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

Leidos defense group chief says unit is now more focused on 'innovation and disruptive investments'

Leidos' defense group, reshaped last year as part of a company-wide reorganization, is seeking to make "disruptive investments" in new technology, according to its chief.

DOD IG to audit TransDigm's business model

The Pentagon inspector general announced it will start an audit this month to determine whether TransDigm Group's "business model affects the DOD's ability to pay fair and reasonable prices for spare parts."

Vectrus acquires Advantor Systems

Vectrus said it has acquired Advantor Systems, which provides integrated electronic security systems to the federal government, for $44 million.

Pentagon issues final rule for cost and pricing data requirements for single offers

The Pentagon has issued the final version of a rule meant to implement legislation seeking enhanced competition.

Gryphon acquires PGFM Solutions

Defense engineering company Gryphon Technologies said it has acquired PGFM Solutions to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities.

Alion hires Selbe

Alion Science and Technology said it has named Katie Selbe senior vice president and general manager of its cyber network solutions group.

Thales' U.S. arm adds three new board members

The U.S. defense and security arm of Thales said it has appointed three new board members to "enhance the defense and security reach of Thales in the U.S. and abroad."

Emerson tapped to head Airbus Defense and Space

Airbus said it has named Chris Emerson president of Airbus Defense and Space.

ManTech hires Boyle

ManTech International said it has named former IBM executive John Boyle chief growth officer of its mission solutions and services group.

Gibbs & Cox adds DeRenzi to board

Naval engineering and design firm Gibbs & Cox said it has named retired Vice Adm. Nanette DeRenzi to its board of directors.

The week ahead

The House is scheduled to begin consideration of the fiscal year 2020 defense authorization bill, while the Senate Armed Services Committee holds a nomination hearing for the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Spectrum-sharing consortium helping U.S. military chart waters in 5G

A consortium of companies brought together more than four years ago to assist the Defense Department in managing electromagnetic spectrum access is now working to help DOD experiment with fifth-generation wireless technologies.

RAND researcher launches project on scoring and patching vulnerabilities by companies

A new project to expand and improve the ability of companies to rank and more effectively patch vulnerabilities threatening their systems will be a game changer, according to a RAND Corp. researcher and co-author of an open standard for scoring computer vulnerabilities, which the effort will build on.