacement to Matty.

In April, Matty took on the CDAO role to oversee efforts to accelerate DOW’s adoption of AI, analytics and data to enable decision advantage on the battlefield.

Who Is Douglas Matty?

Matty is a national security leader with expertise spanning AI, operational command and data integration.

Before joining the Pentagon, he was director of research for AI and autonomy at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

He previously served as an executive engineer at RAND and was the director of Army AI capabilities within the Department of the Army.

He is the founder of the U.S. Army Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, which is responsible for developing, synchronizing and coordinating AI capabilities for the military branch and providing critical support for DOW’s Joint AI Center.

For 30 years, Matty served as an active-duty officer in the Air Defense Artillery and Operations Research and Systems Analysis Functional Area.

The West Point computer engineering graduate has a doctorate degree in engineering systems from MIT.

What Is Golden Dome?

Golden Dome is envisioned as a multilayered defense system to intercept cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missile threats, integrating space-based sensors and interceptors.

According to a U.S. government slide presentation in August, Golden Dome will include four layers: one satellite-based platform and three land-based missile systems. One layer will provide space-based sensing and targeting for missile warning, tracking and defense. The three ground-based layers will consist of radar arrays, missile interceptors and lasers.

In July, the Senate confirmed Gen. Michael Guetlein, most recently vice chief of space operations at the U.S. Space Force and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, as direct reporting program manager for the Golden Dome project.

In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to build the Golden Dome for America, which is expected to cost $175 billion and be completed by 2028.

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Jared Isaacman Confirmed as NASA Administrator
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NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Jared Isaacman has been confirmed as administrator of NASA.

The Senate confirmed Jared Isaacman as the next administrator of NASA on Wednesday.

Isaacman’s nomination was approved by a vote of 67 in favor and 30 against, with three senators not voting, according to the official Senate roll call. He succeeds Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who was named interim NASA administrator in July. 

How Did President Trump Handle Isaacman’s Nomination?

President Trump initially nominated Isaacman to be NASA administrator in December 2024 but withdrew the nomination five months later following “a thorough review of prior associations.” Isaacman was renominated in November.

“Jared’s passion for space, astronaut experience and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new era,” the president posted on Truth Social, announcing the nomination.

Who Is Jared Isaacman?

Isaacman is the founder and CEO of Shift4, a payment processing company with nearly 4,000 employees and over $260 billion in annual transaction volume, serving more than 200,000 customers worldwide.

AIA CEO Eric Fanning on Isaacman’s Confirmation

Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Eric Fanning, a previous Wash100 Award winner, congratulated Isaacman on his confirmation, saying, “The Aerospace Industries Association congratulates Mr. Isaacman on his confirmation to serve as the next Administrator of NASA, and we look forward to working with him to continue expanding our reach, both here on Earth and beyond.”

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Senate OKs $901B FY 2026 Defense Authorization Bill
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Capitol building. The Senate on Wednesday voted 77-20 to pass the $901 billion fiscal year 2026 NDAA.

The Senate on Wednesday voted 77-20 to pass a $900.6 billion defense policy bill for fiscal year 2026.

The upper chamber’s vote came days after the House approved the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which is now headed to the White House for President Trump’s signature.

What Acquisition Reforms Are Proposed in FY 2026 NDAA?

In a statement published Wednesday, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the NDAA seeks to improve the Department of War’s acquisition process.

“The acquisition reforms will help speed the development and fielding of new systems and technology to our forces on the front lines. And it authorizes critical investments in technology and advanced weapons systems; strengthens our cyber capabilities and defenses; and bolsters innovative research and development efforts,” Reed noted.

Pentagon acquisition chief Michael Duffey will speak at Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. The under secretary of war for acquisition and sustainment will be the opening keynote speaker, followed by DOW Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael. Register now!

Breaking Defense reported that the defense policy bill would direct DOW to adopt a “portfolio acquisition executive model” for program management and streamline the process for new entrants and commercial firms seeking to do business with the Pentagon.

According to the report, the bill would eliminate compliance requirements for small firms and establish the Bridging Operational Objectives & Support for Transition, or BOOST, program within the Defense Innovation Unit to help companies with operationally viable platforms transition to the production phase.

SASC Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said the legislation includes the most sweeping changes to the Pentagon’s business practices in six decades.

“The bill sets us on a path to modernize our defense capabilities and augment our drone manufacturing, shipbuilding efforts, and the development of innovative low-cost weapons,” Wicker added.

What Are the Other Provisions of the FY26 Defense Policy Bill?

The defense policy measure would give service members a 3.8 percent pay raise; establish formal programs for uncrewed maritime systems; and authorize $26 billion for shipbuilding, $38 billion for aircraft, $25 billion for munitions and $4 billion for ground vehicles.

The legislation would extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, authorize full funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to strengthen alliances in Asia and boost activities related to the country’s security partnership with the U.K. and Australia.

While the NDAA outlines annual defense policy, it does not appropriate funds.

Senate OKs $901B FY 2026 Defense Authorization Bill
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DLA Publishes Paper on ‘Just Enough’ Logistics Approach to Strengthen Military Readiness
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Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly, director of DLA. Simmerly published a paper on the "just enough" logistics model

Defense Logistics Agency officials have introduced the “just enough” approach to military logistics to enhance readiness and operational agility, DLA said Wednesday.

In the paper titled Just Enough Logistics: Shifting the Logistics Paradigm, DLA Director Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly and Lt. Col. Daniel Marvin of the DLA Director’s Strategic Initiatives Group present an alternative to the current process of stockpiling resources.

DLA Publishes Paper on 'Just Enough' Logistics Approach to Strengthen Military Readiness

Modernizing logistics is one of the key topics that industry leaders and military officials will discuss at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. Click here to get your tickets for this highly anticipated GovCon event.

What Is the ‘Just Enough’ Logistics Model?

A key approach to the proposed model involves the use of data and artificial intelligence for demand forecasting. The study also calls for the adoption of decentralized and interoperable systems for real-time visibility, predictive analytics for maintenance, and strengthened cybersecurity to protect global logistics networks.

Additionally, the approach emphasizes the importance of partnerships across the defense industrial base to maintain supply chain health.

“This approach offers a more resilient, efficient and adaptable logistics solution, enabling forces to operate effectively in complex and unpredictable environments,” wrote Simerly and Marvin in the paper. “The approach revolves around smart preparedness, focusing resources where they are needed most and leveraging technology to enhance visibility and responsiveness”

Why Does DLA Need to Change Its Approach to Military Logistics?

Simerly has previously spoken about the need to shift from the current “just-in-time” and “just-in-case” approach to a “just enough” mentality to address evolving challenges in the battlefield, such as contested logistics in operational theaters and global supply chain disruptions.

He added that the approach ensures that warfighters can carry out their missions effectively in unpredictable conditions.

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SWFT Industry Feedback Highlight Challenges, Opportunities in Pentagon’s Software Security Initiative
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Katie Arrington, acting CIO of DOW. Arrington published a new document on the DOW's SWFT initiative

Katie Arrington, who is performing the duties of chief information officer for the Department of War and is a Wash100 Award recipient, has published a document summarizing responses to three previously issued requests for information on advancing software security as part of the Pentagon’s Software Fast Track, or SWFT, initiative.

Arrington said in the document’s foreword that industry submitted over 400 responses to the RFIs. She added that insights from collected from the effort will inform how the department can transform software security and ensure that the U.S. can maintain battlefield superiority well into the future.

SWFT Industry Feedback Highlight Challenges, Opportunities in Pentagon's Software Security Initiative

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What Did DOW Find Through the SWFT RFIs?

Responses to the first RFI, which focused on SWFT tools, revealed concerns over inconsistent attestation requirements. According to the summary, while organizations reported alignment with established security frameworks, many complained that the lack of universally accepted guidelines for documentation for compliance, which create additional challenges in integrating security standards into regular workflows.

For the RFI on SWFT external assessment methodologies, respondents said they rely on internal and external audits to evaluate software security. Companies called for clear guardrails for external assessment functions.

Industry sees potential to enhance the efficiency of risk assessment and address novel challenges based on responses to the third RFI, which centered on automation and artificial intelligence in SWFT. Responses to the RFI highlighted the capability of automation and AI to reduce manual and repetitive tasks, including data analysis and impact assessment. Respondents also raised challenges related to AI, such as explainability and reliability, data security, and model performance.

What Is the SWFT Initiative?

The Pentagon launched the SWFT initiative in May to transform the way it acquires, tests, authorizes and fields software.

Under SWFT, the DOW intends to provide clear specific cybersecurity and supply chain risk management requirements, software security verification processes, information-sharing mechanisms, and government-led risk determinations.

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NASA, Partners Test Commercial Satellite Relay Services for Near-Earth Missions
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Satellite communications. NASA and its partners have demonstrated commercial satellite relay services.

NASA and its commercial partners are conducting demonstrations of advanced satellite relay capabilities supporting near-Earth science missions as part of the Communications Services Project.

What Is NASA’s Communications Services Project?

The project, managed by NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Program, aims to modernize its communications, including how the agency tracks, commands and receives data from science missions in near-Earth orbit, the agency said Wednesday. The demonstrations mark progress toward retiring the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system and adopting commercial services under the project.

Which Companies Are Working With NASA on the Project?

Amazon and SpaceX are both working to advance optical communications. Amazon’s Leo for Government program is preparing high‑rate optical data exchange tests across its low-Earth orbit satellites, while SpaceX has already showcased similar capabilities through Starlink during the Polaris Dawn and Fram2 missions.

SES Space & Defense and Telesat are driving multi‑orbit relay innovations. SES evaluated real‑time data relay capabilities across LEO, medium Earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit with Planet Labs, while Telesat is testing its Lightspeed network with optical inter‑satellite links to build a global mesh by 2027.

Viasat is demonstrating launch telemetry, spacecraft command and Ka‑band data relay through its geostationary orbit networks, including tracking Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch, with more tests planned for 2026.

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Gen. John Lamontagne Nominated as Air Force Vice Chief of Staff
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Gen. John Lamontagne. The head of Air Mobility Command has been nominated to serve as the next Air Force vice chief of staff.

President Donald Trump has nominated Gen. John Lamontagne, commander of Air Mobility Command, to serve as the next vice chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force.

According to a congressional notice, the Senate received Lamontagne’s nomination from the president on Monday.

Breaking Defense reported that if confirmed, Lamontagne would fill the post previously held by Gen. James Slife, who was relieved in February amid a purge of senior military officers.

Lamontagne’s nomination came nearly two months after the Senate confirmed Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach as the 24th chief of staff of the Air Force.

Save your spot now for Potomac Officers Club’s highly anticipated 2026 Air and Space Summit, coming July 2026!

Who Is Gen. John Lamontagne?

Lamontagne has been serving as head of Air Mobility Command since September 2024. In this capacity, he leads over 40,000 active-duty personnel, nearly 8,000 civilians and 551 aircraft, executing air mobility missions in support of the joint force, allies and partners.

Before assuming the AMC commander role, he served as deputy commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa.

The general previously served as chief of staff of U.S. European Command; deputy director, J-5, Joint Staff; and commander of the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

The U.S. Air Force Academy astronautical engineering graduate has logged more than 4,000 flight hours as a command pilot of C-12, KC-135R and C-17A aircraft.

Gen. John Lamontagne Nominated as Air Force Vice Chief of Staff
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Marines Complete Training, Live-Fire Exercise on MADIS Air Defense System
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U.S. Marine Corps logo. USMC completed New Equipment Training and live-fire exercise for MADIS.

The U.S. Marine Corps completed new equipment training, or NET, and live-fire exercise for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, marking a significant step in operational readiness for expeditionary air defense, DVIDS reported Monday.

Marines Complete Training, Live-Fire Exercise on MADIS Air Defense System

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According to the report, USMC launched the first full-rate production version of MADIS in September.

During the NET, Marines participated in classroom instruction and hands-on exercises covering the system’s architecture, sensors, radar, weapons platforms and tactical employment at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. The training concluded with a live-fire event, allowing Marines to perform simulated engagements against aerial targets.

“I would tell other Marines training on this system to be open and be creative,” said 1st Lt. Michael Rushane. “This is the future of the Marine Corps and the future of GBAD as a whole. The ideas you come up with for how to employ this system, whether you’re a PFC or a General, will pay dividends in the success of this system moving forward.”

What Is USMC MADIS?

MADIS is a mobile, short-range air defense system mounted on a pair of joint light tactical vehicles that form a ground-based air defense weapon system. It is designed to counter and defeat manned and unmanned aerial systems and low-altitude air attacks.

The system features advanced sensors, mobility capabilities, targeting algorithms and a modular design that allows for future upgrades.

Earlier in the development process, the USMC Program Executive Officer Land Systems tested a low-rate initial production model of MADIS during a live-fire exercise in December 2023 at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. That test demonstrated the system’s capability against unmanned aerial threats.

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