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

Industry closely watching DOD's reimbursement plans

Industry groups say contractors are tracking the Pentagon and Capitol Hill's plans to reimburse them for pandemic-related expenses as discussions continue.

GAO says Perspecta's NGEN protests lacked 'hard facts,' consequence for final contract award

The Government Accountability Office denied a series of bid protest allegations Perspecta levied against a $7.7 billion Navy contract award after concluding the company failed to substantiate the substance and impact of its accusations.

Huntington Ingalls realigns TS businesses

Huntington Ingalls Industries is realigning businesses within its technical solutions unit "to better serve existing and future customers while achieving support function efficiencies."

NDIA: Survey finds small businesses worried about finances, clear information from DOD

The National Defense Industrial Association said its latest survey of small businesses in the defense industry found they are most concerned about revenue expectations, access to capital and clear Pentagon guidance as they cope with the ongoing pandemic.

SAIC to open new Innovation Factory Hub in Huntsville

Science Applications International Corp. said it plans to add a new Innovation Factory Hub in Huntsville, AL, which is SAIC's second-largest single location.

PSC urges extension of Section 3610

In a new letter, the head of the Professional Services Council is calling on Congress to extend a legislative provision that allows the government to reimburse contractors unable to work but kept in a "ready state."

AIA calls for COVID-19 reimbursement funding and a Section 3610 extension

The Aerospace Industries Association has sent a letter, signed by dozens of defense executives, to Capitol Hill seeking reimbursement funding for defense contractors.

QinetiQ announces new agreement with DCSA

QinetiQ said it has signed an agreement with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency to operate its U.S. business under a new special security agreement.

Airbus says its U.S. business will move in a 'new direction'

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense said it plans to take a "new direction," announcing leadership changes and a plan to expand in the U.S. space and intelligence markets.

Industry continues to press lawmakers for extension to Huawei, ZTE ban

While the Trump administration has published a long-awaited rule to ban contractors from using certain Chinese equipment, industry groups are still seeking an extension to the looming deadline, as they argue there's not enough time for businesses to digest the sweeping regulation and that it will add billions in compliance costs to a struggling U.S. economy.

LMI names Wagoner CEO

LMI said it has named former Science Applications International Corp. executive Doug Wagoner president and CEO, effective Aug. 3.

Amentum hires Nichols

Amentum said it has named retired Army Maj. Gen. Camille Nichols executive vice president of project services.

The week ahead

The House and Senate are expected to vote on their respective versions of the fiscal year 2021 defense authorization bill this week. Senior Pentagon officials are also scheduled to speak at various virtual events.

DOD acquisition chief previews coming supply chain, weapons export initiatives

Pentagon acquisition chief Ellen Lord said she plans to reveal several initiatives in the coming months that would help "re-shore" the U.S. microelectronics supply chain and "open the envelope" on weapon system exports to foreign countries.

Government nearing security clearance timelines, while ramping up continuous monitoring to 2.2M people

The federal government is close to averaging the standard time for completing background investigations for the first time in years, while the Defense Department continues to ramp up its "continuous evaluation" program, which now monitors 2.2 million security clearance holders.