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

DOD acquisition chief looking to settle COVID-19 claims at corporate level

Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord said the Defense Department is working on a plan that could allow it to reimburse contractors experiencing pandemic-related hardships and inefficiencies with lump sums, rather than negotiate many smaller settlements.

Perspecta, DOJ discussing possible stay of work on Leidos' NGEN contract

Perspecta is in talks with the Justice Department to stop Leidos from continuing work on its Next Generation Enterprise Network contract while a lawsuit is pending in federal court, according to recently unsealed court documents.

Oceus Networks, newly acquired by Battle, readies for growth spurred by move to 5G

Oceus Networks, newly acquired by a private investment firm, will have needed capital to expand as it pursues new opportunities, according to top executives.

New Pentagon tech chief emphasizes commercial technologies, working with startups

Acting Pentagon technology chief Michael Kratsios called for using the Defense Department's "unique authorities" to pursue its innovation efforts, while also committing to "redoubling" efforts to work more closely with non-traditional vendors and startup businesses.

CACI CEO says industry is 'very confident' Section 3610 will be extended

The chief executive of CACI International said the company is working with the rest of the government contracting industry to extend a legislative provision that provides reimbursement for contractors unable to work but kept in a "ready state."

CACI acquires Ascent Vision Technologies

CACI International said it has acquired Ascent Vision Technologies, which specializes in technology for unmanned aircraft systems, air defense and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in Fiddler

Lockheed Martin Ventures has made an investment in Fiddler, an artificial intelligence company based in Palo Alto, CA, and signed a strategic cooperation agreement.

Vectrus says full operational capability of LOGCAP V is delayed until next year

Startup activities for the new Logistics Civil Augmentation Program V -- or LOGCAP V -- program are moving at a "slower pace" than anticipated, according to the chief executive of Vectrus.

BAE Systems to expand in Austin

BAE Systems said it is expanding its operations in Austin, TX, with a new development in Parmer Austin Business Park.

SAIC says CFO will retire

Science Applications International Corp. said Chief Financial Officer Charlie Mathis will retire early next year.

Maxar hires McClelland

Maxar Technologies said it has hired Jim McClelland to lead its newly created mission architecture function.

The week ahead

Senior defense officials are scheduled to participate in several virtual events this week.

Pentagon gets temporary waiver from Huawei ban for 'low risk, high volume items' contracts

The Pentagon has waived a requirement until the end of the fiscal year for "low risk, high volume items" contracts to comply with a government-wide ban on contractors using equipment made by Chinese vendors like Huawei and ZTE.

Defense acquisition expert: Hold off on CMMC requirements in contracts

A leading professor at the Defense Acquisition University is urging Defense Department commands and acquisition offices to hold off on adding requirements related to the Pentagon's cyber certification program into their contract opportunities.