The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 21, 2025

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, the Pentagon conducting a review of consulting contracts, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and more.

The Army doesn't think it needs an additional variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle:

Army argues against DOT&E's AMPV recommendation

The Army is making the case it doesn't need to develop a sixth, fire direction-specific variant of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, going against a recommendation the Pentagon's chief weapons tester has repeatedly put forth.

In a memo issued this week, acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Steven Morani calls on military component heads to "conduct a comprehensive review and validation of existing contracts for consulting services."

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.

Document: DOD memo on review and validation of consulting services contracts

Lockheed Martin's top executive spoke about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program this week:

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.

The head of U.S. Southern Command recently testified on Capitol Hill, warning about growing Chinese influence in the Caribbean region:

SOUTHCOM: China eyeing Caribbean as 'offensive island chain' to threaten U.S. at home

The U.S. military is increasingly concerned that the Caribbean could become an "offensive island chain" for China as Beijing expands its footprint in the region in a way that could increase combat access and potential force projection, jeopardizing the United States' strategic positioning in its own hemisphere.

Document: Senate hearing on SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM

Last but by no means least, the latest CMMC news from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

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.