Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
New DOD legislative proposal seeks to bridge 'valley of death'
The Defense Department has sent Congress a legislative proposal intended to help small companies bridge the "valley of death" by hastening the progression of critical technologies from prototype to production.
DIB cybersecurity strategy outlines four goals to prevent threats
Senior officials spoke about the four goals of the Defense Department's 2024 Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Strategy, adding that the strategy comes at a time when adversaries are specifically targeting DIB contractors.
Defense ISAC releases 'shopping guide' to assist small businesses with selecting assessor for CMMC certification
The National Defense Information Sharing and Analysis Center has published a "shopping guide" to help small and medium-sized businesses pick an assessor who meets their needs to reach compliance with the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.
Procurement coalition raises questions over DOD treatment of external service providers in CMMC proposed rule
The Coalition for Government Procurement is seeking clarity on how the Defense Department will allow external service providers to play a role in achieving compliance with the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, in a filing on the proposed rule to implement the effort.
Saab announces plans for new U.S. munitions plant
Sweden-based Saab announced today it intends to build a new munitions manufacturing facility in the United States focused on the development and production of missiles and components for weapon systems like the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb.
The week ahead
With lawmakers still on their Easter break, senior service officials are slated to speak at a number of industry events.
Pentagon proposes streamlining milestone B decision process
The Defense Department is asking Congress to consider legislation that would allow for the streamlining of the milestone B phase of the weapon system acquisition process, which, according to DOD, currently suffers from a "bureaucratic bottleneck."
National Guard Bureau submits $2.7B unfunded list including aircraft buys
The National Guard Bureau has sent Congress a $2.7 billion unfunded priorities list for fiscal year 2025, highlighting an unmet need for various readiness spending as well as big-ticket aircraft -- like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter -- that could not be procured due to "fiscal constraints," according to a document obtained by Inside Defense.