The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 2, 2023

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on commercial telecom companies potentially getting access to a certain part of the 5G spectrum, a couple of Defense Innovation Unit projects and more.

Top military brass have repeatedly warned about the risk of repurposing the 3.1–3.45 GHz portion mid-band spectrum for telecommunications companies to develop the 5G commercial market:

DOD wraps up feasibility assessment on opening lower mid-band spectrum for 5G development

A Defense Department study exploring the feasibility of opening up a stretch of the electromagnetic spectrum -- currently the exclusive preserve of the U.S. military -- for use by commercial telecommunications companies for 5G technology is complete and has been forwarded to the Commerce Department.

Eavor, Teverra and Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals have been selected to work on geothermal projects at four installations across the United States to address potential Defense Department energy disruptions related to severe weather, cyberattacks or other events:

Air Force, Army and DIU collaborate on geothermal energy solutions

The Air Force, Army and the Defense Innovation Unit have completed agreements with three companies to work on geothermal projects to help mitigate energy-related risks to U.S. military missions.

The Defense Innovation Unit, in collaboration with the office of the under secretary of defense for research and engineering’s quantum directorate, has been working on a quantum sensing initiative since late 2020:

DIU highlights progress in quantum sensing for space

The Defense Innovation Unit is touting recent advancements in a quantum sensing initiative it began in 2020, including the delivery of a quantum sensor intended to meet the rigors of space.

The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing last week to consider the nominations of Derek Chollet to become under secretary of defense for policy and Cara Abercrombie to be assistant secretary of defense for acquisition:

Key DOD nominees pledge to get after Ukraine, Taiwan weapons backlogs

Two Biden administration officials who have been nominated for senior acquisition and policy posts at the Pentagon said they are committed to streamlining the contracting process for Ukraine and pledged to address the growing backlog to obligate funds appropriated by Congress.

Document: Chollet's answers to advance policy questions

Last but by no means least, a look at what the Pentagon was doing to prepare for a government shutdown hours before House and Senate lawmakers came to a compromise agreement to keep the government funded through mid-November:

DOD plans for shutdown, furloughed civilians and military working without pay

The Defense Department is taking steps to prepare for a government shutdown slated for Sunday night that would furlough thousands of civilians and require military servicemembers to work without pay until Congress can pass a stopgap continuing resolution.