The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 21, 2019

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the fiscal year 2020 defense policy bill, the Pentagon's cross-functional teams, the Air Force's Next-Generation Air Dominance program, unmanned systems and more.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) this week spoke about the status of the fiscal year 2020 defense authorization bill:

Defense bill headed for conference with House and Senate at odds over border wall funding

Whether Pentagon funds should be used to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border remains a key point of contention between the House and Senate as lawmakers prepare to hash out a final defense authorization bill, according to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK).

The Government Accountability Office has a new report out about the Pentagon's cross-functional teams:

DOD's new electronic warfare team hobbled by funding dispute

The Defense Department late last year touted the establishment of a new team of experts meant to take on Russian and Chinese electronic warfare strategies, but the Government Accountability Office has found the team's work has been significantly delayed because of internal Pentagon disputes over how it should be funded.

Document: GAO report on cross-functional team funding responsibilities

Air Force Gen. Mike Holmes told reporters Tuesday at a Defense Writers Group breakfast there is likely some skepticism among lawmakers about the size of the service's funding request for the Next-Generation Air Dominance program:

ACC Chief: Some Hill staffers skeptical of NGAD funding slope

The head of Air Combat Command told reporters this week he has been meeting regularly with congressional staffers during recess to discuss the Air Force's plans for the Next-Generation Air Dominance program and lawmakers' proposed $500 million cut to its fiscal year 2020 funding request.

Here is a bunch of unmanned systems news:

Pentagon aims to link small UAS firms with 'trusted' venture capitalists under new program

The Pentagon wants to boost American manufacturers of small unmanned aerial systems by connecting them with "trusted" venture capitalists as part of a new program being launched later this fall.

Army to replace Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System

The Army is on its way to replacing the Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System in brigade combat teams.

Air Force RPA chief wants to reduce acquisition costs using Century Series concept

The Air Force's lead for remotely piloted aircraft wants to use a 1950s fighter production concept being resurfaced by senior officials to reduce acquisition time lines and costs as the service prepares for the next era of its drone enterprise.

DynCorp International doesn't like the way it was treated during the Army's LOGCAP V competition:

DynCorp alleges Army was 'arbitrary and capricious' in LOGCAP V decision

DynCorp International says it was treated worse than other competitors for the Army's LOGCAP V competition, according to a redacted complaint filed in federal court.

Last but by no means least, our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity recently chatted with contracting lawyer Robert Metzger, of the law firm Rogers Joseph O'Donnell:

Contracting lawyer warns of 'severe' consequences from new rule banning Huawei products

A leading legal voice for the federal contracting community warns a new regulation banning purchases of products from Huawei and other China-based tech companies will prevent some U.S. suppliers from bidding on contracts, which could force the government to do without certain services and components.