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

Pentagon to review all consulting contracts for possible budget cuts

The Defense Department, with an eye toward budget efficiency, has begun a review of all contracts for consulting services, according to a new memo from the Pentagon's acting acquisition chief.

Lockheed CEO: F-35 still 'essential' despite promises of unmanned warfare

Lockheed Martin's CEO doesn't see the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter losing prominence in the U.S. or partner fleet anytime soon, despite some Trump administration officials questioning the jet's usefulness as drones are made more sophisticated.

Northrop CEO: 'Iron Dome for America' could expand uses for existing, developmental capabilities

Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden sees potential from President Trump's Iron Dome for America executive order to expand use cases for existing capabilities and those already in the developmental pipeline.

Tournear violated procurement integrity, SDA to rebid portion of T2TL

Space Development Agency Director Derek Tournear violated the Procurement Integrity Act, leading the agency to rebid a portion of its Tranche 2 Transport Layer, according to recent court documents.

Contracting attorneys argue Arrington's return to Pentagon could accelerate CMMC program

Katie Arrington's return to the Pentagon shows a renewed interest in getting the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program off the ground, according to contracting attorneys who highlighted the pressure companies are facing with official assessments now underway while a final rule to start the clock for requirements is still pending.

Stakeholders see opportunity to galvanize efforts around implementing CMMC program with Arrington joining DOD CIO office

The hiring of Katie Arrington as the new DOD chief information security officer will bring a renewed focus on getting the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program fully realized, according to stakeholders who highlighted rulemaking efforts in the final stages and the official launch of the initiative.

Arrington returns to DOD as CISO with expected oversight of CMMC program

Katie Arrington is returning to the Pentagon in a new role as chief information security officer at the Defense Department Office of the Chief Information Officer, marking a full-circle moment for the former acquisition official who served as the public face of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program during President Trump's first term.

Boeing hires Shockey to be new top lobbyist

Boeing announced that Jeff Shockey rejoined the company and has been named its new executive vice president of government operations, global public policy and corporate strategy, effective Feb. 24.

Albanese named Leidos' chief growth officer

Jason Albanese has been promoted to Leidos executive vice president and chief growth officer effective March 3.

The week ahead

Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events around Washington this week.

Senior Space Force official downplays effects of Trump administration shakeups

The order for military departments to suggest 8% cuts within their budgets and the potential firing of thousands of Defense Department civilians is not that different from previous administration transitions, a senior Space Force official said Monday.

DOD plans to cut civilian workforce 5%-8% under new Trump efficiency plan

The Defense Department is planning to reduce its civilian workforce between 5% and 8%, according to a statement from a senior defense official, who also announced the coming planned termination of about 5,400 probationary workers next week and a DOD-wide hiring freeze.