The INSIDER daily digest -- May 5, 2020

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Missile Defense Agency's Next Generation Interceptor competition, the Navy's future frigate program and more.

The Missile Defense Agency recently launched its Next Generation Interceptor competition without first getting an independent cost estimate:

DOD launches counter-ICBM program before independent cost estimate complete

The Defense Department last month launched a major overhaul of the nation's ballistic missile defense system without first securing an independent cost estimate, eschewing what federal auditors say is a best practice for major weapon projects.

The Navy is still working out how to apply a "Buy American" clause to its new future frigate program:

Navy says impact of provision for FFG(X) propulsion sourcing is 'unknown'

The Navy is uncertain as to how a provision in the latest defense spending bill may affect its newly awarded frigate contract, but has promised lawmakers answers in a report due later this year.

The latest push to hand new powers to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States comes just two years after Congress passed sweeping CFIUS reforms:

Pentagon weighs new legislation to bolster foreign investment scrutiny

The Pentagon's top weapons buyer is eyeing legislation to boost the U.S. government's ability to scrutinize foreign investments, as officials worry about shell companies and "adversarial" investments in critical suppliers who may be especially desperate for cash during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The head of U.S. Northern Command spoke this week at a Mitchell Institute event:

Coronavirus pushes next ABMS demo back to August or September

The second Advanced Battle Management System demonstration, already delayed from April to June because of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been pushed back another two to three months, according to the head of U.S. Northern Command.

The Long-Range Standoff Weapon and the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent programs are facing congressional scrutiny:

House committee calls for transparency in sole-sourced LRSO, GBSD acquisitions

The House Armed Services Committee is calling on the Defense Department to explain how the contracts for two nuclear modernization programs -- each with only one competitor vying for an award worth tens of billions of dollars -- will offer the best returns to the government.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who spoke Monday via an online conference hosted by the Brookings Institution, said DOD wants to keep defense contractors working despite the coronavirus pandemic:

Esper says DOD will ask Congress for supplemental funds for industrial base

Defense Secretary Mark Esper confirmed today the Pentagon intends to seek supplemental funding from Congress to help finance its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including money to "keep priming" the defense industrial base, especially small suppliers and subcontractors.