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FAA Requesting Industry Input on Unified Air Traffic Automation System
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The Federal Aviation Administration's logo. FAA issued a notice on its plan to consolidate its en route and terminal systems

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a Common Automation Platform, or CAP, that would give air traffic controllers access to flight data and facilitate the movement of aircraft from one facility to another.

What Is FAA’s Common Automation Platform Plan?

The agency said Thursday that CAP will consolidate the En Route Automation Modernization, or ERAM, system and the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, also known as STARS.

FAA Requesting Industry Input on Unified Air Traffic Automation System

FAA is not the only agency in the process of modernizing its legacy systems. Learn more about ongoing modernization initiatives across the government at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. Purchase your tickets to the GovCon event here. 

ERAM manages high-altitude traffic at 20 air route traffic control centers, while STARS handles flight tracking and coordination at terminal radar approach controls facilities and air traffic control towers.

In a request for information posted on SAM.gov Wednesday, FAA said it wants to hear input from industry about new technologies, procurement strategies, implementation structures and other considerations to enhance CAP. The agency is also open to proposed approaches that would re-architect ERAM and STARS or other existing automation systems.

Responses are due on Dec. 19.

According to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, CAP is intended to improve safety, reduce delays and support future airspace needs.

“Under this administration’s leadership, we’re going to give our hard-working air traffic controllers the technology they deserve at their fingertips,” he stated.

Why Is FAA Modernizing Its Air Traffic Control System?

The effort is part of the Department of Transportation’s plan to modernize its air traffic control system following a September 2024 report from the Government Accountability Office, which found that 37 percent of the FAA’s 138 air traffic control systems were rated unsustainable.

DOT already issued a proposal solicitation for a new air traffic control system and said it would select a prime integrator to oversee the project. The department said it will also use a new type of procurement contract to accelerate the process of hiring contractors.

DOT and FAA are aiming to deploy the new air traffic control system within three to four years. 

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NRO Director Discusses How Commercial Space Partnerships Enable Faster Capability Development
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Chris Scolese, director of the National Reconnaissance Office. Scolese discussed commercial partnerships at a recent event

Broader engagement with the commercial technology sector is driving a shift in how the National Reconnaissance Office develops and fields new capabilities, said Chris Scolese, NRO director and a five-time Wash100 winner, at a conference hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies and the Hudson Institute on Thursday.

How Is Commercial Industry Changing NRO Operations?

He particularly noted how lower launch costs and more frequent access to orbit are enabling the agency to deploy spacecraft at a faster and more frequent rate.

“When launch was expensive, you didn’t want to put a cheap thing on an expensive booster,” the intelligence leader explained. “Now, we can put spacecraft up there at a higher pace, with shorter lives, to demonstrate technologies, demonstrate capabilities, and really allow us to mature those things that we’re going to want sometime in the future. But we don’t want to wait years and years. We want to get that proven now so the community can see the value of whatever technology it is.”

Lower launch costs also supported the NRO’s shift toward a proliferated architecture, which is meant to enhance resilience from adversary attacks through shorter revisit times, more frequent observational persistence and faster data transmission.

NRO Director Discusses How Commercial Space Partnerships Enable Faster Capability Development

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29 will host a panel on advancing capabilities for space defense featuring leaders from government, military and industry. Click here to purchase your tickets to the upcoming GovCon event. 

The agency has placed over 200 satellites in orbit over the past two years.

In September, NRO and the U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 30 sent satellites to orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, dubbed NROL-48, marked NRO’s 11th proliferated architecture mission and the fifth proliferated launch of 2025.

NRO has more space launches planned through 2029.

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GSA Shifts All New MAS Contractors to FAS Catalog Platform
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GSA logo. GSA makes FCP the default system for newly awarded MAS contractors.

The General Services Administration has moved another step toward retiring the legacy Schedule Input Program, making the FAS Catalog Platform the default system for newly awarded Multiple Award Schedule contractors.

What Changed for New MAS Awards?

GSA said Friday that as of Nov. 6, all new MAS contracts automatically onboard into the FCP, a web-based system used by contractors to manage and update their product and service catalogs, which are then published on GSA Advantage.

The change eliminates the need for vendors to use the SIP or Electronic Data Interchange-832 to establish catalogs on the GSA online shopping and ordering system.

The shift is designed to reduce manual data entry, improve accuracy and streamline the start-up process for both industry and the GSA workforce.

What Are the New FCP Requirements?

New offers must use the latest product file or services plus file templates, which became mandatory for offers submitted under MAS Refresh 29 in August, with the exception of those offers using the SIN-specific price proposal templates.

GSA added a new “Step 0” to the FCP onboarding process, requiring vendors to register with the Vendor Support Center before they can appear on eBuy.

Awardees will receive an onboarding email after registering with the VSC, which outlines the steps for creating their GSA Advantage catalog.

What FCP Requirements Remain Unchanged?

Contractors still complete a seller profile and baseline action to establish their presence on GSA Advantage. Vendors using SIN-specific price proposal templates must continue to use those templates and include prices in their terms and conditions file. All other FCP vendors must not include pricing from their T&C file.

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Navy Awards University of Washington APL $474M Maritime Science R&D Modification
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University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory logo. APL-UW secures a Navy R&D contract modification.

The U.S. Navy has exercised a $474.3 million contract option with the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Laboratory to continue providing research, development, engineering, and test and evaluation support across several core maritime science and technology areas through October 2030.

Navy Awards University of Washington APL $474M Maritime Science R&D Modification

The Navy’s decision to extend major research work with APL highlights how rapidly advancing maritime science is reshaping U.S. defense priorities. At the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29, senior leaders, researchers and technologists will break down what these investments mean for undersea systems, sensing, modeling and the next wave of mission-driven innovation. Secure your spot to hear how cutting-edge research is being translated into real operational advantage.

What Work Does the APL Contract Option Cover?

Structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee modification, the award extends the Navy’s existing contract with APL and specifically funds work in disciplines central to the laboratory’s core competency areas, such as experimental oceanography, acoustic propagation, underwater instrumentation, marine corrosion, acoustic and related systems, signal processing and simulation capabilities, the Department of Defense said Thursday. The work, which will be performed in Seattle, Washington, will support various programs of the DOD and other government agencies.

Funding will be applied at the task-order level and may come from multiple program offices and DOD components, depending on the nature of the individual research requirements.

The award was issued under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(3), which allows for noncompetitive awards when industrial mobilization, unique engineering or research capabilities, or expert services are required.

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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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