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Rochester Laboratory to Extend Laser Technology Work for MDA
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The University of Rochester Lab for Laser Energetics has secured a modification to a previous Missile Defense Agency contract

The University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics, or LLE, has secured a modification to a previously awarded Missile Defense Agency contract, increasing its value to $49.9 million and performance period along with adding two six-month extension options. The modification extends the contract’s work period to May 30, 2028, with the lab performing tasks in its Rochester home base in New York, according to a Department of Defense announcement Thursday.

The modified contract will enable LLE to further conduct tests and data collection to verify the lethality and use of pulsed laser technology against various threats across land, sea, air and space that the DOD community needs to address.

MDA Contract Details

The contract modification will obligate $9.7 million from MDA’s fiscal year 2024 research, development, test and evaluation budget, with additional Congressional Plus Up funding. A further allocation of $2.3 million from FY 2025 Congressional Plus Up will be obligated this June.

The lab’s initial contract, valued an estimated $14.9 million for a three-year work performance, was awarded in May 2023 in a noncompetitive contracting activity of MDA’s Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. According to an LLE statement following the contract award, the effort will not only advance the lab’s scientific goal, but will also support the development of technology and talent for the expanded use of laser-based, directed-energy systems.

Earlier, the U.S. House and Senate also awarded LLE $80 million in total funding under the FY 2019 Energy and Water bill for the implementation of the lab’s five-year collaboration with the Department of Energy on extending support to the laser technology industry.

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Jens Dilling Named Director of Energy Department’s Jefferson Lab
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Jens Dilling is now director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Jefferson Lab. He has done extensive work with national labs.

Jens Dilling has been named director of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories.

The Jefferson Lab said Wednesday Dilling will succeed Kimberly Sawyer, effective June 30.

Who Is Jens Dilling?

The new Jefferson Lab director is a renowned physicist with over two decades of scientific leadership and management experience. He is known for his work in nuclear physics, isotope science and large-scale facility development.

Dilling will join Jefferson Lab after working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, or ORNL, for over three years. He most recently served as the associate laboratory director for neutron sciences, overseeing the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Spallation Neutron Source, or SNS, research portfolios. He was also the director of institutional strategic planning for nearly four years. In this capacity, Dilling led the laboratory’s strategic positioning in nuclear, energy, physical and neutron sciences, and biological and environmental systems.

During his ORNL tenure, Dilling spearheaded advancements in quantum information and materials sciences. He also oversaw the development of the science drivers for the SNS Second Target Station, a $2 billion DOE project.

Dilling also worked at TRIUMF, Canada’s National Laboratory for Accelerator Sciences, where he led various programs including nuclear physics, particle physics, molecular science, material science and isotope science.

“Jens is an outstanding scientist and leader whose vision and experience make him the ideal person to guide Jefferson Lab into the future,” said Sean Hearne, president and CEO of the Southeastern Universities Research Association. “We are excited to welcome Jens and look forward to him leading the next chapter of innovation and impact.”

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Hegseth Issues Memo on DOD Contracting for IT Consultants
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Hegseth's new memo provides guidance for DOD components when executing IT consulting and management services contracts.

Pete Hegseth, secretary of the Department of Defense and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, has released a memorandum establishing policies to leverage in-house capabilities to streamline operations and foster fiscal responsibility.

“While we rely on our vital industrial base to deliver cutting-edge technology and support, we must in-source more expertise and harness the unparalleled talent of our existing experts to drive financial efficiency and operational strength,” Hegseth wrote in the memo dated Tuesday.

The latest directive complies with an executive order aimed at implementing the president’s Department of Government Efficiency cost-efficiency initiatives.

In the memo, Hegseth stated that DOD components “may not execute new IT consulting or management services contracts or task orders with integrators or consultants … without first justifying that no element of the contracted effort can be” carried out by existing DOD personnel or agencies or acquired from the direct service provider.

Obtaining Deputy Defense Secretary’s Approval

For components seeking to execute a new IT consulting contract with a consultant or integrator, Hegseth requires them to seek approval from the deputy secretary of defense by submitting a cost-benefit analysis, evidence of assessment of alternatives and justification that the services to be covered by the contract cannot be sourced within DOD or procured from a direct service provider. Such justifications should be submitted at least 30 days prior to contract execution.

The memo directs the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment to track compliance.

DOD Policy on Advisory & Assistance Services Contracts

The memo also precludes DOD components from executing new contracts or task orders for consulting, advising and other professional services without prior review and approval by the deputy DOD secretary.

This includes services providing recommendations, expert advice, analyses, strategic planning, organizational assessments, policy development, technical expertise or operational decision-making.

“Components that receive approval to execute consulting, advisory, or assistance service contracts stand to lose funding for in-house personnel with overlapping expertise of said contracts,” the secretary stated in the memo.

Maximizing Employee Utilization for Broad Functions

The policy also directs DOD components to optimize the utilization of the department’s employees for “broad functions” when such functions are being conducted by a combination of DOD and contractor employees.

Broad functions include IT, analytical research, human resources, administrative support, reporting, compliance, and training and education.

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Air Force Names Jennifer Aquinas-Orozco as Acting Chief Information Officer
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Jennifer Aquinas-Orozco, currently deputy CIO of Air Force, has been named acting CIO until a permanent replacement arises.

The Department of the Air Force has named Jennifer Aquinas-Orozco as its acting chief information officer. 

DAF confirmed Orozco’s new role in a LinkedIn post Wednesday. The official will serve as acting CIO until a permanent successor to two-time Wash100 Award winner Venice Goodwine, who is retiring from federal service after over three decades in government, has been selected. 

“I’m grateful for Mrs. Goodwine’s leadership as CIO and excited to continue with our Office’s efforts to advance IT capabilities for the enterprise. For us, that includes driving better value in our investments through routine portfolio reviews,” Orozco stated. “We want to ensure we’re spending taxpayer dollars in a way that eliminates duplicative services and delivers a return on investment through much-needed digital capabilities for our people, from the back office to the battlefield.”

Air Force Names Jennifer Aquinas-Orozco as Acting Chief Information Officer

Meet leaders and experts across the air and space defense sector at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Register for the in-person event here.

Who Is Jennifer Aquinas-Orozco?

The experienced defense leader brings to the role over 20 years of working at the Pentagon. She was appointed as the deputy CIO of DAF in September 2024. In the role, she oversaw three directorates: Enterprise Information Technology, Data and Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity. She also provides oversight of the department’s IT investment strategy, ensures the responsible use of AI, and enforces the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act and other relevant laws. 

Earlier in her career, Orozco was an officer in the active and reserve Air Force. She entered federal civil service in 2008 as a security specialist for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.

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DIU Launches Dual-Use University Accelerator Challenge
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DIU's new challenge aims to locate and nurture new tech that address the Department of Defense's critical needs.

The Defense Innovation Unit has launched a new challenge to identify and support the development of new technologies that address the Department of Defense’s critical needs.

DIU said Wednesday U.S. startups founded by students, faculty, staff and recent graduates can participate in the Dual-Use University Accelerator Challenge, which will serve as the entry point to a 12-week accelerator program designed to improve innovators’ readiness for DOD market engagement.

DIU will hold an “Ask Me Anything” session on June 10 and accept applications for the challenge through June 25.

University Accelerator Challenge’s Focus Areas

The key focus areas for the challenge include technology platforms aligned with DOD mission needs in energy, autonomy, artificial intelligence, cyber/telecommunications, emerging technology, human systems and space.

The challenge is also interested in commercial dual-use technologies that address strategic gaps in defense capabilities as well as innovations with potential for scalability, operational impact and cost-effectiveness.

A team of subject matter experts will select up to 15 finalists for the accelerator program. Finalists will get a share of the $500,000 in prize awards, DOD engagement opportunities, tailored mentorship and funding support to help scale their tech platforms for defense applications.

Competition’s Required Technical Capabilities

The selected candidates should demonstrate feasibility for rapid prototyping and field testing; integration of innovative technologies addressing DOD mission needs; and readiness to adapt platforms based on stakeholder feedback.

Scalability for large-scale implementation and demonstrated ability to engage with DOD mission partners are among the desired capabilities.

Applications will be evaluated based on technical merit; team qualifications; commercial viability; alignment with DOD needs; and presentation quality.

DIU will announce the finalists on July 25. The accelerator program will kick off in August and run through October.

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GSA Holds Industry Webinar on FAR Overhaul Initiative
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GSA is holding an industry webinar for an overhaul initiative for FAR and FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum shared his thoughts

The General Services Administration has hosted a webinar to inform over 5,500 stakeholders about an initiative to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation in line with executive orders impacting government procurement, namely EO 14275 and EO 14240.

The FAR overhaul, the most significant update in 40 years, aims to consolidate contracting, streamline federal procurement, eliminate unnecessary regulations and enhance value for taxpayers, GSA said Wednesday. 

The agency, which the Office of Management and Budget designated as the executive agent for all governmentwide acquisition contracts, will work with OMB’s Office of Federal Procurement Policy to simplify the acquisition process and reduce administrative burdens that hinder companies from doing business with the government. 

“This initiative of simplicity directly complements our newly rolled out OneGov strategy which will enable the government to act with one federal wallet in an efficient manner, leveraging our buying power to get better prices for agencies and better value for taxpayers,” said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum, a 2025 Wash100 awardee. 

Executive Order 14240

EO 14240, titled “Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement,” requires the consolidation of purchases of common goods and services under GSA, including all GWACs for information technology, to avoid contract duplication and redundancy and enable other agencies to focus on their core missions. 

Executive Order 14275

EO 14275, titled “Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement,” requires the rewriting of FAR to remove unnecessary regulations and focus on efficient, secure and cost-effective procurement processes.

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DIA Issues Draft RFP for Contract Operations for Missile Evaluation and Testing
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DIA wants proposals for its missile T&E contract.

The Defense Intelligence Agency’s Missile and Space Intelligence Center, through the Virginia Contracting Activity, has issued a draft request for proposals for Contract Operations for Missile Evaluation and Testing, or COMET, during July 2025.

According to the pre-solicitation notice posted on SAM.gov Wednesday, MSIC plans to procure research, development and sustainment services for new and existing hardware, systems and software capabilities. These services will also support foundational military intelligence, or FMI, to facilitate all-source analysis and production for DIA, the Department of Defense and national intelligence operations.

DIA Issues Draft RFP for Contract Operations for Missile Evaluation and Testing

In addition, MSIC intends to acquire analysis and analytical enabling services support for the Defense Intelligence Enterprise and its mission partners.

Get valuable insights from intelligence community leaders on emerging threats, geopolitical shifts and the role of intelligence in safeguarding the nation. Register to join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Intel Summit on October 2.

COMET Contract Details

The potential indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract will have a five-year base ordering period and a five-year option period. Additional task orders may have a one-year base period and up to four option periods. Funds will be obligated upon issuance of each task order.

Interested parties can submit their responses until June 25.

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Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition Publishes Guidance for PQC Migration
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MITRE and PQC coalition members published a roadmap for PQC migration. Wen Masters, an exec at MITRE, encouraged its adoption

The Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition, or PQCC, a community of leading cybersecurity organizations such as MITRE, has published a guide for transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography. 

The Post-Quantum Cryptography, or PQC, Migration Roadmap empowers chief information and chief information security officers to more proactively protect data against current and future threats, said Wen Masters, vice president of cyber technologies at MITRE. 

“As quantum computing technology continues to advance, organizations cannot afford to delay preparing for these transformative changes and threats to their security,” the official commented. 

PQC Adoption Framework

The document is divided into four categories: preparation, baseline understanding, planning and execution, and monitoring and evaluation. 

The preparation category provides information about assessing an organization’s vulnerabilities, identifying goals and setting up a timeline for migration. Although the technology needed to crack traditional cryptography is not yet available, adversaries may harvest sensitive information from a target organization now and then decrypt later on. The type of data an organization protects, therefore, dictates the urgency of adopting PQC. 

The coalition also advises organizations to assign a leader to oversee migration and to create an inventory of electronic assets as part of their preparation for PQC. 

The second category focuses on ensuring that the organization has a baseline understanding of its data inventory and assets and the available resources to support migration. These factors, according to the document, will enable organizations to prioritize assets to be updated and determine future activities. 

At this point, organizations are advised to begin exploring cryptographic algorithms for each asset. 

For category three, or planning and execution, organizations must decide which PQC solutions should be acquired commercially or developed internally. PQCC also said organizations must create short-term measures to ensure that sensitive systems and information are protected from ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ attacks. 

The final category, monitoring and evaluation, involves tracking the organization’s migration process and establishing a way to assess cryptographic security in response to the evolving quantum landscape. 

The Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition also includes Microsoft, IBM Quantum, PQShield, SandboxAQ and the University of Waterloo.

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Stephen Purdy Puts Big Space Force Primes On Notice
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Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy is considering cheaper commerical alternatives to expensive legacy space programs.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy wants commercial providers to infuse cutting-edge space technologies into legacy, big-budget U.S. space systems.

Purdy, the Space Force’s top acquisition official, recently signed an acquisition decision memorandum, or ADM, directing an analysis of commercial options for procuring new space situational awareness capabilities to monitor geosynchronous orbit, according to Breaking Defense. This means Purdy’s command is looking over expensive legacy programs to find out if there are commercial alternatives for performing their missions.

“We basically had our team look for the last couple of weeks at many of our programs, looking for anything that looks like it could use some commercial competition. And so it’s a whole host of them,” said Purdy, who is formally the military deputy to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration.

Learn more about these new space business opportunities during Purdy’s keynote address at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31! Find out which other programs will be targeted for commercial competition. Stick around for Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein’s closing keynote. Boost your bottom line. Sign up today!

Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability

Space Systems Command is starting this initiative with a review of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability for commercial options. DARC is a partnership between the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia to track very small objects in geosynchronous orbit to protect critical U.S. and allied satellite services. 

Northrop Grumman has been developing DARC for the Department of Defense. The Government Accountability Office in April 2023 said DARC had $1.4 billion in actual and planned funding through 2027.

But Purdy’s not stopping with DARC. Other ADMs are in development on programs including satellite communications and ground systems with some requests for information possibly forthcoming.

What Is GSSAP?

Purdy has been busy implementing his goal for tapping commercial space companies. He signed a new acquisition memorandum in April to replace the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program, a.k.a. GSSAP, constellation with commercial options, according to Space News.

GSSAP is a system of custom-developed satellites created solely for military use. GSSAP satellites collect space situational awareness data, allowing for more accurate tracking and characterization of human-made orbiting objects. GSSAP satellites perform rendezvous and proximity operations, which allow a space vehicle to maneuver near a space object of interest while maintaining flight safety. Northrop Grumman is also developing GSSAP.

Under this commercial infusion effort, Space Force will have multiple commercial companies build, launch and operate surveillance satellites for the Pentagon. This new initiative will be unclassified and available to U.S. allies via DOD’s foreign military sales program.

SCN Under Review

Purdy is also considering competition for the Satellite Control Network, a global network of ground stations and communications infrastructure that entered operations in 1959. Space Force is fielding new antennas for the SCN because it is concerned that it would not perform as expected during warfare.

The SCN is a network of 19 antennas around the world that communicate with, and control, U.S. government spacecraft, including defense and intelligence satellites. But the SCN is aging and difficult to maintain. The GAO found in 2023 that the SCN was facing sustainment and obsolescence issues while demands on the system were growing.

Dig into other paradigm-shifting space technologies at the 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31! Attend a fascinating discussion on whether technology can outpace emerging threats in the new space race. Find out about industry partnerships at the optical data relay to modernize space communications panel. Make new connections with other GovCon leaders and rekindle existing ones. Tickets are selling fast, don’t miss out!

Stephen Purdy Puts Big Space Force Primes On Notice
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Executive Order Seeks to Restore ‘Gold Standard Science’
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President Trump seeks to spur innovation by restoring agency use of "gold standard science."

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that seeks to restore agency use of “gold standard science” to spur innovation and ensure that federally funded research is impactful, transparent and rigorous.

The White House said Friday the EO directs the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to work with agency heads to release guidance for implementing gold standard science in managing their scientific activities.

The policy defines gold standard science as science conducted in a way that is reproducible; transparent; communicative of error and uncertainty; collaborative and interdisciplinary; skeptical of its findings and assumptions; structured for falsifiability of hypotheses; subject to unbiased peer review; accepting of negative results as positive outcomes; and without conflicts of interest.

Upon the guidance’s release, agency heads should update their agency policies governing the production and use of scientific information to implement the guidance. They should also report their implementation progress to the OSTP director within 60 days.

Enhancing Scientific Data Use & Communication

The EO requires agency heads and employees to publicly share data, analyses, models and conclusions related to scientific and technological information generated or used by the agency no later than 30 days following the policy’s issuance.

Employees should acknowledge and document uncertainties when using scientific data in agency decision-making. They should also be transparent about the likelihood of the assumptions used and implement a “weight of scientific evidence” approach when scientific or technological data is used to inform agency assessments and decision-making.

The policy directs agency employees to communicate scientific data in accordance with the results of the relevant analysis and evaluation. It also states that communications involving a scientific model or information derived from a scientific model should include reference to any material assumptions that inform the outputs of the model.

Reinstating Scientific Integrity Policies

The order claims to reinstate the scientific integrity policies of the first Trump administration.

When updating such policies in accordance with the EO, agencies should ensure that they encourage the open exchange of ideas, allow for consideration of dissenting or different viewpoints and protect employees from efforts to prevent or deter consideration of alternative scientific opinions.

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