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

Analysts say Northrop's decision to no-bid four key competitions presents risks

Northrop Grumman over the last year has opted not to bid in four major competitions, raising questions among some analysts about the company's long-term strategy.

Textron sells tools and test businesses

Textron said it has completed the sale of its tools and test businesses and brands to Emerson for $810 million in cash.

Pentagon issues final rule on FMS offsets

The Pentagon issued a final rule amending defense acquisition regulations to indicate that all indirect offset costs of a U.S. defense contractor related to a foreign military sale are deemed reasonable, provided the contractor presents documentation that the cost was a condition of the acquisition.

AeroVironment reports increased sales in 2018

AeroVironment said sales in its fiscal year 2018 reached $271 million, up 18 percent from the prior year.

Military tech incubator updating OTA playbook after production snafu

The Defense Innovation Unit Experimental is updating its guidebook for using other transaction agreements after the Government Accountability Office upheld a protest against one of the organization's production agreements.

AIA hires McClees

The Aerospace Industries Association has named Timothy McClees vice president for legislative affairs.

RAND hires Wormuth

Christine Wormuth, who served as under secretary of defense for policy during the Obama administration, has been named director of RAND Corp.'s International Security and Defense Policy Center.

CACI promotes Hale

CACI International has named Mike Hale to lead its national and cyber solutions group, which oversees its intelligence systems and support, cybersecurity and space operations and resiliency market areas.

KBRwyle hires NASA official

KBR has named Todd May, the director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, to serve as vice president of space strategy within KBRwyle, the company's government services business.

Pentagon yet to task senior leader with overseeing background investigations transfer

The White House is proposing the Defense Department take over the background investigations mission for the entire federal government, but the Pentagon has yet to tap a senior leader for managing the impending transfer of military-specific investigations to DOD, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

Section 809 panel recommends elevating PEOs to 'portfolio acquisition executives'

The Section 809 panel is recommending the Defense Department elevate the role program executive officers play in acquisition by giving them more power over program decisions and funding within their capability portfolios.