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DISA’s Christopher Barnhurst Details Top Priorities and Operational Needs
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Headshot of Christopher Barnhurst, deputy director of the Defense Information Systems Agency

Christopher Barnhurst, deputy director of the Defense Information Systems Agency, has emphasized the need for readiness, agility and strong partnerships within an increasingly contested cyber domain.

DISA said Friday Barnhurst set the tone for his keynote address at the AFCEA TechNet Cyber 2025 by quoting Mike Tyson: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”

DISA’s Top Priorities

The DISA executive’s message underscored the agency’s focus on unity and momentum, which aligns with DISA Director Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton’s four priorities: readiness, campaigning, continuous modernization and establishing lethality.

The agency intends to promote readiness by empowering its workforce with career development initiatives while fostering collaboration with partners. DISA will also focus on campaigning by integrating the agency’s field commands and offices to gather vital insight into operational priorities to determine acquisition and program planning efforts.

Another priority is to facilitate modernization by replacing legacy systems with modern technologies while reducing expenditures and risks. Finally, the agency will work to establish lethality by strengthening its infrastructure to support major defense operations, from border security to ballistic missile defense.

Championing Industry Partnership

Barnhurst emphasized the significance of industry partners in DISA’s operational success. “One of the first things Lt. Gen. Stanton would say is, if you contract with DISA, you’re on the team. It’s a partnership,” he said.

The deputy director mentioned the Thunderdome program as a prime example, with various partners contributing technologies and services to build the integrated zero trust architecture. He further stressed that DISA is one of 45 Department of Defense Information Network, or DODIN, areas of operation, representing “a potential vector of attack for an adversary.” This reinforces the department’s “one team, one fight” mentality.

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit brings cyber experts and government contracting leaders together to discuss emerging cyber threats, policies, initiatives and modernization strategies.

DISA's Christopher Barnhurst Details Top Priorities and Operational Needs
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GAO Report Says Trusted Workforce 2.0 Caused Enhancements, Challenges
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Government Accountability Office logo

Government agencies and contractors have experienced positive changes due to the Trusted Workforce 2.0, or TW 2.0, implementation, but pointed out several challenges, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Federal agencies lauded the program for providing personnel with real-time access to information while contractors highlighted the improvements in personnel vetting processes, according to a GAO survey published Friday. The report also found that the initiative’s continuous vetting helped to mitigate risks, save costs and improve efficiency.

TW 2.0 Program Benefits and Challenges

However, government agencies complained that technology and resources pose problems, with around 98 percent of agencies admitting that adapting their personnel vetting information systems to the program was challenging. The issue was attributed to the delayed development of an IT system called National Background Investigation Services by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

The GAO survey showed that around 51 percent of the agencies improved their ability to manage risk while onboarding new personnel due to TW 2.0, while about 27 percent reported that there was no improvement and around nine percent claimed their risk management ability was reduced.

Meanwhile, contractors reported that the program led to enhanced efficiency, with 40 percent saying they experienced improvements in the process for requesting a security clearance and another 45 percent acknowledging faster processing for receiving an interim clearance. Nonetheless, 52 percent of the contractors said securing information about background investigations was still challenging, and another 35 percent cited difficulties in obtaining information for a continuous-vetting alert on an employee.

What Is TW 2.0’s History?

The White House’s Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Office of Personnel Management implemented TW 2.0 to modernize how government agencies and the industry carry out security clearance checks and other personnel vetting processes.

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Chenega Subsidiary to Provide Security to DHS Training Centers Under New Contract
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Logo of Alaska native company Chenega Corporation

The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a contract estimated to be valued at $72 million to Chenega Naswik International, a subsidiary of the Alaska native organization Chenega Corporation. Under the contract, CNI will provide enterprise security and administrative services to DHS’ Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, the Chantilly, Virginia-based security firm told ExecutiveGov.

Work will be performed in Glynco, Georgia; Artesia, New Mexico; Charleston, South Carolina; and Cheltenham, Maryland. The contract has a four-year period of performance.

According to CNI President David Pine, the contract is his company’s third consecutive award from the DHS for the FLETC support. The CNI has been delivering enforcement, asset protection and related security services to the FLETC since 2008.

What Are Chenega’s Recent Contract Awards?

CNI is also providing security administration and access control support to the Special Operations Command South under a contract valued estimated to be valued at $6 million awarded in March. Work on the five-year contract expands protective security guard services to Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida.

In December 2024, CNI also secured a $10.5 million contract from the U.S. Army Materiel Command, or AMC, for security guards. Under the contract, CNI personnel will undergo training to conduct screening and patrolling tasks at AMC’s headquarters at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

The Chenega subsidiary Chenega Integrated Security Solutions in October 2023 won a blanket purchase agreement worth $47 million from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for security force services at the agency’s headquarters and regional offices. The contract covered the provision of armed and unarmed enforcement and administration of access control and emergency response.

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USSPACECOM Says Space Superiority Is a Joint Effort
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Headshot of Thomas James, deputy commander, U.S. Space Command

The U.S. Space Command sees the integration, cooperation and strategic partnerships with allied nations and commercial industry as one of the United States’ strongest deterrents.

During the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies’ Schriever Spacepower Series, Lt. Gen. Thomas James, USSPACECOM deputy commander, said the command is focused on synchronizing the space-related capabilities of the joint force, allies and partners, industry, commercial partners, and academia to achieve space superiority.

Orbital warfare will take a “holistic approach,” and achieving space superiority will take a “joint, multidomain, allied, coalition approach–a strategic partnership approach,” James explained, noting that adversaries are building military space architecture to hold the U.S. and its allies’ space systems at risk in conflict.

Achieving Space Superiority Through AI, Other Tech

According to the deputy commander, USSPACECOM is responsible for defining warfighting requirements and identifying the most effective and efficient capabilities for achieving space superiority. He said artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics are among the technologies that could help address the challenge of space superiority, which should include the capability to counter threats and use automation to learn in real time.

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What GovCons Need to Know About CMMC 2.0
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Headshot of Katie Arrington, a technology official at the Department of Defense

CMMC 2.0 is moving forward at the Department of Defense despite a potentially high-ranking official promising to review the effort if confirmed.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 is DOD’s framework for assessing contractor implementation of cyber requirements and improving their protection of unclassified information in the DOD supply chain. The program provides DOD with better assurance that government contractors and subcontractors are meeting the cybersecurity requirements for nonfederal systems processing controlled unclassified information—a.k.a. CUI—or federal contract information. The final CMMC 2.0 rule made it a requirement for bidding on defense contracts.

Katie Arrington, performing the duties of DOD chief information officer and a previous Wash100 Award winner, is pushing CMMC 2.0 forward after founding the program during the first administration of President Donald Trump. Contractors previously were only required to self-certify compliance with National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard 800-171, which provides federal agencies with recommended security requirements for protecting the confidentiality of CUI.

Get insights into how the Trump Administration will implement CMMC 2.0 at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit on Thursday. Meet, learn and connect with DOD leaders, defense experts, research officials and industry executives at this can’t-miss event. Time is running out, sign up today!

Contractors are now required to use a third-party audit for CMMC 2.0 certification and many are unhappy about it.

“If you go on LinkedIn one more time and tell me how hard CMMC is, I’m going to beat you,” Arrington said, as reported by Washington Technology.

Who Is DOD’s Michael Duffey?

Contractors upset about CMMC 2.0 may receive relief from Trump nominee Michael Duffey, who was tabbed to be DOD undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment. Duffey told senators during his confirmation hearing that he would review CMMC 2.0 if confirmed. Redspin, a provider of cyber services involving CMMC 2.0, issued a report on GovCon preparedness for CMMC 2.0, saying most respondents did not feel ready for its requirements.

Duffey said in prepared remarks that it is important to improve cyber among defense GovCons without putting unnecessary requirements on small and medium-sized businesses. While these contractors, he said, can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks because of fewer financial resources, they play a pivotal role in supporting DOD.

“If confirmed, I will review the current requirements of the CMMC program and evaluate options to improve the requirements and implementation so that industry can affordably maintain pace with current cybersecurity best practices,” Duffey said.

What Is SWFT?

Arrington recently kicked off a new effort to improve how DOD acquires software that leverages CMMC 2.0. In a memo issued April 24, Arrington directed the development of the Software Fast-Track Initiative, or SWFT.

This will define clear and specific cyber and supply chain risk management requirements and stringent software security verification processes. It will also define secure information-sharing procedures and federal government-led risk determinations to accelerate cyber authorizations for faster software adoption.

Arrington said software providers will be required to provide her with DOD’s base risk scores on 12 characteristics of range, including CMMC 2.0. SWFT will use AI to evaluate contractor certifications for faster processing.

Key CMMC 2.0 Impacts for GovCons

CMMC 2.0 is a dramatic shift in how defense contractors must approach cyber compliance, according to a GovCon expert. Payam Pourkhomami, OSIbeyond president and CEO, said in GovCon Wire that contractors must meet one of three certification levels based on the sensitivity of the information they handle.

Level 1 requires annual self-assessments for federal contract information. Level 2 makes contractors either self-assess or provide third-party certification for CUI. The most strict, Level 3, requires DOD assessments for critical programs and high-value assets.

Non-compliance with CMMC 2.0, particularly when handling CUI, can lead to big consequences for GovCons. These include financial penalties, contract cancellations and long-term reputational damage. 

GovCons can learn more about consequences for CMMC 2.0 non-compliance at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit. Held on Thursday at the Marriott Fairview Park in Falls Church, Virginia, the Cyber Summit is the best opportunity for GovCons to learn directly from federal cyber leaders from the CIA, DOD, U.S. Air Force and the DOD Cyber Crime Center, among others. Few tickets remain; don’t miss out!

What GovCons Need to Know About CMMC 2.0
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CISA Acting Director Bridget Bean Defends Planned Budget, Workforce Cuts
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Headshot of CISA's acting director, Bridget Bean.

A top official from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency reasoned to legislators that recent budget cuts are aimed at “eliminating duplication and increasing efficiency.” Bridget Bean, acting director of CISA, said at a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing that, despite proposed restructuring and funding reductions, the agency continues to carry out its mission. 

CISA Acting Director on Proposed Budget, Job Cuts

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have voiced concerns over the impact of cuts to the nation’s cyber defenses. The White House, in a letter sent to the Senate appropriations committee in early May, revealed that CISA would see $491 million lower funding in fiscal 2026 compared to the previous year. The letter noted that the reduction would enable CISA to focus on its core mission. 

According to reports, CISA also plans to shrink its workforce by eliminating 1,300 jobs.

Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., explained during the House hearing that, “more money is not automatically the answer.” He requested that CISA provide details on how it plans to strengthen cybersecurity with reduced budget and staffing.

He continued, “[t]he question is: Why shouldn’t I be worried about where we’re sitting in terms of all the issues that you’ve talked about as a result of those cuts?”

Bean also pointed out that CISA continues to deliver active shooter preparedness training, issue an expanded security guidance for unmanned aircraft systems and conduct programs that would enhance school safety. She also shared that the agency supported major national events like the Boston Marathon, established new partnerships with 44 critical asset owners, identified 73 known exploited vulnerabilities and blocked over 700 million malicious connections across the federal civilian enterprise through the Protective Domain Name System.

Learn about current and emerging cyberthreats to the nation from Bridget Bean and other security leaders and experts from government and industry at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit on May 15. Register for the in-person event today!

CISA Acting Director Bridget Bean Defends Planned Budget, Workforce Cuts
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Matt Anderson Nominated as NASA Deputy Administrator
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Headshot of nominated NASA

President Donald Trump has nominated Matthew Anderson, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, to serve as NASA’s next deputy administrator.

According to a notice, Congress on Tuesday received and referred Anderson’s nomination to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for consideration.

In a statement published Wednesday, Janet Petro, acting NASA administrator, acknowledged Anderson’s aeronautics expertise, industry experience and knowledge of space operations.

“If confirmed, he would join NASA’s leadership team at a time when partnerships and a sharpened focus on mission are essential to our continued success,” Petro said of Anderson. “Along with President Trump’s nominee to lead NASA, Jared Isaacman, he will strengthen collaboration across sectors and help NASA advance exploration, serve the American people, and deliver results for the benefit of all.”

Matthew Anderson’s Career Background

Anderson is a vice president and Space Force and Air Force client executive at CACI International. He also serves as the Space Force Association’s chief growth officer.

He served in the Air Force for 24 years, culminating in the role of senior liaison officer to U.S. Space Command, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

The U.S. Air Force Academy biology graduate has a master’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a master’s degree in leadership and counseling from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Gain valuable insights from experts and speakers at the 2025 Air and Space Summit. Save your spot now for this Potomac Officers Club-hosted GovCon event on July 31.

POC - 2025 Air and Space Summit
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Gen. Randy George: AFC, TRADOC to Merge Under Transformation & Training Command
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Headshot of Army Gen. & Chief of Staff Randy George

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said the service branch will merge Training and Doctrine Command, or TRADOC, into Army Futures Command under the newly established Army Transformation and Training Command, Defense News reported Thursday.

George disclosed the name of the combined command during a House Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing Wednesday.

He said the new command will be headquartered in Austin, Texas.

AFC-TRADOC Consolidation

According to the report, consolidating the two commands will bring back the requirements development process under TRADOC.

“That way we have one headquarters that can oversee the design, build, doctrine and training. We know we have to advance in how we’re going to train individual soldiers right now on the tactical change, how we’re doing things,” George said of the merger during a press briefing last week.

“The advantage is we’re going to put majors, sergeant first class, you know, different NCOs and officers back into our formation, which is what we need to do and green up some other areas,” the Army official added.

The development came a week after Pete Hegseth, secretary of the Department of Defense and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, issued a memo directing the secretary of the Army to implement a comprehensive transformation strategy, reform the acquisition process, eliminate wasteful spending and streamline the military branch’s force structure. 

Join us at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Army Summit on June 18. Hear notable leaders and experts as they share their insights into modernization imperatives, force structure optimization, national security missions and more. Register now!

POC - 2025 Army Summit
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Federal CIO Gregory Barbaccia Issues Guidelines for Government IT
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Headshot of Federal Chief Information Officer Gregory Barbaccia.

Federal Chief Information Officer Gregory Barbaccia has sent out an email outlining 16 operating principles for IT leaders of government agencies.

In the document, Barbaccia called on the government CIOs to build trust, which entails transparency with co-workers, other agencies, the public and government partners, Federal News Network said Thursday. He also urged the CIOs to exercise good judgment when performing their duties and own the outcome of their decisions.

‘Government Must Deliver at the Highest Level’

The document provides a new operating standard to “lead, serve and build in federal technology,” according to Barbaccia, a 2025 Wash100 Award winner. He stressed that the principles are not about a compliance exercise but a culture shift that is “rooted in urgency, ownership, and the belief that government tech can and must deliver at the highest level.”

“Choosing to serve in this office means choosing to build. It means choosing accountability over comfort, clarity over confusion and outcomes over process,” he added. “This is not a typical government shop. We are here to fix what’s broken and build what’s missing,” Barbaccia explained.

The Federal CIO issued the government IT operating principles as the Trump administration faces a high turnover of agency CIOs in its first few months. Currently, seven positions are either vacant or have acting IT leaders, with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs still waiting for presidential nominations.

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GSA, Adobe Partner to Reduce Government Software Costs
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Handshake representing partnership or agreement

The U.S. General Services Administration has entered into an agreement with Adobe to significantly minimize software costs across federal agencies.

GSA said the strategic partnership is part of the agency’s OneGov strategy, an initiative aimed at revolutionizing government procurement processes to reduce government expenditures.

GSA-Adobe Partnership Aims to Cut Costs for Services

Under the agreement, Adobe will offer its Paperless Government Solution at 70 percent less than the current listed GSA price until Nov. 30. This substantial discount is intended to help agencies streamline operations by eliminating manual workflows, limiting paper-related expenses and enhancing service efficiency. The offering is available through GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule.

The agreement will expand to include hardware, platforms, infrastructure, cybersecurity services and other areas. GSA plans to collaborate with other agencies and industry partners to implement the initiative. The agency will eventually become the central hub for government-wide shared IT services.

Adobe Paperless Government Solution

The Adobe Paperless Government Solution is a comprehensive suite of tools powered by artificial intelligence and automation that is utilized for electronic signatures, forms modernization, secure document workflows and document management, integration and collaboration. 

The Paperless Government Solution suite includes:

  • Adobe Acrobat Premium for Enterprise Subscription
  • Adobe Express for Enterprise Subscription
  • Adobe Acrobat Sign for Enterprise Subscription
  • Adobe Sign for Gov Enterprise Subscription ProSvcs
  • Adobe Acrobat Sign for Enterprise Support Plan
  • Adobe Experience Manager Forms – Enterprise
  • Adobe Experience Manager: MS Enhanced Security

GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian, said, “This agreement with Adobe is another example of GSA leading a transformative change in how the federal government buys goods and services, with a focus on commercial products.”

“Businesses are working with us as partners, making deals that reduce costs and increase efficiencies for the federal government and American taxpayers,” said Josh Gruenbaum, Federal Acquisition Service commissioner and 2025 Wash100 Award winner. “In addition to Adobe, we’re seeing even more businesses at the negotiating table and expect that others will soon follow.”

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