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Atlantic Council Calls for Rapid Hypersonic Weapons Development
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Hypersonic weapon. The Atlantic Council released a report detailing recommendations to advance hypersonic weapon development.

The Atlantic Council’s Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force released a report on Oct. 9 urging the U.S. to rapidly advance its hypersonic strike capabilities to counter growing threats from China and Russia.

The report titled, “The imperative for hypersonic weapons and counterhypersonic defenses,” warns that China and Russia have developed hundreds of hypersonic weapons, creating a strategic imbalance. These systems are part of broader anti-access and area-denial strategies, including advanced missile defenses, space and cyber tools, and nonkinetic disruptors.

Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force Recommendations

The task force provided 10 recommendations to Congress and the Defense Department that should help rapidly and efficiently field hypersonic weapons. These are:

  • Create a senior program manager reporting to the deputy secretary of defense to oversee all high-speed weapons programs and budgets, including hypersonic offense and defense.
  • Ensure stable funding and rapid deployment of first-gen hypersonic weapons, with block upgrades to expand capabilities and reduce costs. 
  • Prioritize affordable next-gen systems by funding low-cost expendable missiles and reusable hypersonic aircraft.
  • Accelerate fielding of hypersonic systems.
  • Enhance affordability and production scalability by investing in manufacturing innovation and supply chain resilience.
  • Build testing infrastructure such as hypersonic wind tunnels, flight ranges and simulation environments to support rapid development and validation.
  • Develop counter-hypersonic defenses like interceptors, sensors and layered defense systems.
  • Invest in reusable hypersonic aircraft support through the development of platforms for persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or ISR, and strike missions.
  • Strengthen workforce and talent pipelines through STEM education, training programs, and public-private partnerships.
  • Enhance international collaboration with allies on joint development, testing and deployment of hypersonic systems.
  • Establish a “Golden Dome” missile defense shield.

What Is the Atlantic Council Hypersonics Task Force?

The Atlantic Council’s Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force brings top defense leaders and industry experts together to accelerate U.S. hypersonic weapons development. It is co-chaired by former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James and former Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, a Wash100 Award recipient. Other notable members include Reggie Brothers, former under secretary for science and technology at the Department of Homeland Security, also a Wash100 honoree.

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Bipartisan Senate Bill Seeks to Renew Expired Cybersecurity Measures
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US Capitol. Bipartisan Senate bill seeks cybersecurity measures renewal

Sens. Gary Peters, D–Mich., and Mike Rounds, R–S.D., have introduced a bipartisan bill to reactivate cybersecurity provisions that expired on September 30.

The proposed legislation, titled Protecting America from Cyber Threats Act, would reauthorize the decade-old Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 allowing private companies to voluntarily share with the Department of Homeland Security cybersecurity threat indicators, including malware signatures and malicious IP addresses, according to a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee statement Thursday.

On Nov. 12, Potomac Officers Club will host its annual, much-anticipated Homeland Security Summit. The 2025 edition will feature the lunch panel “Building a Resilient Homeland Security Enterprise Through AI-Driven Cyber Defense,” which should be highly of interest to all contractors who are looking to help DHS with AI-powered cyber modernization and defense. Register here now!

Strengthening the Cyber Response Framework

The information-sharing framework has helped prevent data breaches, protect personal information and strengthen the federal response to cyberattacks from foreign and criminal actors, the committee added. 

The proposed measure builds on the 2015 bipartisan law on improving federal responses to major incidents in the magnitude of previous cyberattacks, such as SolarWinds, Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon. The bill renews liability protections for companies that share threat data and includes strong privacy safeguards to protect personally identifiable information. 

The proposed legislation aims overall to enhance public-private collaboration and bolster national cyber resilience. Major industry groups, including Airlines for America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, support the proposed measure.

Peters and Rounds earlier filed a bill in April to extend a provision of Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 facilitating cyberthreat-sharing between the federal government and the private sector.

Other Proposed Bipartisan Cyber Legislations

Peters also co-authored the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., filed in August, to ensure that the U.S. government is ready to face emerging cybersecurity threats posed by advancements in quantum computing.

In addition, Peters and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., proposed in July 2024 the Streamlining Federal Cybersecurity Regulations Act, a bill that would establish an interagency committee within the Office of the National Cyber Director to develop a framework to harmonize cybersecurity and information security regulations and compliance requirements across the federal government.

Bipartisan Senate Bill Seeks to Renew Expired Cybersecurity Measures
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Space Force Launches Up to $1.2B Fund to Boost Military Access to Commercial Satcom
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Tim Trimailo, director of Commercial Space Office. Trimailo comments about Space Force's new working capital fund

The U.S. Space Force has introduced a working capital fund for the purchase of satellite communications services and other commercial space offerings, SpaceNews reported Wednesday.

Col. Timothy Trimailo, head of the Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office, said the working capital fund, or WCF, is “an important milestone in integrating commercial capabilities into the architecture.”

SSC also announced the establishment of the Enterprise Space Activity Group on Oct. 1 under the Air Force WCF.

What Will USSF’s WCF for Commercial Services Do?

The fund will initially offer $120 million deposit, but it is expected to grow to over $1.2 billion annually. Instead of relying on congressional appropriations, the WCF will be self-sustaining. Customers will pay for services and reinvest reimbursements into the fund to keep it going.

The SSC said the WCF can lead to lower rates for customers if its profits, or incur higher rates due to losses.

The Commercial Satellite Communications Office, a.k.a. CSCO, is the first program authorized to use the funding. CSCO is in charge of all military contracts for commercial satellite services, which are collectively worth nearly $7 billion.

“This is a strategic advantage for the Space Force and more importantly, our warfighters,” CSCO Director Clare Hopper stated about the fund. “We’re looking forward to offering even more capabilities that our warfighters need and deserve to be successful.”

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Senate Confirms Marc Andersen as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management, Comptroller
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Logo of the U.S. Army. Marc Andersen will serve as the Army's assistant secretary for financial management and comptroller

The Senate has confirmed Marc Andersen as the new assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller. According to Congress records, Andersen, who was nominated to the role by President Donald Trump, secured the role in a 51-47 vote from legislators on Tuesday. 

He replaces Caral Spangler, who held the position from August 2021 through December 2024. 

Andersen was nominated to be an Army assistant secretary in March. At the time, he said in a LinkedIn post that soldiers and their families “embody the very best of America” and, if confirmed, he will ensure that the “organization that serves them reflects that same excellence.”

Who Is Marc Andersen?

Andersen brings to the role extensive leadership experience in the public and private sectors. He served as a senior partner emeritus at EY,  a consulting, assurance, tax and transaction services provider, for over 22 years. 

He also founded his own advisory services firm, called Andersen Advisory, where he also serves as a managing member. 

According to his LinkedIn profile, he also serves as a venture partner at IronGate Capital Advisors, a senior adviser for Tesla Government, a senior strategic adviser for Infuse and board of advisers chairman at vTech.

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Senate Confirms Jack Dever & Chris Fox to Key ODNI Roles
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ODNI seal. The U.S. Senate confirmed Jack Dever as general counsel and Chris Fox as intelligence community inspector general.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jack Dever as general counsel and Chris Fox as intelligence community inspector general at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, ODNI announced Wednesday.

Table of Contents

Who Is Jack Dever?

In his new role, Dever will provide legal guidance to the ODNI and the broader intelligence community. He was CEO of Lockhaven Solutions, a cybersecurity consulting firm. The cybersecurity expert held leadership roles at General Electric, Wells Fargo and UBS. 

Dever also served as assistant general counsel at the FBI and assistant U.S. attorney. His military service included stints as a signals intelligence Korean linguist and Judge Advocate General officer.

“His proven leadership—spanning military service and distinguished roles across the government and private sector—makes him an asset to our mission at ODNI. He will serve with the highest standards of integrity, strengthening the security of our country and upholding the Constitution,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Who Is Chris Fox?

Fox will oversee independent reviews across the intelligence community, advancing transparency, accountability and operational efficiency while identifying fraud, waste and mismanagement.

Fox previously worked at Six Technologies and Matrix International and was a specialized skills and covert action officer at the CIA’s directorate of operations. He also had stints at the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events. Early in his career, Fox served as a special warfare airman and joint terminal attack controller for the U.S. Air Force.

“With nearly two decades of experience in national security spanning military service, intelligence operations, legal practice and entrepreneurship, Chris steps into this role with the integrity, fortitude and commitment to country needed to serve as inspector general for the intelligence community,” said Gabbard.

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Army Activates 2nd Theater Information Advantage Detachment
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U.S. Army logo. The Army activated the second TIAD, marking a key step in its approach to information warfare.

The U.S. Army has activated the second Theater Information Advantage Detachment, or TIAD, as part of efforts to provide commanders with capabilities to support Army operations across the broader information environment, DVIDS reported.

The Army Cyber Command TIAD led by Col. John Agnello was activated during a ceremony held Friday at Fort Gordon in Georgia.

“This TIAD is built on the shoulders of soldiers who bring not only technical mastery, but the courage to challenge, the creativity to adapt, and the conviction to lead. I’m honored to command a team that doesn’t just execute the mission; they embody it. They are the Army’s advantage in the information fight, and a key reason we’re positioned to succeed,” said Agnello, the second TIAD commander.

ARCYBER TIAD

The ARCYBER TIAD is one of three planned detachments tailored to three geographic commands: Indo-Pacific, Europe and ARCYBER itself. Each TIAD integrates into a unified team several disciplines, including cyber operations, electronic warfare, civil affairs, psychological operations and public affairs.

In October 2024, the Army first announced plans to establish three detachments to counter information adversaries.

The ARCYBER TIAD achieved initial operating capability with its activation. The unit will continue to refine its integration across information, cyber and influence disciplines as it advances toward full operating capability.

“Today, with the activation of this TIAD, we carry that legacy forward—into the information domain, where influence is decisive and truth must be defended. This is not just a new unit; it’s the next chapter in how the Army fights and wins,” said Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, commander of ARCYBER.

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Radiance-Louisiana Tech Team Secures DARPA Contract for MICA Program
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Contract award. The team of Radiance Technologies and LA Tech secured a DARPA contract for the MICA program.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded the team of Radiance Technologies and Louisiana Tech University a contract to perform work on the Microsystem Induced CAtalysis, or MICA, program.

Radiance said Wednesday it will work with LA Tech to model microsystems that can precisely control protein function.

Developing Novel Simulation Platform AMPERE

As part of the MICA program, Radiance and the university will develop a novel simulation platform, called AMPERE, that combines machine learning with multiscale physical modeling.

AMPERE, which is short for Adaptive Multi-Physics Engine for Reaction Engineering, will help predict the behavior of biomolecular catalysts under microsystem stimulation.

“This program addresses a critical need to bridge molecular-scale biological control with scalable microsystem design,” said Andrew Gardner, principal investigator for MICA at Radiance. “AMPERE will enable the co-design of molecules and microsystems with high precision, advancing secure therapeutics, resilient biomanufacturing, and beyond.”

LA Tech will bring its capabilities in computational biology and nanotechnology to support interface modeling and catalyst fabrication as part of the program.

“Together, we’re developing tools and methods to direct molecular function. As a researcher and educator, these projects provide valuable opportunities for students in both the lab and the classroom,” said Tom Bishop, MICA co-investigator and professor at LA Tech.

What Is DARPA’s MICA Program?

According to Radiance, the MICA program aims to explore how microsystems can harness electromagnetic fields, heat and fluid motion to guide chemical reactions at the molecular level.

DARPA stated that the program aims to address challenges in predicting how molecular catalysts behave when incorporated into microsystem surfaces and how their activity can be controlled in complex environments.

According to the agency, the program could lead to advances in medical therapeutics, materials synthesis and environmental remediation, among other areas.

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DHS Launches Lab to Test Next-Gen 911 System Compatibility
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Department of Homeland Security logo. DHS opens a new laboratory to test Next-Gen 911 system interoperability.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate has established a new laboratory to ensure Next Generation 911 systems work seamlessly across jurisdictions and technology providers, Federal News Network reported. The initiative aims to prevent communication breakdowns as states and localities transition from analog infrastructure to modern, internet protocol-based emergency networks.

DHS Launches Lab to Test Next-Gen 911 System Compatibility

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Ensuring Interoperability Before Deployment

The new lab allows vendors to remotely test their NG911 technologies for interoperability before rollout. The facility builds on DHS’ existing public safety radio testing program and uses open-source tools that vendors can download, run and analyze to confirm their systems meet compatibility standards.

“What we don’t want to do is have an interoperability chasm upon deployment,” said Sridhar Kowdley, technology manager for S&T’s communications and networking technology center. “We want to solve those issues during the [research and development] and the implementation point.”

The lab recently demonstrated a 911 video call. The next-generation system is expected to be faster and more resilient, enabling voice, photos, videos and text messages to reach call centers over a digital network. Kowdley said more test cases are planned before a formal certification process begins.

Kowdley noted that the transition to NG911 involves significant integration challenges, including connections to computer-aided dispatch systems and next-generation core services. The laboratory’s early efforts, he said, are focused on reducing technical barriers and identifying potential data and interoperability gaps before deployment.

5G and 6G Technologies

DHS S&T is exploring how 5G wireless networks can enhance emergency response through faster data transfer, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things capabilities. The directorate is assessing secure, cost-effective ways to apply 5G across diverse DHS operations, from border security to airport management.

S&T is also participating in early discussions around sixth-generation standards. “Generally, 6G is developed for consumers,” Kowdley said. “It’s not driven for homeland security applications or Department of Defense. So all of the federal agencies are getting together to work on 6G.”

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MDA Issues Sources Sought Notice for Advanced Object Classification 1.1 Software Upgrade
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MDA seal. The Missile Defense Agency issued a sources sought notice for the AOC 1.1 software upgrade.

The Missile Defense Agency has released a sources sought notice for the development of the Advanced Object Classification, or AOC, 1.1 software upgrade.

According to the notice published on SAM.gov Friday, the planned software upgrade is designed for upgraded early warning radars, or UEWR. Responses will be accepted until Oct. 17.

Advanced Object Classification 1.1 Software Upgrade

The AOC 1.1 upgrade is intended to bolster the accuracy of classifying objects during the midcourse phase of ballistic missile flight. It builds upon the performance of the previously fielded AOC 1.0 version by incorporating further algorithm and interface control document-driven enhancements identified during testing and fielding.

The agency aims to introduce a flat-file classification database to enhance the AOC 1.1 software. This new capability is expected to enable the system to be rapidly reconfigured to counter emerging threats without necessitating software recompilation or a return to the original developer for modifications. This will streamline the speed at which UEWRs can adapt.

The existing AOC architecture utilizes 37 algorithms and machine learning to boost object classification accuracy and overall classification results, respectively. It does not require changes to the radar hardware or the ground-based midcourse defense fire control interface.

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USPTO AI Pilot Program Seeks to Streamline Patent Applications
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John Squires headshot. The USPTO director elaborated on the AI-based pilot program for streamlining patent applications.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has unveiled a test program called ASAP!, short for Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot, aimed at enhancing the quality, speed and efficiency of patent applications.

Patent Applications’ Issues Alert

The pilot program will provide applicants with an AI-Assisted Search Results Notice, or ASRN, listing top 10 potential previous art issues that requires their attention, USPTO said Wednesday. It added that the ASRN is designed to help applicants decide on early actions such as filing amendments, submitting supporting evidence, requesting deferrals or seeking fee refunds.

USPTO will use the pilot’s results to assess pre-examination search outcomes, evaluate ASRN scalability and guide future initiatives to further streamline patent applications. Patent applicants who want to join ASAP! have to file a petition to participate in the pilot program and pay its fee.

Other AI Pilots to Follow

According to John Squires, under secretary of commerce for intellectual property and USPTO director, ASAP! is the inaugural release in a wave of other planned AI pilots to help both patent examiners and applicants. “Quality starts at filing—and our enterprising examiners have developed a cadre of new tools that re-imagine workflows and attack thorny chokepoints that constrain productivity, throughput, and ultimately quality for new applicants,” Squires noted.

USPTO is investing significantly to harness AI in its functions. In August 2024, the agency awarded Accenture Federal Services a $75 million contract to implement AI capabilities for improving patent reviewing processes.

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