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

Seeking expansion, Textron Systems chief pushes more focused research approach

Textron Systems is looking to its purchase of ground robotics company Howe and Howe as well as more focused independent research and development spending to help it grow, according to Lisa Atherton, the unit's president.

Booz Allen defense chief says company has moved into more technology-centric work

The head of Booz Allen Hamilton's defense business said the company has shifted its business into deeper technology work and now is seeking to position itself as a "solutions" provider.

Harris: DOJ has requested additional information about L3 deal

Harris Corp. said the Justice Department, which is reviewing its planned merger with L3 Technologies, has requested "additional information and documentary materials."

BAE to open office at Georgia Cyber Center

BAE Systems said it plans to open an office at the Georgia Cyber Center to bolster its presence in Augusta.

Parsons COO: OGSystems acquisition slated to include all employees and leadership team

Parsons' acquisition of OGSystems is not meant to result in cost savings, the chief operating officer of Parsons told Inside Defense.

Maxar Technologies names Jablonsky CEO

Maxar Technologies said it has named Daniel Jablonsky chief executive, effective immediately.

General Dynamics promotes Kirchmaier, Schmid

General Dynamics said Robert Helm, its senior vice president for planning and development, will become special adviser to the chief executive, effective April 1.

The week ahead

The federal government remains on a partial shutdown this week, while senior Pentagon officials are scheduled to speak around the Washington area.

Pentagon re-opens debate with defense industry over performance payments, contract financing

The Pentagon is seeking ideas for how it can incentivize better performance from defense contractors after a controversial proposal to reduce customary progress payments was quashed last year.

Pentagon fires back on allegations Shanahan is favoring Boeing

The Pentagon says allegations that acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan, a 31-year executive at Boeing, has acted improperly to benefit his former employer or is biased in favor of the company are unfounded and untrue.

M&A lawyers prepare for closer scrutiny from regulators concerned about cybersecurity

Lawyers navigating mergers and acquisitions are preparing for a greater focus by regulators on the cybersecurity implications of deals involving foreign parties and are grappling with efforts to determine whether certain foundational and emerging technologies qualify for government reviews.