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AIA Names Board of Governors Chair for 2026, Unveils Executive Committee Members
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Phebe Novakovic, chair of AIA's board of governors. Novakovic currently serves as the CEO of General Dynamics

The Aerospace Industries Association has appointed Phebe Novakovic, chair and CEO of General Dynamics and a nine-time Wash100 winner, as chair of its board of governors for 2026.

Novakovic succeeds Christopher Kubasik, chair and CEO of L3Harris Technologies and a three-time Wash100 winner. AIA said Wednesday that Kubasik has been chair of governors board since 2024 and will continue to guide the company as chair emeritus.

In a statement, Eric Fanning, a 2018 Wash100 winner who was recently reelected as president and CEO of AIA, thanked Kubasik for his service and welcomed Novakovic as new board leader.

“Phebe’s strategic leadership and deep experience in national security make her an exceptional voice for our industry at a critical moment,” Fanning said.

AIA’s board of governors is made up of senior and C-suite level leaders from across the aerospace and defense industry. Members meet twice a year to provide policy guidance to the organization.

Who Is Phebe Novakovic?

Novakovic joined General Dynamics in 2001 and was appointed as the company’s chair and CEO in 2013.

Prior to General Dynamics, she served as special assistant to the secretary and deputy secretary of defense, the Center for Strategic and International Studies said. She also held roles at the Office of Management and Budget and the CIA earlier in her career.

Who Are AIA’s Executive Committee Members for 2026?

Novakovic will also serve as a member of AIA’s executive committee alongside Kubasik and Fanning. Previous Wash100 winners Tom Arseneault, president and CEO of BAE Systems; Kathy Warden, chair, president and CEO of Northrop Grumman; and Thomas Bell, CEO of Leidos, will also sit as committee members of AIA for 2026. 

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DIU Transfers Blue UAS Cleared List to DCMA to Scale Military Drone Acquisition
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DIU logo. The Defense Innovation Unit transferred the Blue UAS Cleared List to the Defense Contract Management Agency.

The Defense Innovation Unit formally transferred the Department of War’s Blue UAS Cleared List to the Defense Contract Management Agency, ahead of the Jan. 1 deadline.

What Will Occur During the Blue UAS List Transition?

The handoff is intended to expand secure drone access for the U.S. military, DIU said Wednesday. It follows Secretary of War and Wash100 Award winner Pete Hegseth’s directive to integrate drones into national airspace and fast-track the commercial deployment of unmanned systems.

The transition involves all stakeholders, including 81 vetted companies, military partners and recognized assessors. DCMA will assume responsibility for managing and expanding the Blue UAS List, while DIU will continue to serve as a partner. Air Force Col. Dustin Thomas has been tasked with overseeing the initiative. The headquarters will move from DIU’s Mountain View site to DCMA’s US‑X command in Palmdale, California.

What Is the Blue UAS Cleared List?

The Blue UAS Cleared List is DOW’s trusted catalog of secure, National Defense Authorization Act‑compliant drones and components that have passed rigorous security and performance assessments. Established by DIU in 2020, the Blue UAS List has provided more than 39 certified systems and 165 components to users across the DOW and government partners.

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US, Allies Release Guidance on Securing AI-Integrated Operational Technology
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Artificial intelligence. CISA and international partners release guidance for adopting AI in OT systems.

Cybersecurity agencies in the United States and allied countries have issued new guidance for critical infrastructure operators deploying artificial intelligence in operational technology systems.

US, Allies Release Guidance on Securing AI-Integrated Operational Technology

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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said Wednesday that the joint document, titled “Principles for the Secure Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Operational Technology,” highlights the growing adoption of AI tools—such as machine learning, large language models and AI agents—to enhance performance, decision-making and efficiency in OT environments, particularly those that support public services. At the same time, the guidance warns that these technologies introduce new pathways for adversarial threats and stresses the need for risk-informed implementation.

How Should Critical Infrastructure Manage AI Security Risks in OT?

“AI holds tremendous promise for enhancing the performance and resilience of operational technology environments – but that promise must be matched with vigilance,” said Madhu Gottumukkala, acting director at CISA.

Describing OT systems as the “backbone of our nation’s critical infrastructure,” Gottumukkala noted that “integrating AI into these environments demands a thoughtful, risk-informed approach.”

What Security Principles Does the AI-OT Guidance Recommend?

The paper identifies four principles organizations should follow when integrating AI in OT environments:

• Understanding AI through training on risks, benefits and development practices
• Assessing AI use in OT based on operational needs and potential system and data impacts
• Establishing AI governance, including through testing and compliance measures
• Maintaining safety and security through operator oversight, transparency and incident response planning

Nick Andersen, executive assistant director for cybersecurity at CISA, said applying the principles will help ensure AI integration is carried out securely and responsibly.

Partners involved in developing the guidance include the National Security Agency’s Artificial Intelligence Security Center, the FBI, and cybersecurity authorities in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

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Purdue, ORNL Expand Research Collaboration on National Security
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Handshake showing partnership. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Purdue University signed a memorandum of understanding.

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Purdue University finalized a memorandum of understanding in October to continue their partnership and expand research efforts in national security.

Purdue, ORNL Expand Research Collaboration on National Security

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The agreement was signed by Moe Khaleel, associate laboratory director for national security sciences at ORNL, and Dan DeLaurentis, executive vice president for research at Purdue, ORNL said Wednesday.

DeLaurentis said the collaboration leverages the strengths of two world-class research institutions for the national good.

“This also further positions Indiana at the forefront of national security innovation while contributing to national defense workforce development programming by creating new opportunities for students and researchers,” he said.

What Research Areas Will Purdue and ORNL Focus On?

The two organizations will continue to advance joint research initiatives in areas critical to national defense, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cyber-physical security of infrastructure. These fields align with the Purdue Computes initiative and ORNL’s mission to forge new scientific pathways for national security applications.

“Purdue’s wide national security research portfolio and deep research expertise complement ORNL’s ability to translate science into solutions for critical national security missions. This partnership will help address key national needs by accelerating progress in cyber-physical security, artificial intelligence and quantum computing,” said Khaleel.

The partnership will also focus on national security manufacturing to strengthen domestic production capabilities and ensure the reliable supply of defense equipment, technologies and components that are seen as essential to safeguarding the nation and addressing emerging threats.

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Johns Hopkins APL, Intuitive Machines Build Communications, PNT System for Cislunar Missions
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Cislunar space. Johns Hopkins APL and Intuitive Machines are working to advance cislunar communications and PNT technology.

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and Intuitive Machines are working to advance technology for public and private-sector missions between Earth and the moon. The collaboration, established in 2024, responds to U.S. priorities for sustaining activity in cislunar space, Johns Hopkins APL said Wednesday.

Why Is US Prioritizing Cislunar Infrastructure Now?

As government and commercial activity expands beyond Earth’s orbit, various organizations see the area between geosynchronous orbit and the moon as essential to future national security and space exploration. According to APL, plans for cislunar robotic systems, crewed missions and commercial services will require a dependable way to communicate, navigate and maintain awareness far from Earth.

What Capabilities Are APL and Intuitive Machines Developing?

Under the collaboration, APL and Intuitive Machines are working to build an advanced communications and positioning, navigation and timing infrastructure that will serve as the foundation for a future cislunar network designed to enable autonomous operations in the region. Their efforts include technology that could support multiple missions and allow different operators to exchange information, helping ensure safe coordination across future missions, including those conducted under NASA’s Artemis program.

The partnership is leveraging APL’s PNT and space communications experience that includes the development of technology prototypes, such as a common overlay router, a time transfer modem and an antenna assembly, supporting the U.S. space exploration ambitions.

“This collaboration brings together Intuitive Machines’ proven lunar access and data services with APL’s decades of excellence in space systems engineering,” said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus. “Together, we’re helping shape the future of lunar operations and ensuring that NASA and the nation have the infrastructure needed for long-term exploration.”

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Commerce Dept Names Taylor Jordan as Director of Office of Space Commerce
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OSC Director Taylor Jordan. The Commerce Department has appointed Taylor Jordan as director of the Office of Space Commerce.

The Department of Commerce has appointed Taylor Jordan as director of the office of space commerce.

OSC said Tuesday Jordan will remain as assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“I am deeply honored to lead the nation’s principal office dedicated to promoting commercial space activity,” said Jordan. “Strengthening America’s leadership in space is a top priority of this Administration, and I look forward to working with industry and government partners to advance U.S. commercial interests in the space domain.”

Who Is Taylor Jordan?

Jordan is a veteran space policy leader with over 15 years of experience. He previously spent nearly five years at Innovative Federal Strategies as principal and director of policy.

Before that, he served as a senior policy adviser at NOAA for over three years. In this role, he supported the agency’s satellite programs and provided strategic oversight of major space-system acquisitions. The senior government official also worked for seven years with the committee on science, space and technology at the U.S. House of Representatives, serving on the staff of its environment and energy subcommittees.

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NASA, Industry Partners Eye 2027 Launch for Fly Foundational Robots Demo Mission
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Artist concept of the FFR mission's robotic arm. NASA plans to launch the Fly Foundational Robots mission in late 2027.

NASA and industry partners plan to launch a demonstration mission in late 2027 to operate a commercial robotic arm in low Earth orbit as part of a push to advance in-space operations in support of future exploration and scientific discovery missions.

The space agency said Tuesday it will collaborate on the planned Fly Foundational Robots, or FFR, demo mission with Astro Digital and Motiv Space Systems.

“Today it’s a robotic arm demonstration, but one day these same technologies could be assembling solar arrays, refueling satellites, constructing lunar habitats, or manufacturing products that benefit life on Earth,” said Bo Naasz, senior technical lead for in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, or ISAM, in the Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. ”This is how we build a dominant space economy and sustained human presence on the Moon and Mars.”

What Is NASA’s Fly Foundational Robots Mission?

Funded through the NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate’s ISAM portfolio, the FFR mission will fly and demonstrate a Motiv Space Systems-built robotic arm that can perform dexterous manipulations, use tools autonomously and move across spacecraft structures in zero or partial gravity.

The agency expects the mission to pave the way for refueling and repairing spacecraft, building habitats and infrastructure in space, assisting astronauts during extended missions and maintaining life support systems on Mars and the lunar surface.

Astro Digital will provide a hosted orbital test for the mission through NASA’s Flight Opportunities program.

Motiv will supply the robotic arm under a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III award with the space agency.

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GSA, SAP to Offer Discounts on IT Products Under OneGov Deal
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IT modernization. GSA and SAP signed a OneGov agreement to make the latter’s IT products available to agencies.

The General Services Administration and SAP have signed an agreement to make the latter’s database, analytics, integration and cloud platforms available to federal agencies. 

GSA, SAP to Offer Discounts on IT Products Under OneGov Deal

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GSA said Wednesday the OneGov agreement allows agencies to acquire SAP’s products at discounted prices.

“The OneGov agreement with SAP gives federal agencies access to new tools as they accelerate technology modernization, transition away from legacy systems, and unlock significant taxpayer savings,” said Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service. 

“Through this and other OneGov agreements, GSA is providing federal agencies with essential IT tools, such as cloud services, to support the White House’s AI Action Plan,” added Gruenbaum, a 2025 Wash100 Award recipient.

What Are the Terms of the GSA-Perplexity OneGov Agreement?

The OneGov agreement makes SAP’s license-based products, including SAP HANA, ASE, SQL Anywhere, IQ, Replication Server and PowerDesigner, available for agencies at an 80 percent discount for 18 months.

Agencies can also access SAP’s cloud services, including SAP Analytics Cloud, SAP Business Technology Platform and HR Payroll, at a 35 percent discount.

Through the agreement, the company will provide agencies with a $1-for-$1 first-year modernization incentive, dedicated SAP Enterprise Architect support and waived data egress fees across government-certified hyperscaler environments.

According to GSA, the agreement is available to SAP’s existing customers for expansions, renewals or modernization projects.

“The OneGov model enables agencies to adopt modern capabilities more efficiently. We look forward to working together to accelerate IT modernization by leveraging the AI-powered SAP Business Suite to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce operating costs, and empower agencies to move faster, operate smarter, and maintain a persistent state of innovation,” said David Robinson, president of SAP Cloud ERP and managing director of SAP U.S. Public Services.

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Navy Awards JWCC Task Orders to Google, Oracle for Cloud Capabilities
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Karen Dahut, CEO of Google Public Sector. Dahut comments about Google's new JWCC task order from the Navy

The Department of the Navy’s Program Executive Office Digital and Enterprise Services, or PEO Digital, has awarded Google Public Sector and Oracle America competitive task orders under the Joint Warfighting Capability Cloud, also known as JWCC, contract vehicle to support secure and rapid cloud migration and digital transformation.

DON said Monday that the companies will provide Google Cloud Platform, or GCP, and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, or OCI, landing zones, expanding its cloud portfolio.

“As part of DON’s multi-cloud strategy, this Google Cloud landing zone will expand the DON’s cloud portfolio, giving Sailors and Marines – from headquarters to the tactical edge – access to industry-leading capabilities and services to support secure, rapid cloud migration and optimization,” Karen Dahut, CEO of Google Public Sector and a four-time Wash100 winner, wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Navy Awards JWCC Task Orders to Google, Oracle for Cloud Capabilities

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What Cloud Capabilities Will Google & Oracle Offer DON?

The GCP and OCI landing zones will introduce cross-cloud communications and multi-cloud interoperability, secure cloud computing across classification levels through Impact Level 6, and air gapped options for edge operations. Google and Oracle will also provide private infrastructures and dedicated connections designed to increase resiliency and reduce network disruptions. Additional access to artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, including generative AI, is also included in the task orders.

“As we work to enhance and modernize our cloud computing infrastructure, a multi-cloud strategy with GCP and OCI is essential to increasing DON’s technical and warfighting capabilities,” commented Genoese Zerbi, deputy director of the Neptune Cloud Management Office, a.k.a. CMO. “This collaboration with Google and Oracle enhances our existing capabilities by combining powerful cloud-native services with mission-critical performance, directly supporting sailors and marines from headquarters to the tactical edge.”

What Is the Role of Navy’s Neptune CMO?

PEO Digital’s Neptune CMO was stood up in 2023 to serve as a hub for the acquisition and delivery of cloud services across DON. Neptune CMO previously partnered with Microsoft for the Azure Government Secret cloud offering.

INL Receives First Project Pele Nuclear Fuel Delivery From BWXT
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Idaho National Laboratory logo. INL received BWXT's TRISO fuel

Idaho National Laboratory has confirmed the first delivery of tri-structural isotropic, or TRISO, particle fuel at its Transient Reactor Test Facility, marking a milestone in the development of a mobile microreactor for the Department of War under Project Pele.

What Is TRISO?

TRISO, an advanced nuclear fuel, is produced from uranium, carbon and oxygen formed into a small kernel coated in multiple layers, creating a structure able to withstand high heat, radiation and corrosive environments, INL said Tuesday. Thousands of kernels, each the size of a poppy seed, are combined into compact fuel forms intended to power nuclear reactors.

INL Receives First Project Pele Nuclear Fuel Delivery From BWXT

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BWX Technologies, which secured a Pentagon contract in 2020 to support Project Pele, manufactured the fuel from its facilities in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“This is real nuclear microreactor fuel delivered at its final destination, rather than some letter or memorandum promising to make fuel at a later date,” noted Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment.

“When it comes to fuel fabrication, to reactor design, engineering and manufacturing, BWXT continues to lead because we are not only performing that work day-in and day-out for our customers, but we are also delivering,” added Joe Miller, president for government operations at BWXT.

How Will Project Pele Support War Department Missions?

Project Pele aims to construct a 1.5-megawatt transportable power system to supply the energy needs of the U.S. military. The reactor is designed to fit into four standard-sized shipping containers to be easily transportable.  

BWXT is currently building the Pele prototype, which INL is expected to begin testing by early 2027. The Department of Energy, the U.S. Army and the War Department’s Strategic Capabilities Office are partnering on the project.

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