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Laura Stanton Named Acting GSA FAS Commissioner
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Laura Stanton. The FAS deputy commissioner at the General Services Administration has been named acting FAS commissioner.

The General Services Administration has appointed Laura Stanton, deputy commissioner of Federal Acquisition Service, as acting FAS commissioner following the departure of Josh Gruenbaum, a previous Wash100 awardee, Federal News Network reported Friday.

Laura Stanton Named Acting GSA FAS Commissioner

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In an email obtained by FNN, GSA Administrator Ed Forst said Stanton will serve in the role on an interim basis until the agency names a permanent commissioner. Gruenbaum assumed leadership of FAS in January 2025.

“With Laura at the helm, I am confident that FAS will continue to build upon the significant accomplishments achieved over the last 15 months of President Trump’s administration,” Forst wrote in the email.

According to FNN, sources said Gruenbaum’s next role has not been officially disclosed, though several expect him to work on foreign affairs issues at the White House.

Who Is Laura Stanton?

Stanton most recently served as deputy commissioner of FAS, a role she assumed in April 2025.

She has spent nearly three decades at GSA, beginning her career as a national management intern in 1997.

Before her appointment as deputy commissioner, Stanton was assistant commissioner for the Office of IT Category within FAS.

Since joining GSA, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including deputy assistant commissioner for category management; assistant commissioner for enterprise strategy management; and director of program management for the common acquisition platform, according to her LinkedIn profile.

What Procurement Modernization Initiatives Did GSA Advance Under Gruenbaum?

During Gruenbaum’s tenure, GSA pursued several initiatives to improve and modernize the federal procurement process. The agency established the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services within FAS to oversee the federal government’s procurement of common goods and services worth nearly $500 billion annually.

In January, the agency announced the full implementation of Transactional Data Reporting to expand the use of detailed pricing data in acquisition. It also sought industry input on the role, value and pricing practices of IT value-added resellers in the federal procurement marketplace.

GSA also advanced its OneGov strategy by establishing enterprise agreements with major technology providers to standardize pricing and streamline access to IT, cloud and artificial intelligence tools for federal agencies.

Additionally, the agency issued a request for information seeking industry input on an artificial intelligence-driven procurement system designed to further modernize and consolidate acquisition processes across the federal government.

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Pentagon Advances Redesigned SBIR-STTR Initiative
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Emil Michael. The DOW under secretary for research and engineering remarked on the reauthorization of SBIR and STTR programs.

The Department of War is advancing a redesigned Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer initiative following the reauthorization of the programs under the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act.

Pentagon Advances Redesigned SBIR-STTR Initiative

DOW Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies, a 2026 Wash100 honoree, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit this Wednesday, April 22. Register now to hear Davies and other government leaders discuss emerging technologies and efforts to drive defense modernization. 

DOW said Monday the effort aims to speed up the delivery of advanced capabilities to warfighters while strengthening the defense innovation base through small business participation.

“The reauthorization of SBIR and STTR will allow the War Department to quickly align its innovation investments directly with our most urgent warfighting needs,” said Emil Michael, under secretary for research and engineering at DOW.

“We are supercharging American small businesses to become a critical part of our national defense. They will ensure our warfighters maintain a decisive battlefield advantage for years to come,” added Michael, a 2026 Wash100 awardee.

What Opportunities Are Available to Small Businesses?

DOW released multiple SBIR/STTR solicitations immediately following the reauthorization, with more than 90 topics open to industry. The department is directing small businesses to the DOW SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal for information on those solicitations and proposal timelines.

What Is the ART Program?

The DOW Office for Small Business Innovation has established the Accelerated Research for Transition program, known as ART, to facilitate the transition of high-performing Phase II SBIR/STTR efforts into scalable Phase III outcomes with increased speed, accountability and alignment to operational demand signals.

The ART program provides additional non-dilutive capital investment and offers multiple pathways to transition capabilities from development to production, operation and sustainment.

How Will the Relaunched SBIR/STTR Enterprise Operate?

DOW has redesigned the SBIR/STTR program to deliver across three innovation outcomes: differentiated technology, scalable products and operational capability innovation. The department plans to leverage the expertise of U.S. small businesses and academic institutions to deliver technology to the warfighter and expand the defense industrial base through commercialization efforts, while continuing coordination with the Small Business Administration.

“Reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR program ensures we can continue delivering critical technologies to the warfighter, responsibly invest taxpayer dollars, and empower U.S. small businesses to drive innovation that strengthens our national security,” said Gina Sims, director of the DOW Office for Small Business Innovation.

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Space Force to Launch Cislunar Acquisition Office for Lunar Mission Support
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USSF Chief of Space Operations Chance Saltzman. The U.S. Space Force intends to establish the Cislunar Acquisition Office.

The U.S. Space Force plans to establish a Cislunar Coordination Office, an acquisition task force that will coordinate technology development and planning for cislunar operations, Breaking Defense reported Monday.

Space Force to Launch Cislunar Acquisition Office for Lunar Mission Support

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What Is the Purpose of the Cislunar Coordination Office?

The new office will focus on organizing efforts across government agencies involved in cislunar activities. Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, senior adviser for space acquisition, said the office will gather program managers and engineers to develop road maps for acquiring capabilities and setting timelines tied to future missions. The initiative stems from a December executive order calling for initial elements of a permanent lunar outpost by 2030. Jamie Stearns, space control mission lead at the AFRL Space Vehicle Directorate, is tasked to lead the new group.

How Will the Space Force Support Lunar Operations?

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, a four-time Wash100 Award winner, said the service will ensure safety, security and sustainability for U.S. interests in cislunar space. He noted that the requirements for space domain awareness and communications systems differ from those of traditional orbital missions and require specialized tools and continuous connectivity. In addition, Saltzman said sustaining a lunar presence will place demands on launch infrastructure and coordination with agencies such as NASA.

What Related Efforts Are Underway?

AFRL is preparing to launch its Oracle Prime satellite, an experimental platform designed to monitor objects in cislunar space. The satellite will operate near a Lagrange point between Earth and the Moon and conduct surveillance of nearby objects using onboard sensors.

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NSWCPD Tests AI/ML Models to Predict Submarine Compressor Failures
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US Navy logo. NSWCPD has begun testing AI models to detect early signs of submarine compressor failures.

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, has begun testing artificial intelligence and machine learning models to determine whether they can identify early indicators of degradation in submarine air compressors before failure occurs. 

NSWCPD Tests AI/ML Models to Predict Submarine Compressor Failures

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Engineers at NSWCPD are evaluating an experimental model that analyzes vibration data from high-pressure air compressors, which support critical submarine functions, Naval Sea Systems Command said Friday, noting that the goal is not only to detect faults but also to assess their progression and estimate time to failure. Calculating remaining useful life for components, however, requires large datasets and further model development.

The project aligns with the U.S. Navy’s broader push to advance predictive maintenance through its Condition-Based Maintenance Plus initiative, which integrates traditional maintenance practices with AI-driven diagnostics and prognostics.

“Projects like this help us understand where AI adds value, where it still falls short, and how we can align digital innovation with our core mission of delivering warfighting capability in both acquisition and sustainment to the fleet,” said NSWCPD Technical Director Nigel Thijs.

How Is NSWCPD Training AI Models to Detect Equipment Faults?

To generate usable data, NSWCPD engineers built a controlled test environment and introduced faults such as air leaks, inlet restrictions and cooling issues. Using arrays of accelerometers, the team collected vibration signals to train models to distinguish between normal and faulty conditions.

According to Colin Dingley, machine learning engineer at NSWCPD, early tests show the models can reduce thousands of vibration inputs into a small set of indicators that reliably identify common faults.

“Our lab tests to date show real promise,” Dingley said, noting that the next phase will focus on scaling the models with more diverse datasets and testing performance in operational conditions.

What Other AI Initiatives Is NSWCPD Advancing?

The compressor project is part of a broader portfolio of AI and data-driven efforts at NSWCPD. These include developing machine learning algorithms for power-system health, digital twin models for shipboard systems and enterprise remote monitoring capabilities.

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NTIA Seeks Proposals for .us Top-Level Domain Management
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NTIA logo. NTIA has issued a request for proposals for vendors capable of managing the .us Top-Level Domain.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA, has begun seeking proposals for the administration of the .us top-level domain, the U.S. country code Top-Level Domain, a.k.a. usTLD.

What Does the NTIA Solicitation Require?

NTIA said Monday the request for proposals outlines expectations for administering a registry with more than two million domain names while maintaining security. According to the notice published on SAM.gov, the selected contractor will provide centralized management and coordination of registry, registrar, database and information services for the usTLD.

Vendors are also asked to propose methods for addressing policy challenges. The contractor must ensure that administration policies and procedures support a secure, stable and resilient domain name system, or DNS. Other key areas of focus include creative strategies to enforce the U.S. nexus requirement and streamline registrant data access that balances stakeholder interests.

What Are the Details of the Potential Contract?

The contract includes a 36-month base period, which incorporates a transition phase of up to nine months. The agreement also features four one-year ordering periods, bringing the total potential duration to seven years. Proposals from interested vendors are due by May 18.

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DIU Announces 5 New Senior Leadership Team Members
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Defense Innovation Unit logo. DIU has named five new leaders to its senior leadership team.

The Defense Innovation Unit has announced the addition of five new leaders to its senior leadership team to support the delivery of commercial and nontraditional platforms to operational units and help address challenges facing the joint force.

DIU Announces 5 New Senior Leadership Team Members

Department of War Chief Information Officer Kirsten Davies, a 2026 Wash100 honoree, is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit this Wednesday, April 22. Register now to hear Davies and other government leaders discuss emerging technologies and efforts to drive defense modernization.

Owen West, a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient, officially assumed the role of director at DIU in March.

DIU said Friday it also appointed Matthew Shortal as principal deputy director and chief commercial officer; Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel as military deputy; Travis Metz as deputy director and chief operating officer; and Jay Alonzo as chief financial officer.

According to the agency, the new installments bring experience across military operations, venture capital, finance and technology as the organization works to accelerate the adoption of commercially derived technology for military use.

In January, DIU was designated a DOW field activity to continue providing rapid contracting, technology scouting and commercial adoption services.

Who Is Owen West?

West is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who previously worked at Goldman Sachs as trading partner-in-charge of the global natural gas and U.S. power businesses.

He previously served as assistant secretary of war for special operations and low-intensity conflict.

Who Is Matthew Shortal?

Shortal began his career as an F/A-18 fighter pilot in the Marine Corps and flew missions from Miramar with multiple deployments to the Far East and Middle East.

The DIU principal deputy director is a graduate of the Naval Fighter Weapons School, also known as TOPGUN, and a former U.S. Navy Blue Angels pilot. He most recently worked as an operating partner and chief of staff at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz.

Who Is Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel?

Kunkel, the newly appointed military deputy at DIU, has experience as an F-15E and F-22 pilot and completed 10 combat deployments.

The major general previously served as director of force design for the U.S. Air Force, where he led efforts related to future force design, disruptive technology initiatives and capability development integration.

Who Is Travis Metz?

Metz previously worked at the Office of the Secretary of War, where he focused on the Drone Dominance Program.

The DIU COO founded and managed timberlineDS, an artificial intelligence consulting firm serving government and commercial clients. He also has experience managing venture capital and private equity funds.

Who Is Jay Alonzo?

Alonzo, who now serves as CFO at DIU, previously worked at the Office of the Secretary of War, Comptroller.

He served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning to a civilian role. His experience includes financial management, logistics, aircraft maintenance, acquisitions, and congressional and public affairs.

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OMB Issues Memo to Increase Commercial Procurement Across Federal Agencies
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Office of Management and Budget logo. OMB issued a memo directing agencies to improve the commercial procurement of products.

The Office of Management and Budget has issued a memorandum directing federal agencies to increase the acquisition of commercially available products and services in accordance with an executive order signed in April 2025.

OMB Director Russell Vought said Friday the memo outlines actions agencies must take to prioritize commercial solutions and strengthen oversight of non-commercial procurements.

What Are the Reporting Requirements of the OMB Memo?

The memo requires agencies to submit a report to OMB by May 4, detailing non-commercial contracting activity. The report must exclude source selection-sensitive information and include the following elements:

Recent Non-Commercial Awards

  • Total value and number of non-commercial contracts awarded between April 15, 2025, and Sept. 30, 2025, categorized by product service code
  • A list of procurement instrument identifiers associated with those awards
  • For contracts exceeding $10 million: description of the requirement, contract pricing type and total value; date of the next contract option; planned actions by the senior procurement executive, or SPE; explanation if a transition to a commercial solution is not planned

Near-Term Non-Commercial Acquisitions

  • Total number of pre-award non-commercial actions in process as of March 31, 2026
  • For actions exceeding $10 million: description of the requirement, planned contract type and cost estimate; planned actions by the SPE; justification for continuing with a non-commercial approach

Future Procurements

  • Description of internal controls to ensure SPE review of planned non-commercial awards

Agencies must submit the report using a template available through the MAX platform.

What Does the Memo Say About Competition Advocates & Data?

The memo directs agencies to ensure the competition advocate role is held by an official at or above the head of the contracting activity or deputy SPE level and to submit that official’s name, title and contact information. 

The document also states that the Office of Federal Procurement Policy will work with the Procurement Committee on E-Government and the General Services Administration to improve data collection and benchmarking for commercial acquisitions in the Federal Procurement Data System.

Optional Consultation With OMB

The memo states that agencies may request input from OMB before pursuing a non-commercial acquisition. Requests must be submitted by the SPE and include details such as the requirement description, market research findings, cost estimates and justification for not using a commercial solution.

Agencies are required to provide OMB at least 15 days to review consultation requests prior to issuing a solicitation.

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HHS Names Former White House Economist Casey Mulligan Chief Economist, Regulatory Officer
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HHS logo. HHS has appointed Casey Mulligan as chief economist and chief regulatory officer.

The Department of Health and Human Services has appointed Casey Mulligan as chief economist and chief regulatory officer.

What Will Mulligan Oversee?

Mulligan will advise HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and senior leadership on efforts to reduce health care costs, with responsibilities spanning regulatory analysis, econometric modeling and evaluation of major federal health programs, HHS said Friday.

Who Is Casey Mulligan?

Mulligan brings experience from both academia and government. He previously served as chief economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers during the first Trump administration, contributing economic insight on regulatory, healthcare and small business policy issues.

Most recently, he was chief counsel for advocacy at the Small Business Administration. He is a longtime University of Chicago economics professor, with research spanning labor markets, taxation, health economics and public policy. Mulligan earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University and a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago.

“Casey Mulligan exemplifies the kind of top-tier talent we are bringing into HHS,” said Kennedy. 

“He played a central role in delivering President Trump’s economic policy successes, and now he will apply that same expertise to health care—an industry that makes up nearly one-fifth of our economy,” the HHS secretary added.

Mulligan expressed his commitment to the new role. “I’m honored that President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have tasked me with applying economic fundamentals to maximize health care affordability,” he said. “I look forward to working with the outstanding HHS leadership team they’ve assembled to prevent chronic disease and further reduce costs throughout the system.”

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Christopher Niemi Nominated as Air Force Chief Modernization Officer
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Air Force CMO Christopher Niemi. Christopher Niemi has been nominated as chief modernization officer of the U.S. Air Force.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Niemi has been nominated to serve as the U.S. Air Force’s first chief modernization officer as part of a reorganization of the service’s Air Force Futures directorate, the Department of War said Wednesday.

Christopher Niemi Nominated as Air Force Chief Modernization Officer

The new chief modernization officer appointment aligns with the Air Force’s efforts to leverage advanced technology to meet emerging needs. Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit to learn about the service’s technology integration and other strategies to achieve air and space dominance.

What Role Would Niemi Assume?

If confirmed, Niemi would be promoted to lieutenant general and serve as both deputy chief of staff for strategy, design and requirements and chief modernization officer. The new role will oversee four core mission areas, including force design, mission integration, capability development and modernization investment priorities.

Who Is Christopher Niemi?

Niemi currently serves as the military deputy for the Air Force Futures directorate, or A5/7, where he oversees strategy, integration and requirements. A command pilot with more than 3,100 flight hours, including over 130 in combat, he has held leadership roles across multiple fifth-generation fighter units and commanded at the squadron, group, wing and center levels. Niemi has held key policy and planning roles, including assignments within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy and at major commands such as Pacific Air Forces and Air Combat Command.

How Does the Nomination Relate to Air Force Restructuring?

Niemi’s nomination coincides with the restructuring of A5/7 directorate following the decision to absorb the proposed Integrated Capabilities Command, or ICC. Rather than establishing a separate command, the Air Force will consolidate the four ICC functions under a new chief modernization officer within the existing directorate.

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GSA Rebrands OSDBU as Office of Small Business
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General Services Administration logo. The General Services Administration has renamed the OSDBU to Office of Small Business.

The General Services Administration has renamed its Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to the Office of Small Business, or OSB.

What Does the OSDBU to OSB Name Change Mean?

The new designation reflects a broader, more consultative approach to supporting small businesses, the agency said Friday. The update better aligns with enhancements to the federal acquisition process resulting from the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO.

The move clarifies the office’s role in enforcing small business requirements, advising industry and acquisition teams, and ensuring small businesses can effectively compete and deliver value in federal procurement. GSA issued that it’s meant to support a strong, competitive ecosystem that benefits agencies and the public.

Why Are Small Businesses a Focus?

According to Greg Justice, associate administrator of OSB, small businesses play a key role in driving innovation and economic growth. The office aims to help maintain a competitive environment where small firms can participate in federal procurement and contribute to government operations. The agency added that its long-term vision includes sustaining a strong small business base that delivers value across federal programs.

“Having worked for both large and small government contractors over my career, I am a firm believer in the distinctive value that small businesses can bring to the table,” Justice said.

Aligning OSB With Federal Small Business Initiatives

The new OSB designation aligns with government efforts to boost small business participation in federal contracting. Such initiatives include the Polaris governmentwide acquisition contract and modifications to regulatory coverage for small business contracting as part of RFO.

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