The INSIDER daily digest -- Nov. 12, 2024

By Thomas Duffy / November 12, 2024 at 2:25 PM

Today’s INSIDER Daily Digest begins with a look at Air Force future research, news from our Inside Cybersecurity colleagues, Pentagon action to prohibit the use of foreign made drones, the Biden administration’s race to get Ukraine money out the door, and a new Army TNT facility being built.

The Air Force is exploring air dominance research:

Air Force looks to align munitions modernization with air dominance programs

The Air Force is focused on 13 technical research areas to get its munitions portfolio on par with advancements in air dominance, including advanced control actuation systems, autonomy and improved aircraft integration, according to a broad agency announcement the service posted today.

The Defense Department is mulling over changes to CMMC compliance:

Lawyers argue for allowing plan of action and milestones to address security lapses in CMMC compliance

The American Bar Association’s Public Contract Law section is urging the Defense Department to consider allowing a plan of action and milestones for contractors to address ongoing compliance issues with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, as the Pentagon works to finalize a rulemaking to change its acquisition regulations.

The Pentagon wants to stop the flow of foreign built drones:

DOD taking next steps to prohibit foreign-made drones

The Pentagon is seeking to amend existing acquisition regulations to prohibit the procurement and operation of uncrewed aerial systems manufactured or assembled by certain foreign entities, according to a Federal Register notice scheduled for publication Tuesday.

More money should be headed toward Ukraine soon:

DOD looks to move billions in weapons to Ukraine before Trump is sworn in

The Defense Department is committed to providing Ukraine with about $6 billion in military assistance before the end of President Biden's term on Jan. 20, when former President Trump, who has criticized U.S. support of Ukraine in its fight against Russia, returns to office.

The Army is building anew energetics factory in Kentucky:

Army awards $435M contract for domestic TNT production facility

The Army has awarded Repkon USA a contract with a ceiling of $435 million to build a TNT production facility in Graham, KY -- which would make it the only domestic production facility for the material in the United States.

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