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Army Document Details Requirements for Self-Propelled Howitzer Acquisition
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U.S. Army logo. A new document from the U.S. Army details the service's requirements for its next self-propelled howitzers.

The U.S. Army intends to make domestic production a requirement under a planned competition for the development of its next self-propelled howitzer, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

What Are the Howitzer Acquisition Requirements?

The requirement for domestic production, which applies to the howitzer itself as well as a resupply vehicle, is one of the provisions articulated in a document dated Oct. 20 that provides fresh details about the upcoming Army contracting opportunity.

Be the first to learn about new business opportunities with DOD at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29!

According to the document, a copy of which had been obtained by Breaking Defense, the other requirements include the ability of the howitzer to fire U.S. ammunition and be as heavily armored as the existing M109A7 while being more mobile and transportable. In particular, the future howitzer must be capable of moving on, or offroad, and must be transportable by air, sea, rail or road. The weapon must also demonstrate reliability and maintainability that reduces logistical burdens and sustains combat operations.

In terms of effectiveness, the howitzer must be capable of achieving precision fires up to 70 km, massed lethal effects at a maximum of 58 km and have a minimum range of 4 km.

Resumption of Howitzer Acquisition Effort

The latest document supports a request for information released in September by the Program Executive Officer for Ground Combat Systems. The issuance of the RFI had been the latest development in an acquisition effort for a self-propelled howitzer which was announced earlier in the year, but was apparently put on pause in May. Though the October document specifies the domestic production requirement, the RFI had only asked interested vendors to describe their onshore production abilities.

Known interested vendors include Rheinmetall, Hanwha, Elbit America and a team comprising Leonardo DRS and KNDS. BAE Systems and General Dynamics are also potential players.

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Army Issues UAS Spectrum Access Rules
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US Army logo. The Army updates rules for UAS electromagnetic spectrum access.

The U.S. Army has issued a service-wide directive establishing procedures for electromagnetic spectrum access to support Army unmanned aircraft system operations. The All Army Activities 099/2025 outlines policy implementation in alignment with Department of Defense and Army regulations governing radio frequency authorization and electromagnetic environmental effects.

What Does ALARACT 099/2025 Cover?

The ALARACT message guides planning, coordinating and managing spectrum access required for the operation of Army UAS. It emphasizes the need for compliance with all applicable DOD and Army policies related to spectrum management and electromagnetic compatibility to ensure safe and effective use of UAS in operational, training and test environments.

Discover the latest business opportunities in electromagnetic spectrum research at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29!

The message directs Army commands, field activities and program offices to follow existing frequency management procedures and obtain proper authorization before UAS operations that involve transmitting equipment. Units must coordinate spectrum use to prevent interference with other systems operating in the electromagnetic environment.

The message references existing regulatory documents that govern electromagnetic spectrum management. It also outlines the requirement for requests to include complete technical parameters for equipment operating in the spectrum.

Why Was the Guidance Released?

The directive supports the Army’s ongoing efforts to ensure UAS operations are compliant with U.S. and host-nation frequency regulations. This is to prevent unauthorized use of frequencies and ensure UAS operations remain within approved technical parameters.

While the ALARACT itself does not mention autonomy or procurement policy, it comes as DOD advances a broader initiative to expand U.S. drone production and operational capability. In July, Defense Secretary and 2025 Wash100 Award winner Pete Hegseth issued a memorandum rescinding earlier Pentagon policies that had restricted drone procurement and deployment.

That directive, tied to a June executive order from President Donald Trump, directed the military to equip combat units with low-cost, American-built drones and streamline acquisition to reduce bureaucratic delays. Hegseth’s memo also encouraged direct coordination between manufacturers and operational units to accelerate the fielding and integration of small unmanned systems.

Hegseth’s order aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in UAS and expand the domestic drone manufacturing base through a clear “Buy American” focus.

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Marine Corps’ Force Design Update Focuses on Modernization to Maintain Combat Readiness
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Gen. Eric Smith. USMC Force Design Update 2025 prioritizes logistics in its modernization effort.

Gen. Eric Smith, U.S. Marine Corps commandant, has released the service’s 2025 Force Design Update geared to advance major USMC modernization efforts to stay ahead of evolving threats and maintain its combat edge.

Logistics Modernization Thrust

Accelerating logistics modernization is one of the update’s focus areas, including the development of a data-driven advanced logistics analytics platform that fuses operations, intelligence and sustainment information. This should deliver faster, more precise logistics in degraded environments.

Discover the latest business opportunities in logistics research and development at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 29!

The update also discusses a global positioning network across the Indo-Pacific for logistics resiliency and lesser reliance on long supply chains. In addition, the USMC is advancing programs for tapping autonomous technologies in logistics distribution. 

The service’s initiatives for the goal include the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel,  the Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System and the Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle–Expeditionary Logistics, all with support from an Aerial Logistics Connector for wider coverage.

In March 2024, Gen. Christopher Mahoney, USMC assistant commandant, disclosed that the the service is looking into a medium landing ship for “shore-to-shore logistics connect.” Another earlier logistics effort involved the Marine Corps Systems Command and Program Executive Officer Land Systems ramping up acquisition of next-generation technologies for naval expeditionary warfare through Force Design 2030.

The 2025 Force Design Update outlines how the service is adapting its forces to remain a globally responsive, naval expeditionary force capable of operating across multiple domains, the USMC said Thursday.

“Force Design is the Marine Corps’ strategic priority, and this update makes clear both our progress and our direction,” said Gen. Smith. “We have strengthened formations, fielded new capabilities and refined our concepts, but modernization remains a continuous campaign of learning and adaptation.”

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Energy Secretary Proposes Rules to Accelerate Interconnection, Hydropower Permits
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Chris Wright. The DOE secretary proposes FERC rules to speed interconnection and streamline preliminary hydropower permits.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright has proposed rules aimed at introducing reforms at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, to help speed up the interconnection of large loads and streamline preliminary hydroelectric power permits.

The Department of Energy said Friday the initiatives are part of broader efforts to drive U.S. leadership in AI innovation, revitalize domestic manufacturing and ensure access to reliable energy infrastructure.

Accelerating Interconnection for Data Centers

Wright has directed FERC to initiate rulemaking procedures aimed at expediting the interconnection process for large energy consumers, including AI data centers.

The proposed rule would allow customers to file joint, co-located load and generation interconnection requests, significantly reducing grid upgrade costs and study times.

“My proposal today sets forth a series of principles that are intended to ensure efficient, timely, and non-discriminatory load interconnections. It is my hope that you and the commission’s dedicated staff will build upon these principles and work expeditiously to initiate a rulemaking proceeding and ultimately issue a final rule,” Wright wrote in his letter to FERC.

The DOE secretary said he expects FERC to take final action no later than April 30.

Streamlining Hydroelectric Power Permits

In a separate move, Wright directed FERC to propose a rule clarifying that third parties do not have veto rights over the issuance of preliminary permits for hydroelectric power.

This clarification aims to eliminate unnecessary burdens for such permits.

“As the president explained, the United States is experiencing an unprecedented surge in electricity demand and [its] ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation depends on a reliable supply of energy from non-intermittent dispatchable generation sources,” he wrote in a separate letter to FERC.

Wright said he looks forward to the commission’s final action no later than Dec. 18.

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AIA-Kearney Report Outlines Roadmap to Build Resilient Aerospace & Defense Supply Chains
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Eric Fanning. The AIA CEO commented on a joint report with Kearney on strengthening U.S. aerospace and defense supply chains.

A joint report by the Aerospace Industries Association and Kearney outlines how U.S. aerospace and defense companies are reshaping their manufacturing strategies to establish resilient and secure supply chains.

According to the report titled “Strategic Localization: Balancing Risk, Value, and Technology Sovereignty in Aerospace and Defense Supply Chains,” nearly 60 percent of A&D companies are exploring opportunities to return production to the U.S., with 15 percent already taking steps to broaden domestic manufacturing.

“The backbone of American aerospace and defense is our supply chain. When disruptions strike, the impact is immediate,” AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning said in a statement published Thursday.

“AIA’s new report with Kearney makes clear that expanding domestic manufacturing is essential to reducing risk, accelerating innovation and ensuring we can respond rapidly in times of crisis. By investing in resilient, high-tech production at home, we not only protect our national security, but also maintain America’s leadership in the global aerospace marketplace,” added Fanning, a previous Wash100 awardee.

What Are the AIA-Kearney Report’s Policy Recommendations?

The report outlines several industry and policy recommendations to achieve a more resilient A&D supply chain. These include investing in training, reskilling programs and apprenticeships to build and maintain a pipeline of American talent. It also includes establishing transparent criteria for research, development and manufacturing support while reducing uncertainty linked to export control and procurement rules; and streamlining Small Business Administration tools and contracting processes to help smaller suppliers scale and compete. 

Other recommendations include investing in AI, automation and additive manufacturing; ensuring access to rare earths and other critical minerals through domestic refining, allied sourcing and recycling; using tax incentives and multiyear contracts to reduce volatility and encourage investment and aligning on cybersecurity standards, strategic stockpiles and dual-use technology pilots.

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DARPA Seeks Info on Advanced Medical Technologies for Battlefield Care
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DARPA. The agency seeks information on advanced medical technologies for battlefield casualty care

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Biological Technologies Office is conducting market research on advanced medical and computational systems for battlefield medicine, especially in austere and contested environments. 

According a request for information posted on SAM.gov Thursday, BTO is seeking detailed information on technologies that can improve combat casualty care through faster diagnosis, predictive modeling and autonomous medical intervention.

Learn more about advanced defense programs like DARPA’s BTO at the 2026 Defense R&D Summit on Jan. 26!

BTO’s Technology Areas of Interest

The technology areas that the RFI covers the following:

  • Advanced medical sensing and imaging for rapid detection of life-threatening injuries
  • AI and computational models, including digital twins simulating casualty outcomes to guide decision-making
  • Robotics and automated actuation systems for airway management, bleeding control and hemodynamic stabilization
  • Biomarker discovery and monitoring, such as real-time blood chemistry sensors and early biochemical trauma indicators 
  • Systems integration and autonomy, including human-machine teaming for medics, augmented or virtual reality-based training and autonomous resuscitation systems

BTO is encouraging responders to provide data on technology maturity, performance metrics, military relevance and potential transition paths for field deployment. 

Interest parties must submit responses by email in pdf format by email. The deadline is Oct. 31. DARPA emphasized that the request is for information-gathering only and not a contract proposals solicitation.

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US Government Eyes Equity Stakes in Quantum Computing Companies
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Quantum computing. Trump administration is in talks with quantum computing firms on giving Commerce Department equity stakes.

The Trump administration is in discussions with several quantum computing companies about granting the Department of Commerce equity stakes in exchange for federal funding, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

According to people familiar with the matter, companies such as IonQ, D-Wave Quantum and Rigetti Computing are in talks to give the government ownership shares as part of funding agreements. Quantum Computing Inc. and Atom Computing are considering similar deals.

What Is the Commerce Department Proposing?

The discussions involve potential minimum awards of $10 million per company drawn from resources managed by the CHIPS Research and Development Office. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reorganized the office as part of an overhaul of the 2022 Chips Act funding structure.

According to sources, Deputy Commerce Secretary Paul Dabbar, a former quantum computing executive, is leading the talks. A Commerce Department official said Bohr Quantum Technology, a company co-founded by Dabbar, is not eligible to receive funding.

In addition to equity stakes, a Commerce document indicates that final agreements could include warrants, royalties, revenue sharing or licenses to intellectual property.

How Are Quantum Firms Responding to Federal Investment Talks?

Executives in the quantum computing industry have expressed optimism about the government’s interest.

Quantum Computing Inc. CEO Yuping Huang described the government’s potential equity stakes in companies as exciting. A spokeswoman for Rigetti confirmed that the company is in talks with the government on funding opportunities.

Allison Schwartz, D-Wave’s head of government relations, stated that the company aims to offer systems that could help the U.S. government address complex computational challenges.

US Government to Acquire 9.9 Percent Stake in Intel

In August, the U.S. government agreed to acquire a 9.9 percent stake in Intel through an $8.9 billion investment in the technology company’s common stock to help achieve U.S. technology leadership and expand the domestic semiconductor industry.

In that same month, Lutnick said in an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box that top Pentagon officials were “thinking about” whether the U.S. should acquire equity stakes in top defense contractors.

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Health Tech Expert Alicia Jackson to Lead ARPA-H
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Alicia Jackson. White House appointee as Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health director

The Trump administration has appointed health technology entrepreneur Alicia Jackson as director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. 

Jackson, who had a previous stint at the Department of Defense, will lead an agency tasked with accelerating research and development of cutting-edge health projects, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. She founded and most recently served as CEO of Evernow, a telehealth firm specializing in women’s healthcare, according to her LinkedIn profile. 

Health Tech Expert Alicia Jackson to Lead ARPA-H

Learn more about tech advances at federal health agencies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Healthcare Summit on Dec. 4. Secure your seat now for this highly anticipated GovCon event featuring industry discussions and networking sessions.

Jackson was also co-founder and chief technology officer of Drawbridge Health, which offers home-based blood-sampling devices. She additionally served as chief technology adviser at women’s healthcare company Oova and board member of ImmuneBridge, a company focused on cancer therapies.

What Did Jackson Do at DARPA?

Before working in the private sector, Jackson served for over one year as deputy director of the biotechnology office at DOD’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. She previously held for more than three years the role of program manager for the agency’s $200 million portfolio of projects—that she established—in synthetic biology and unconventional electronic devices.

Jackson holds a PhD on materials science and engineering, nanotechnology, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

She was sworn in as ARPA-H chief Monday, replacing Jason Roos, who was named acting director after the agency’s former head, Renee Wegrzyn, was removed in February following the U.S. government’s transition to the second Trump administration, according to The Well News.

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Catalyst Campus Selects 3 Firms for SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator’s 3rd Cohort
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Catalyst Accelerator logo. Three small businesses were selected for the SDA TAP Lab Catalyst Campus Mini Accelerator program.

Catalyst Campus has named three small businesses selected for the third cohort of its two-month mini accelerator program designed to help nontraditional companies and startups accelerate the development of technologies that enhance space domain awareness for national defense.

The nonprofit said Wednesday the companies for Cohort 3 of the SDA Tools, Applications and Processes, or TAP, Lab Mini Accelerator program were selected based on their proposed capabilities’ alignment with the program’s problem sets.

Which Companies Were Selected for SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator Cohort 3?

The selected firms for Cohort 3 are DeployHub, Soresu and UtopiaCompression.

DeployHub develops tools designed to speed up the remediation of vulnerabilities at every stage of the software supply chain.

Soresu leverages artificial intelligence to orchestrate ground, space and air sensors to enable autonomous detection of events even in degraded environments.

UtopiaCompression offers capabilities designed to improve situational awareness and speed up decision-making across defense and commercial domains.

In July, Catalyst Campus selected three companies for the second cohort of the SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator program.

What Will the 3rd Cohort Experience During the Program?

Over the two-month hybrid cycle, participants will engage in one-on-one mentorship, expert-led sessions and collaborative workshops to improve technical readiness and drive business development. The program will culminate with integration into Project Apollo Cohort 9, providing opportunities to apply technologies in operational settings and connect with government, industry and academic stakeholders.

Cohort 3 will begin virtual sessions on Oct. 28, followed by in-person programming in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from Nov. 4 through Nov. 14.

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Army May Begin 3D Printing Parts as IP Access Limits Repair Capabilities
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3D printing. The Army is turning to 3D printing to accelerate maintenance and reduce costs.

The U.S. Army is considering expanding its use of 3D printing to produce more of its own replacement parts as it continues to face challenges accessing vendor-owned technical data, Breaking Defense reported.

According to Lt. Gen. Christopher Mohan, acting commander of Army Materiel Command, the service’s dependence on contractor intellectual property has slowed the repair and maintenance of key systems and platforms, prompting the service to look for ways to independently manufacture components when critical parts are unavailable.

“Don’t be surprised if you just see us doing things because we can’t wait,” Mohan said during last week’s Association of the U.S. Army conference in Washington, D.C. “I acknowledge that their intellectual property is their intellectual property. It is a shame on us for not buying it up front.”

Why the Army Is Turning to Additive Manufacturing

Mohan described a recent case where one of the Army’s vehicles became inoperable due to a faulty valve in a tire. When the service sought technical data to reproduce the part, it discovered that the information was held by a subcontractor several tiers below the prime contractor, delaying repairs even further.

“We can’t live like that,” he said, noting that the Army is exploring models to purchase rights only for the parts it needs to print. “There’s got to be some kind of model that says, ‘Hey, we can buy the rights for just the part we need to print. We don’t have to buy the entire vehicle system or whatever.’”

The Army has been testing additive manufacturing capabilities to accelerate production and reduce supply chain bottlenecks. As part of one ongoing effort, the service is attempting to 3D print 60 components in 60 days, a pace that would significantly cut production times compared to traditional methods.

How Is the Army Enabling Field-Level 3D Printing?

To support rapid repairs in deployed environments, the Army has also built a digital repository of parts that soldiers can access and print directly in the field. Mohan said the repository contains basic, non-sensitive items such as fan grates and door handles, which can be produced through tactical networks using containerized printing setups.

“[Soldiers] were able to go through tactical networks all the way, tunnel up to the digital repository, download the part and print it out in the field, so we know it works,” he said, adding that the system still needs refinement but has proven effective in early use.

Leadership Endorses In-House Manufacturing

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll underscored the importance of the effort, highlighting a 3D-printed fin for a Black Hawk external fuel tank developed without vendor data.

“This may sound trivial, but simply being able to make or repair our own parts can save millions of dollars and save lives,” Driscoll said during his AUSA keynote.

According to Driscoll, the vendor’s replacement part cost about $14,000, while the Army reproduced it for just over $3,000. The in-house version was also “300 percent stronger and 78 percent cheaper.”

How Is the Army Changing Its Repair Authorization Policy?

Driscoll recently issued guidance giving soldiers greater authority to perform repairs in the field based on a risk-based framework. Under the policy, low-risk fixes can be authorized immediately, while medium- and high-risk repairs require further review.

Mohan said the policy marks a shift from the Army’s previous “one size fits all” approach, which often prevented even minor fixes without higher approval.

“I’ve been around the Army for a long time. I’ve never seen anybody get in trouble for fixing something,” he continued. “We’ve got to change the way we think.”

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