Inside the Pentagon highights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Pentagon:

1. The Missile Defense Agency has rebranded the Missile Defense Tracking System -- a space-based sensor network envisioned to track enemy long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles from launch to impact -- the Space Sensor Layer program and plans to brief industry this month on a second round of technology prototyping for the desired orbital capability.

Full story: MDA to release Space Sensor Layer prototype RFP

2. Just a couple weeks ago, the Pentagon was scheduled to receive a $50 billion Christmas present from President Trump, but the future of the defense budget has been called into question as he has ordered a speedier-than-expected exit for Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and a surprise promotion for Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

Full story: Spotlight on Shanahan as DOD finalizes budget without Mattis

3. Contractors should expect a more uncertain year, given that the country will now have divided government, industry advocates and experts told Inside Defense.

Full story: Looking to 2019: Contracting advocates and experts lay out key issues

4. After several years of planning and discussions, the Defense Department notified Congress this week that it would pursue a two-ship buy of the third and fourth Gerald Ford-class aircraft carriers, a move that will save an estimated $4 billion, a congressman overseeing Navy shipbuilding told Inside Defense.

Full story: Courtney: Navy to purchase CVN-80, CVN-81 in dual-buy format, saving $4B