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Navy Demos Solid Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet From Unmanned Vehicle
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BQM-34 unmanned target vehicle

The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division has conducted the first-ever air launch of a Solid Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet, or SFIRR, from an unmanned vehicle.

Missile Tech Modernization Advancement

NAVAIR said Wednesday the SFIRR missile was launched from a BQM-34 unmanned target vehicle during a test held over the Point Mugu Sea Range. The successful air launch marks a crucial step in modernizing missile technology for future Navy missions.

The NAWCWD, as the lead prototype integrator, was able to combine advanced propulsion, avionics and fire control technologies into the SFIRR technology demonstrator in 12 months. This accelerated transition from research to deployment ensures mission-readiness providing warfighters with a significant advantage in combat.

SFIRR optimizes missile propulsion by removing the intricacies in liquid fuel ramjet propulsion, resulting in less weight, more payload capacity, enhanced maneuverability and extended range.

BQM-34 Unmanned Target Vehicle Testing

The test also involved live firing a BQM-34 unmanned target vehicle using an integrated fire control system. This enabled the evaluation of the progress in high-speed, long-range weapon capabilities. Furthermore, the test demonstrated that the ability to launch missiles from unmanned vehicles enhances warfighter safety by allowing them to engage targets from a safe distance.

“This successful integration validates key aspects of our design and moves us closer to delivering an advanced propulsion system that will provide warfighters with greater range and speed,” said Abbey Horning, product director of advanced concepts, prototyping and experimentation at NAWCWD. 

Join the Potomac Officers Club as it hosts the 2025 Navy Summit on August 26, where naval and maritime leaders discuss innovative solutions, forge strategic partnerships and shape the future of naval operations.

Navy Demos Solid Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet From Unmanned Vehicle
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Senate Bill to Establish New VA Office for Procurement, Innovation
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Headshot of Sen. Jerry Moran, chairman, Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A Senate bill is seeking to restructure the procurement process at the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve services for veterans and VA beneficiaries.

Centralized Office for Procurement

Introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., the Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment, or ARCA, Act of 2025 would establish an Office of Acquisition and Innovation to better define major acquisition programs at VA, streamline oversight and contracting processes, enhance accountability through independent evaluations and reporting, and improve training for VA staff, the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs said Wednesday.

The ARCA Act would also require the VA secretary to appoint deputy assistant secretaries for logistics, innovation and procurement.

According to Moran, the Senate committee chair, the proposed overhaul of the VA acquisition structure would unify management, boost transparency and innovation, and strengthen staff development to ensure veterans and their families will receive benefits and services efficiently and effectively.

Veteran Services Impacted by Complex Procedures

During a committee hearing on Tuesday about VA Secretary Doug Collins’ plans for the agency, Moran noted how the bureaucracy at VA impedes some of the department’s successes.

“The current way of doing business at the VA is not working for every veteran or military family,” the senator said. “I hear from Kansas veterans and their loved ones – as well as Kansans who work for the VA in the medical facilities, regional offices and veterans’ cemeteries – about the challenges they are facing.”

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Kirsten Davies Nominated as DOD CIO
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Headshot of Kristen Davis, the nominee for DOD CIO.

President Donald Trump has nominated Kirsten Davies, a technology and cybersecurity leader, to serve as the Department of Defense’s chief information officer.

According to a congressional notice, the Senate received Davies’ nomination on Tuesday and referred it to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Katie Arrington, former South Carolina state lawmaker and a previous Wash100 awardee, currently performs the duties of the DOD CIO. She recently issued a memo directing the establishment of the Software Fast Track Initiative to transform the way the department acquires, authorizes and fields secure software.

Kirsten Davies’ Career Highlights

According to her LinkedIn profile, Davies served as chief information security officer, or CISO, at Unilever.

Prior to joining Unilever, she was senior vice president and CISO at The Estee Lauder Companies.

Her industry career included time as managing director and group chief security officer at Barclays; VP and deputy CISO at Hewlett-Packard; global deputy CISO at Siemens; and senior associate at Booz Allen Hamilton.

The digital transformation and IT leader is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Cyber, a nonprofit organization.

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Ashley Manning: DOD Uses Offensive Cyber Capabilities Against Transnational Criminal Orgs
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Headshot of DOD cyber official Ashley Manning

Ashley Manning, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, said the Department of Defense is using offensive cyber capabilities to improve southern border security and disrupt the networks of transnational criminal organizations, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.

“We are actively working to disrupt these networks, intercept their communications and dismantle their digital infrastructure. By denying them to take haven in the digital realm, we can significantly degrade their ability to operate,” Manning said during her keynote address at a cyber conference in Baltimore.

“Integrating cybersecurity and cyber operations into our broader strategy allows us to enhance our ability to protect our nation,” she added.

Countering Cyberthreats Posed by Other Adversaries

The DOD official highlighted the need to be vigilant about cyberthreats posed by Russia, North Korea, Iran, violent extremists and other non-state actors.

“We’re developing a full spectrum of cyber capabilities, both offensive and defensive, and we are making it clear from our actions and words that we will be aggressive in meeting the threats head on,” Manning stated.

Manning will be one of the keynote speakers at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Cyber Summit on May 15. Join her and other experts as they discuss new cyber policies, modernization strategies and other trends shaping the cyber domain. Register now for this key event!

POC - 2025 Cyber Summit
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Caltech Appoints Dave Gallagher as NASA JPL Director, Succeeding Laurie Leshin
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Headshot of Dave Gallagher, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Associate Director for Strategic Integration

David Gallagher has been selected as the next director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

NASA said Wednesday California Institute of Technology, which manages the JPL, chose Gallagher to succeed Laurie Leshin, who will officially resign on June 1.

Who Is David Gallagher?

The incoming JPL director has been with the research and development center for over 36 years. He is currently the associate director for strategic integration, a position he has held since 2016. In this role, he spearheaded the overall strategy of the laboratory while managing its investment budget. He also oversaw strategic collaborations with other NASA centers, industry and foreign agencies.

Gallagher served as director of astronomy, physics and space technology for five years and as its deputy director before that. He also managed several programs, including the advanced optical systems, space interferometry mission and Spitzer Space Telescope programs. He served as an integration and test manager upon joining JPL in 1989.

Who Is Laurie Leshin?

Leshin, who has served as JPL director since 2022, is vacating the role for personal reasons. She will remain at Caltech as a Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science.

She previously held various leadership roles at NASA, including deputy associate administrator of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate and director of the Sciences and Exploration Directorate at the Goddard Space Flight Center. Leshin is also a veteran of academia with tenures at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Arizona State University and UCLA.

“Laurie Leshin’s leadership at JPL has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro in a statement. “She brought a sharp scientific mind, a strong sense purpose, and a clear vision that helped propel the lab forward during a pivotal time. From groundbreaking missions to remarkable technological milestones, Laurie advanced JPL’s legacy of exploration and innovation. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best as she continues to inspire in the next phase of her career,” she added.

“I’m equally confident in Dave Gallagher’s ability to lead JPL’s next chapter. He brings decades of experience, a steady hand, and a deep understanding of what makes JPL unique. With Dave at the helm, JPL remains well-positioned to continue delivering for NASA and the nation – pushing the boundaries of science and discovery for the benefit of all,” Petro continued.

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Microsoft, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to Collaborate on Fusion Reactor Research
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Windmills and other clean energy sources

Microsoft has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to advance fusion research. In a blog post published Wednesday, Microsoft said the partnership covers not just research efforts but also knowledge exchange and workshops in areas of plasma control, digital twins, materials and experiment optimization.

Microsoft Explores Technology Use for Scientific Endeavors

The post follows Microsoft Fusion, an event that brought together leaders and experts from industry and the academe to explore ways technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing can identify strategies to replicate the fusion reaction, which occurs on the core of the sun, on Earth and deliver a new source of limitless clean energy. 

At the event, Steven Cowley, laboratory director at the PPPL, delivered a keynote speech to discuss the complex science behind fusion reactors. He also noted that advancing fusion research would require international collaborations. 

Cowley also explained that a combination of AI and high-performance computing can be used to create fusion reactor models. 

In his speech, Zulfi Alam, corporate vice president of Microsoft Quantum, revealed how quantum computing can address material challenges in creating fusion reactors. He said quantum computers can improve material prediction and synthesis, which could accelerate investigations into candidates such as silicon nitride for protecting critical equipment and the reaction chamber from hydrogen and vapor. 

On the other hand, various laboratories within Microsoft Research identified AI use cases to support fusion research. Speakers said the technology can simulate materials and plasma behaviors. 

Other Microsoft Collaborations

Microsoft is also working with ITER, an international organization made up of representatives from 33 nations around the world, to incorporate advanced technologies into fusion research. The company provides a suite of tools, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure OpenAI Service and GitHub to streamline and accelerate operations.

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MITRE Publishes Defense Acquisition Survey Results
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Logo of MITRE

Current contracting procedures at the Department of Defense hinder companies, particularly nontraditional contractors and small- and medium-sized businesses, from participating in the defense acquisition process, according to MITRE’s Defense Acquisition Survey.

More than half of the 1,004 respondents from the defense acquisition ecosystem, including government and military officials and private sector executives, pointed to the inflexibility and complexity of DOD acquisition processes as the most significant challenge to participation, with cost-type contracts and supply chain reliability identified as other critical barriers, MITRE said Wednesday.

Acquisition Workforce Development

All respondents see the need for reform to improve the speed, responsiveness or efficiency of defense acquisition. Survey results showed that reducing bureaucracy and adopting modern digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, are key to achieving an agile and effective defense acquisition ecosystem that attracts startups and small businesses, said Keoki Jackson, senior vice president and general manager of MITRE National Security. The DOD has taken steps to engage with such companies; however, their participation is hindered by negative perceptions and outcomes of the acquisition process, he added.

The survey identified other areas for improvement, including contracting flexibility, acquisition workforce development, and enhanced collaboration between government and industry.

According to Jackson, addressing systemic challenges is essential for a strong national defense, noting that modern technology adoption and strategic reforms could accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to U.S. warfighters.

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Senate Bill Seeks to Protect Federal Data From Adversarial AI Tech
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US Senate's seal

Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., have introduced the Protection Against Foreign Adversarial Artificial Intelligence Act of 2025 to protect federal data from adversarial artificial intelligence technologies, such as DeepSeek.

Under the proposal, companies would be prohibited from using DeepSeek to fulfill contracts with federal agencies, according to a Tuesday press release from Cassidy’s office. DeepSeek poses a potential national security threat as it is required by Chinese law to share the data it collects with the government, the statement added.

Protecting Sensitive Federal Data

“AI is a powerful tool which can be used to enhance things like medicine and education. But in the wrong hands, it can be weaponized. By feeding sensitive data into systems like DeepSeek, we give China another weapon,” Cassidy said.

“This bipartisan legislation would prevent federal contractors from using Deepseek, a CCP-linked AI platform, when carrying out government work,” Rosen noted. “The U.S. must take steps to ensure Americans’ data and our government systems are protected against cyberthreats from foreign adversaries,” she stressed.

AI Bill Provisions

If enacted into law, the act would direct the secretary of commerce to work with the secretary of defense and submit a congressional report on the national security and economic espionage threats posed by AI platforms from China, North Korea, Iran and Russia. The measure would also authorize the secretary of commerce to issue a waiver for national security-related or research purposes.

In February, Rosen co-sponsored a related Senate bill that would ban DeepSeek from all government devices and networks to address concerns that the platform collects data and shares it with the Chinese government.

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Ashworth, Allvin & Saltzman Emphasize 2026 Budget Priorities
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U.S. Department of the Air Force seal

Three top officials of the Department of the Air Force have informed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense that there is a critical need for resources, creative thinking and advanced capabilities to address emerging threats, emphasizing that “the strategic landscape has shifted dramatically.”

The Air Force said Wednesday acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman appeared before the congressional panel on May 6 to present the priorities for the fiscal 2026 budget.

White House Budget Requests

On May 2, the White House previously released an overview of its requests for the new budget. This includes a $1 trillion budget for the Department of Defense to prioritize the development of the F-47 fighter, the Golden Dome missile defense system, space dominance capabilities and nuclear deterrence modernization.

“We are engaged in a fast-paced race for technological superiority against a well-resourced strategic opponent,” said Ashworth. “However, we simultaneously face personnel and platform challenges affecting our immediate readiness. We must balance our requirement to generate readiness and project power today with the imperative to rebuild our military and develop capabilities so that we can continue deterring our adversaries tomorrow,” he added.

“We now operate in a world where the [People’s Republic of China] is not only rapidly modernizing its military but is doing so with a clear intent to coerce its neighbors and reshape the international order. In parallel, we are seeing unprecedented threats to our homeland and a PRC nuclear ‘breakout’ that demands unmatched nuclear deterrence capabilities,” stated Allvin.

“Space gives us an incredible strategic advantage, but any advantage can become a vulnerability when held at risk,” said Saltzman, a three-time Wash100 Award winner. “In the future, defending the homeland will demand that we first defend the satellites that make that defense possible. To be successful in this effort, we must be able to control the space, protecting our capabilities in space while denying an adversary the ability to use space against us. That, in essence, is why we have a Space Force.”

Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Defense Summit and gain invaluable insights on air and space defense.

Ashworth, Allvin & Saltzman Emphasize 2026 Budget Priorities
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Jerry Ma to Resign as USPTO Chief AI Officer, Emerging Tech Director
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Headshot of Jerry Ma, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Jerry Ma announced on LinkedIn Tuesday that he is stepping down as chief artificial intelligence officer and director of emerging technology at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

The executive leaves USPTO after four and a half years serving in the dual role. He is set to return to the private sector.

Who Is Jerry Ma?

Before becoming the first ever CAIO and director of emerging technology at USPTO, Ma briefly served as policy adviser and economist to the assistant attorney general for antitrust under the Department of Justice. He provided insights on technical, economic and policy direction, resulting in the division’s approach to AI and digital platforms.

Ma worked at Hummingbird, overseeing technology initiatives for financial regulatory compliance. He also spent a year at Meta as a staff research engineer and engineering manager of Facebook AI Research. Before that, Ma spent two years at Harvard University as a course assistant and teaching fellow.

The executive was a machine learning engineer at Quora for a year. He served as the technical leader for the machine learning group. Ma completed several internships, including stints at Hudson River Trading, Two Sigma, D. E. Shaw Research and Palantir Technologies.

“It has been deeply rewarding to serve under three administrations, all of which have recognized AI as a national priority,” stated Ma. “The current administration will likely preside over the most consequential period thus far in AI’s history,” he added.

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