The INSIDER daily digest -- Jan. 3, 2024

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a Pentagon report that discusses test ranges for autonomous or artificial intelligence systems, plus more coverage of the Pentagon's proposed rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program.

A report, released in August alongside a director of operational test and evaluation office-led AI workshop, said there is a need for additional testing and evaluation range capabilities to properly test certain systems that none of the national ranges have:

Testing office moving toward portable testing kits for AI and autonomous systems

A Defense Department report from the department's independent testing office found that no test ranges are ready to realistically test full autonomous or artificial intelligence systems, leading testing and evaluation to implement portable testing kits.

Document: DOT&E report on AI, autonomy

Our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity have continuing coverage of the Pentagon's recently released proposed rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program and more cyber news:

DOD addresses changes related to small business needs in latest CMMC rulemaking

The Defense Department provides a rundown of how its proposed rule addresses small business concerns over the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, as part of a detailed breakdown of comments received on the 2020 interim final rule.

Pentagon's CMMC guidance documents provide insight into assessment requirements, level three needs

The Defense Department has revealed its plans to revamp the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program in guidance documents offering an official preview on changes to the model, assessment and scoping requirements as well as the process for submitting results to the Pentagon.

RAND report evaluates cyber-specific needs in addressing supply chain risk management

A recent report commissioned by the Air Force Research Laboratory dives into how addressing cyber risks differs from other supply chain risk management issues and provides recommendations on how to take a "comprehensive approach" in addressing their needs together.

Inside Defense recently spoke with a senior Pratt & Whitney executive about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter engine:

Pratt & Whitney is aiming for NGAP on top of F-35 ECU

Pratt & Whitney doesn't plan on giving up on its next-generation propulsion efforts after winning the Engine Core Upgrade contract to re-engine the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fleet, Jill Albertelli, president of military engines, told Inside Defense.