Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.

Pentagon audit finds R&D contractors aren't complying with CUI requirements

Contractors conducting research and technology development for the Defense Department are failing to protect controlled unclassified information on their networks, according to a DOD inspector general report, which evaluated their compliance against the Pentagon's requirements for safeguarding sensitive data.

Biden formally nominates LaPlante for DOD acquisition chief

President Biden has officially nominated former Air Force acquisition chief Bill LaPlante to be under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, according to an announcement from the White House.

CMMC accreditation leader Travis expects voluntary certification program to begin in 2Q22

Voluntary assessments under the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program are expected to begin in the second quarter of fiscal year 2022, according to Matthew Travis, CEO of the CMMC Accreditation Body, who outlined details that must be ironed out with the Defense Department before the interim period launch can begin.

Army releases first draft RFP for next phase of OMFV competition

The Army released the first public draft today of the detailed design and prototyping request for proposals in the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program, which seeks to replace the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

DOD looks to establish public-private 'Microelectronic Commons'

The Defense Department is interested in possibly pursuing public-private partnerships to create regional hubs of microelectronics innovation, according to a Pentagon announcement.

The week ahead

Senior defense officials and defense lawmakers are scheduled to speak at a slew of public events this week, including at the Air Force Association's Warfare Symposium in Orlando, FL. President Biden is also slated to make his State of the Union address.

DOD official: New National Defense Strategy will keep China first, but reflect new reality with Russia

The Defense Department is nearing completion of a new National Defense Strategy that is expected to keep its focus on China as the "pacing challenge," despite Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, said a senior defense official, who stressed the strategy would also prioritize Russia, but to a lesser extent. 

WH seeks $3.5B for DOD to fund Ukraine emergency operations, $2.9B for State

The White House has told Congress it needs $6.4 billion in emergency spending to assist Ukraine and NATO allies amid the ongoing Russian invasion, with $3.5 billion pegged for the Defense Department and $2.9 billion for the State Department, according to a Biden administration official.