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CISA Publishes Guidance to Manage Drone Risks for Critical Infrastructure
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CISA Publishes Guidance to Manage Drone Risks for Critical Infrastructure

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has released three new guides to help critical infrastructure owners and operators address risks from unmanned aircraft systems.

Discover how government and industry cyber experts address emerging threats at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Book your seat now!

What Are CISA’s New UAS Security Guides?

CISA said Wednesday the latest additions to the agency’s Be Air Aware campaign are titled Unmanned Aircraft System Detection Technology Guidance for Critical Infrastructure, Suspicious Unmanned Aircraft System Activity Guidance for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators, and Safe Handling Considerations for Downed Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The new resources, developed with the help of government partners and industry representatives, are meant to enhance security measures against UAS-related risks as the frequency of drones operating near vital facilities is expected to rise significantly due to soaring commercial and recreational use.

What Did CISA Executives Say About the New Resources?

“The new risks and challenges from UAS activity demonstrate that the threat environment is always changing, which means our defenses must improve as well. CISA’s Be Air Aware™ resources are designed to empower critical infrastructure owners and operators with the information they need to better safeguard their systems and assets,” said CISA Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala.

“The release of these guides is a significant step in supporting the actions mandated under Executive Order 14305. By addressing the escalating UAS threats, including the frequent incursions at critical infrastructure facilities, we are taking proactive measures to protect our nation’s vital assets,” commented Steve Casapulla, executive assistant director for infrastructure security at CISA.

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NSA, Partner Agencies Issue Guidance to Counter Bulletproof Hosting Cybercrime Activity
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NSA, Partner Agencies Issue Guidance to Counter Bulletproof Hosting Cybercrime Activity

The National Security Agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and several international partners have issued a new Cybersecurity Information Sheet addressing risks linked to bulletproof hosting, or BPH, providers.

The guidance, titled Bulletproof Defense: Mitigating Risks From Bulletproof Hosting Providers, was published to provide recommended practices for internet service providers, also known as ISPs, and network defenders seeking to reduce cybercriminal activity.

Experts from the public and private sectors will discuss the increasing threats to American systems from global adversaries and near-peer nations at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Build new partnerships during networking sessions and learn directly from industry leaders and government officials through insightful keynote speeches and panel discussions at the in-person GovCon conference. Get your tickets here.  

What Is Bulletproof Hosting?

According to the information sheet, BPH providers lease their own or stolen infrastructure to cybercriminals. BPH is marketed as “bulletproof” because providers do not cooperate with law enforcement or victim complaints of malicious activity.

The agencies noted that BPH is integrated into legitimate internet infrastructure, making it challenging to block.

What Does the New Guidance Recommend?

Authoring agencies are encouraging ISPs and network defenders to review and implement the recommended measures on the Cybersecurity Information Sheet to block harmful traffic and reduce the operational value of bulletproof hosting.

They recommend maintaining an up-to-date list of high-confidence malicious internet resources drawn from commercial and open source threat intelligence and information sharing channels. Network defenders are also encouraged to analyze traffic patterns to identify anomalies and share threat intelligence with community partners.

ISPs can further reduce risk by offering optional malicious internet resource filters and working with other providers to establish a sector-wide code of conduct to prevent BPH abuse.

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Lt. Gen. Dale White Nominated to Oversee Critical Major Weapons Systems
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Lt. Gen. Dale White. The lieutenant general was nominated to serve as DRPM for critical major weapons systems.

Breaking Defense reported Tuesday that Lt. Gen. Dale White has been nominated to serve as direct reporting portfolio manager, or DRPM, for critical major weapons systems, a new role that centralizes oversight of several of the U.S. Air Force’s highest-stakes programs.

According to a congressional notice, White was also nominated for promotion to the rank of general. The Senate received his nomination from President Trump on Tuesday.

If confirmed, White will report directly to Deputy Defense Secretary Steven Feinberg and supervise the B-21 family of systems, VC-25B presidential airlift, F-47 family of systems, the LGM-35A Sentinel and Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile systems, according to the Air Force.

Who Is Lt. Gen. Dale White?

White currently serves as military deputy within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics at the Pentagon. In this role, he oversees research and development, testing, production, product support and modernization of a portfolio of Air Force programs worth more than $60 billion per year.

Before his current role, the lieutenant general was the program executive officer for fighters and advanced aircraft at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

His previous roles include PEO for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and special operations forces; senior materiel leader and system program director for the B-21 Raider Program at the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office; and executive officer to the commander of Air Force Materiel Command.

The Dallas Baptist University graduate holds an MBA from the University of New Mexico’s Robert O. Anderson School of Management.

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GSA, Perplexity to Advance Federal AI Adoption Under OneGov Deal
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Artificial intelligence. GSA and Perplexity signed a OneGov agreement to drive federal AI adoption.

The General Services Administration and Perplexity have signed an agreement to make the latter’s enterprise-grade artificial intelligence research and drafting platform available to federal agencies.

GSA, Perplexity to Advance Federal AI Adoption Under OneGov DealDon’t miss the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 18! Register today to discover innovative AI applications and join the conversation driving the future of AI in government.

GSA said Wednesday the OneGov agreement allows agencies to acquire Perplexity Enterprise Pro for Government at a discounted price.

“Access to cutting-edge AI models is essential for integrating AI into federal government operations and modernizing inefficient processes, aligning with the White House’s AI Action Plan,” said Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service.

“This OneGov agreement, directly with Perplexity, offers the federal government an additional pathway to leverage the transformative advantages of AI,” added Gruenbaum, a 2025 Wash100 Award recipient.

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

The OneGov agreement makes Perplexity Enterprise Pro for Government available for $0.25 per agency for 18 months through GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule.

Perplexity’s platform provides real-time, sourced responses and can optionally integrate with agency systems such as SharePoint, Outlook and OneDrive. It supports OpenAI, Perplexity, Anthropic and other AI models, ensuring that responses are grounded in verifiable sources.

“Accurate AI serves America. We’re proud to support President Trump’s AI Action Plan by giving federal employees cited, verifiable answers across every major AI model, arming public servants to make highly informed decisions that serve the American people,” said Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity.

The Perplexity platform’s direct availability to federal agencies was facilitated through the FedRAMP 20x pilot, which seeks to accelerate authorization for AI and cloud services.

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Reid Novotny Named Chief AI Officer at US Cyber Command
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USCC CAIO Reid Novotny. Reid Novotny has been named chief artificial intelligence officer at the U.S. Cyber Command.

Brig. Gen. Reid Novotny announced on LinkedIn Monday that he has been appointed chief artificial intelligence officer at the U.S. Cyber Command.

Reid Novotny Named Chief AI Officer at US Cyber Command

Get to meet AI experts and leaders from the government, military and the GovCon industry at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19 and learn how the fast-moving surge of AI is transforming decision-making, operations and complex systems across the federal and defense sectors.

In this capacity, Novotny will lead AI integration to reinforce cyber forces, enhance decision-making and bolster national security. He will focus on responsible innovation, rapid deployment of advanced capabilities and cultivation of strong partnerships across the Department of Defense, industry and academia.

Who Is Reid Novotny?

Novotny also serves as DOD Cyber Force generation lead. He was most recently a senior military policy adviser at the Office of the National Cyber Director. Before that, he served as director of intelligence and cyber effects operations at the National Guard Bureau, deputy J5 at the USCC and joint staff J6 for IT and cyber at the Maryland National Guard.

He worked as a strategic legislative communication assistant in the House of Representatives. He served in the Air Force, holding senior roles such as SAF chief information officer/A6 director of staff, and executive communications for the chief of staff and secretary of the Air Force.

Novotny spent three years as an executive assistant to the CEO of the Defense Information Systems Agency. Earlier in his career, he served as an Air Force crew commander.

“We are living in a pivotal moment in world history—one where artificial intelligence is rapidly maturing and reshaping how nations compete, how militaries operate, and how adversaries seek advantage. The pace of change is unprecedented, and our responsibility to meet this moment with clarity, discipline, and purpose has never been greater,” said Novotny.

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Bipartisan Senate Bill Seeks Enhanced Protection for Sensitive AI Systems
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US Capitol. A bipartisan bill tasks the NSA with issuing security standards for high-risk AI models to prevent foreign theft.

A bipartisan pair on the Senate Intelligence Committee is pushing new legislation that would require the National Security Agency to build a security framework for sensitive artificial intelligence systems. Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., introduced the Advanced Artificial Intelligence Security Readiness Act, directing the NSA to identify vulnerabilities across cutting-edge AI and issue guidance to guard against foreign theft, sabotage and espionage.

Bipartisan Senate Bill Seeks Enhanced Protection for Sensitive AI Systems

The push to harden America’s most sensitive AI systems underscores how quickly the AI threat landscape is evolving. Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19 will bring together the federal and defense leaders shaping AI safeguards to discuss emerging risks, strategic priorities and real-world applications. Register now to join the conversation.

What Would the NSA Be Required to Produce?

The bill tasks the NSA’s Artificial Intelligence Security Center with developing a governmentwide security playbook that details risks in model development, training environments and the broader AI supply chain. The guidance must map out AI-unique attack surfaces, recommend protections for model weights and architectures, and outline strategies to prevent foreign penetration of advanced systems.

Young said continued U.S. leadership depends on ensuring critical technology cannot be stolen or compromised, while Kelly warned that AI underpins defense, intelligence, infrastructure and economic competitiveness, making vulnerabilities in these systems a national risk.

How Would the Guidance Be Developed?

The legislation directs the NSA to draw on a wide scope of expertise. The agency would consult with subject matter experts, national laboratories, federally funded research centers and relevant federal departments, including the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. Required activities include expert interviews, roundtable discussions, facility visits and assessments of industry frameworks on AI security and model scaling.

The guidance must help operators identify, protect, detect, respond to and recover from cyber intrusions aimed at advanced AI and its supporting supply chains.

What Reporting Would Congress Receive?

The bill mandates two reports to the congressional intelligence committees: the first is due 180 days after enactment and the second is due one year later. Each report must include an unclassified and publicly available version to support adoption across industry and research institutions.

Which AI Systems Would Fall Under the Bill?

Covered technologies include advanced models whose capabilities could cause severe national security harm if stolen. That includes systems that can match or surpass human experts in sensitive areas such as cyber operations; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear analysis; autonomy; persuasive communication; or self-directed improvement.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House.

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Eric Moore Named Army Research Lab’s Acting Director
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Eric Moore. As acting dir of Army Research Lab, Moore will oversee work in quantum computing, materials and biotechnology

The U.S. Army has appointed Eric Moore, a 40-year veteran of military and federal service, as acting director of the Combat Capabilities Development Command, or DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory, or ARL.

Eric Moore Named Army Research Lab's Acting Director

Attend the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18 and hear top officials discuss the service’s modernization and strategic priorities. Secure your spot today!

In this capacity, Moore oversees the service’s technical experts across quantum computing, biotechnology, energy sciences, materials, human performance and other scientific areas, the Army said Tuesday.

Who Is Eric Moore?

Moore previously served as deputy to the commanding general at DEVCOM headquarters, directing research, development and engineering efforts across the command. 

His career includes leadership roles at the DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Before his civilian service, he served in the Army as an officer. He was the Defense Intelligence Agency’s senior scientific and technical intelligence officer for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear medical countermeasures at the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center.

The Fisk University biology graduate holds a doctorate in neurophysiology from Meharry Medical College.

What Does DEVCOM ARL Do?

Adelphi, Maryland-based DEVCOM ARL is the Army’s foundational research lab that bridges academia, industry and military expertise to advance science and technology advancements in support of warfighters. 

ARL operates seven locations nationwide, housing facilities and partners to accelerate research and innovation.

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NIWC Pacific Leads Research on Quantum-Enhanced Fiber Optic Gyroscopes
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NIWC Pacific logo. Scientists at NIWC Pacific are advancing research on quantum-enhanced fiber optic gyroscopes.

Scientists at the Naval Information Warfare Center, or NIWC, Pacific in San Diego are advancing research on quantum-enhanced fiber optic gyroscopes, or FOGs, to improve precision navigation for the U.S. Navy, DVIDS reported Monday.

NIWC Pacific Leads Research on Quantum-Enhanced Fiber Optic Gyroscopes

NIWC Pacific’s advancements in quantum-enhanced FOGs highlight the growing role of quantum technologies in defense. To dive deeper into these innovations, a panel discussion titled “Securing the Quantum Edge” will take place at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29. Sign up today to join the conversation and learn how quantum technologies are shaping the future of defense. 

The research team is developing techniques to reduce noise and increase photon flux, aiming to surpass the sensitivity limits of traditional FOGs. Such gyroscopes play a key role in inertial navigation, enabling vessels to determine orientation without relying on GPS. 

NIWC Pacific researchers are using entangled photon states, known as N00N states, to enhance FOG sensitivity and angular rotation precision.

“This work is particularly significant for long-duration missions in GPS-denied environments where accurate navigation is vital for warfighter safety and mission success,” said Joanna Ptasinski, head of NIWC Pacific’s cryogenic electronics and quantum research branch.

How Do Quantum FOGs Achieve Greater Precision Than Traditional Gyroscopes?

Traditional FOGs leverage classical light to measure angular velocity, but their precision is limited by shot noise.

Meanwhile, quantum-enhanced FOGs utilize the unique properties of entangled photons to potentially achieve sub-shot noise precision.

“Our work mitigates one of the key obstacles in quantum FOGs: uncorrelated photon noise,” Ptasinski said. “By identifying optimal phase bias angles and suppressing noise sources, we’ve paved the way for more reliable and precise quantum gyroscopes.”

How Could Quantum FOGs Improve Naval Navigation & Defense Systems?

According to the report, NIWC Pacific’s work demonstrates the potential of quantum-enhanced FOGs to provide navigation solutions for surface ships, submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles operating in GPS-denied or contested environments. The technology could also play a role in missile guidance and other defense applications that require ultra-precise orientation.

“Precision navigation is not just a technological advantage; it’s a strategic necessity,” Ptasinski said. “The Navy’s investment in quantum technologies like this ensures we remain at the forefront of innovation, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s battlespace.”

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DLA Expanding Tech Industry Engagement Through Accelerator Team
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David Koch, R&D director at DLA. Koch discussed DLA's Tech Accelerator Team in a new interview

The Defense Logistics Agency is advancing efforts to attract emerging companies and streamline internal practices through its Tech Accelerator Team, Federal News Network reported Tuesday.

A panel discussion full of subject matter experts at Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit will tackle the critical subject of bridging the technology valley of death. Register now for this essential Jan. 29 GovCon networking event!

How Is DLA Engaging New Commercial Partners?

In an interview, David Koch, the director of research and development at DLA, said the Tech Accelerator Team was established to identify commercial technologies from non-traditional companies to address agency challenges.

“We don’t go into a problem with a solution in mind. We go into it solution agnostic,” he explained. “What is the problem that you want to solve? Then, let’s pull in a bunch of commercial folks that have tackled similar type of problems before.”

He added that the team enters each effort without a predetermined approach and evaluates what commercial firms propose.

Koch pointed to an example involving RGBSI Aerospace and Defense, which enabled DLA to deploy digital twins and strengthen digital threads.

“You can pull in things like acquisition data, logistics data and manufacturing data, along with that thread so that you can pull in more industry partners and more people are available to make that part,” he explained. “Now, what we do is we use a computer program to go in and follow where the data flows, and it maps the process for you.”

What Is Next for DLA?

In fiscal 2025, DLA spent $135 million on research and development across logistics, manufacturing technology and its small business innovation program.

Koch shared that, for 2026, DLA will focus on four areas: strategic material recovery, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence transformation and automated inventory management.

DLA Expanding Tech Industry Engagement Through Accelerator Team
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GAO Calls on SBA’s Information Chief to Resolve High-Risk Recommendations
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Government Accountability Office logo. GAO issued a report on SBA's open recommendations tied to high-risk areas.

The Government Accountability Office has called on the Small Business Administration’s Office of the Chief Information Officer to address 20 open recommendations, all of which fall under areas considered high-risk.

In a letter sent to SBA CIO Hartley Caldwell, GAO said fully implementing the recommendations would improve agency cybersecurity and enhance management of critical systems. 

GAO Calls on SBA's Information Chief to Resolve High-Risk Recommendations

Hear about the next evolution of cyber, user experience and enterprise IT from top officials at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Do not miss your chance to engage with GovCon industry leaders and learn from experts during panel discussions. Purchase your tickets today.  

What Issues Require CIO Attention?

GAO identified actions tied to the CIO’s responsibilities in strategic planning, investment oversight and information security. Of the 20 open recommendations, four are designated as priority items.

In one recommendation, the congressional watchdog urged SBA to fully establish a process for privacy workforce management.

GAO also reported that the agency has not yet defined how its senior privacy official will participate in assessing hiring, training and professional development needs. Without this involvement, GAO said SBA may be limited in identifying staffing gaps and strengthening its privacy workforce.

The letter also cited gaps in how SBA manages IT resources, limiting its ability to identify problems early and reduce potential impacts. The watchdog recommended that SBA develop a project risk management strategy and mitigation plan for the Unified Certification Platform.

Additional recommendations call for SBA to complete annual reviews of its portfolio and address duplication risks. GAO also noted open recommendations from the SBA Inspector General and the agency’s independent financial statement auditor, including findings related to cybersecurity requirements under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 and deficiencies in IT controls.

GAO said it will continue coordinating with SBA as the agency works to address the outstanding recommendations

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