The INSIDER daily digest -- May 3, 2018

By John Liang / May 3, 2018 at 2:46 PM

The Army's tactical network modernization strategy, the recent string of military aviation mishaps and more highlight this Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest.

The Army submitted its tactical network modernization strategy to the congressional defense committees in February, and that plan is under scrutiny:

CAPE, DOT&E deem Army's network strategy 'suitable,' raise funding and process concerns

A pair of Defense Department offices has informed Congress that the Army's strategy to transform and modernize its tactical network has merit, but cautions it is too early to predict success and urges the service to further develop its implementation approach.

Document: CAPE, DOT&E report on the Army's network strategy

Document: Army mission command network modernization implementation plan executive summary

Investigations into the recent spate of aviation mishaps should stay within the services, according to the Pentagon's chief spokeswoman:

Pentagon: Aviation mishaps 'not a crisis'

The Pentagon says the recent spate of aviation crashes being investigated by the military service branches is "not a crisis" that requires a department-wide review, despite rumblings from Capitol Hill that a more holistic investigation is necessary.

Navy acquisition executive Hondo Geurts issued guidance late last month, obtained by Inside Defense, that directs the selection of two to five pilot projects for component prototype development:

Navy plans to gain lawmakers' trust in accelerated acquisition by showcasing pilot programs

The Navy plans to gain the trust of Congress that the service's acquisition system is agile enough to accelerate programs when needed by showcasing pilot projects, Inside Defense has learned.

Huntington Ingalls Industries held its quarterly earnings conference call this morning:

HII CEO: Newport News Shipbuilding responded to Navy's two-carrier-buy RFP

Huntington Ingalls Industries responded to the Navy's request for proposals this week on analyzing potential cost savings of a two-aircraft-carrier buy, according to the company's chief executive.

The Air Force's new KC-46 contract's first task will be to help the service develop a five-year roadmap for upgrading the airborne refueling tanker:

Boeing, Air Force to begin crafting KC-46 upgrade roadmap this summer

EVERETT, WA -- As Boeing and the Air Force continue to work toward delivery of the first KC-46 tanker, the company is expecting a contract from the service this summer to explore future tanker capabilities.

The Air Force spends about 70 percent of its budget on system sustainment, yet the drive for innovative technologies is coming largely from the development enterprise:

Air Force seeking sustainment innovation to lower cost, improve supply chain management

The Air Force's new acquisition executive wants to see innovation in sustainment, and he's planning to host an industry day later this month to explore new sustainment concepts with industry.

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