The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 14, 2020

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a big F-16 foreign military sales contract expected today, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the B-21 bomber program and more.

Inside Defense yesterday had the scoop on a contract award expected later this afternoon:

Air Force to award major F-16 foreign military sales contract Friday

The Air Force is slated to award Lockheed Martin a first-of-its-kind indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract Friday to sell foreign militaries commoditized F-16 fighter jets off the latest Block 70 production line.

The COVID-19 pandemic is having an impact on B-21 bomber development:

B-21 program mitigating COVID-19 impact, using testbed to reduce integration risk

The Air Force's B-21 bomber development saw some supply chain disruption this summer when a major subcontractor, Spirit AeroSystems, announced production delays due to COVID-19, but program manager Randall Walden said the team has adapted to the challenge and is "on the right path, to date."

Army aviation needs to modernize its reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and lethality with an advanced team of manned and unmanned aircraft as part of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft:

Army releases Air Launched Effects initial request for information

The Army has released an initial request for information for the investment strategy for Air-Launched Effects, drones that can perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks and deliver lethal effects against threats.

Document: Army Air Launched Effects initial RFI

A recent Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System test included multiple sensors and shooters and a command-and-control system that designated a response to the appropriate shooter:

Officials: IBCS completes 'most complex' test to date

The Army has completed a successful live-fire test of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, or IBCS, at White Sands Missile Range, NM, that officials called "the most complex to date."

Space Rapid Capabilities Office Director Mike Roberts spoke this week at an online Mitchell Institute event:

Space RCO likely to maintain AQ independence from new Space Systems Command, director says

The director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office said his organization is slated to remain independent from the new Space Force Space Systems Command, at least in terms of budgeting and acquisition.