Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
Technology companies, associations urge Biden administration to push for more commercial products
Dozens of technology companies sent a letter to President Biden arguing the government needs to do more to prioritize commercial buying.
Smartronix acquires C2S Consulting Group
Cloud and C5ISR company Smartronix last month acquired C2S Consulting in an effort to expand its work with intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security.
Mercury acquires Pentek
Mercury Systems said it has acquired Pentek Technologies and Pentek Systems, Upper Saddle River, NJ-based businesses specializing in ruggedized, commercial off-the-shelf software-defined radio and data acquisition boards, recording systems and subsystems.
Mercury Systems executive says semiconductor push could affect supply chain
The federal effort to address the semiconductor shortage could have implications for Mercury Systems, which has in recent years expanded its microelectronics packaging business.
SAIC's AI executive says Koverse acquisition is 'foundational to our strategy'
Science Applications International Corp.'s artificial intelligence leader says the company plans to integrate newly acquired technology into AI work throughout the business.
C3 AI picks Cardon to lead federal systems group
Artificial intelligence software company C3 AI said it has named retired Army Lt. Gen. Ed Cardon chair of its federal systems group.
CALIBRE hires former SAIC CTO
CALIBRE Systems said it has named Charles Onstott chief technology officer.
Norquist joins Covington
Former Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist has joined law firm Covington and Burling as a senior adviser.
The week ahead
Washington will be processing the Biden administration's first defense budget in the week ahead, while defense company executives are slated to speak during several conferences.
New DOD budget seeks modernization boost, cuts procurement and divests 'outdated' systems
The Pentagon is seeking $245.6 billion in total modernization funds for fiscal year 2022, about a $2.4 billion decrease below what Congress enacted in FY-21, while the department also plans to reduce procurement and divest some "outdated" weapon systems.
Pentagon No. 2 reaffirms artificial intelligence principles, establishes 'Responsible AI Working Council'
The Biden administration is carrying forward Trump-era principles guiding the military's use of artificial intelligence.
Nominee for DOD chief technology officer suggests creating 'bridge' fund for tech transition
The nominee to be the Pentagon's chief technology officer has proposed creating a "bridge" fund to quickly transition promising technologies into programs of record.