Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
What investors, industry could gain from the Navy’s big bet on private equity
The Navy is in the early stages of a novel plan to funnel private money into the submarine industrial base. For the private equity group tapped as the service’s partner in this effort, tax incentives, enduring demand for submarines and a tenant-focused business model make this foray into shipbuilding a low-risk venture with promising returns.
HII to pivot to new hiring technique, focus more on experienced workers
Amid program delays and cost increases in the most recent financial quarter, shipbuilder HII is pivoting to a different hiring method by focusing on recruitment of experienced employees rather than a green workforce.
DOD releases defense industrial strategy implementation plan to guide spending
The Defense Department has released an implementation plan for its first-ever National Defense Industrial Strategy detailing planned investments in Army munitions, Navy submarines and other key areas.
Electric sector group seeks clarity on DOD definition of CUI amid CMMC rulemaking process
The Edison Electric Institute is asking the Defense Department to scope what is considered controlled unclassified information in the context of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, building on comments submitted in February to reflect the current situation with the acquisition-focused proposed rule.
Procurement group urges Pentagon to clarify how contracting officers will set CMMC maturity level requirements
The Coalition for Government Procurement is asking the Defense Department to provide guidance on when requirements under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will go into effect for specific contracts, in response to a proposed rule to make changes to the Pentagon’s acquisition regulations.
General Atomics, BAE collaborate on electronic warfare capabilities for CCAs
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and BAE Systems are working together to build autonomous electronic warfare functions for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, GA-ASI announced.
Next Microelectronics Commons call for projects to come late next year
The Defense Department plans to release the next Microelectronics Commons call for projects at the beginning of fiscal year 2026, according to a senior defense official.
The week ahead
Washington think tanks are slated to host several events focused on national security this week. Tuesday is Election Day.
Harnessing the senses: Army Futures Command's newest CFT hopes to standardize sensor technology for the future force
The Army, along with the joint services, has been investing in and developing effective sensors -- perhaps without taking full advantage of them, a senior official said Oct. 31.
MDA pegs cost of Missile Defense System at $246B, prioritizes SM-3 Block IIA over IB
The Defense Department last year traded away 153 Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors as part of a decision to terminate production of the guided missile interceptors in exchange for buying a dozen Standard Missile-3 Block IIA variants, according to a report to Congress.