Key Issues Defense committee leadership FLRAA MDS cost
This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Pentagon having problems with certain missile defense provisions in fiscal year 2025 defense policy legislation, plus the Marine Corps seeking training suites for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle program and more.
We start off with coverage of the Pentagon protesting the inclusion of certain missile defense provisions in the House FY-25 defense policy bill:
DOD appeals $86M House cut in FY-25 authorization for 'critical' THAAD-IBCS integration
The Defense Department is asking lawmakers to reject a House proposal that would quash a new project that aims to integrate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system into the Army Integrated Battle Command System architecture, arguing classified assessments deemed the project "critical" to countering sophisticated missile threats.
Third GMD site tab now $5 billion, Austin seeks mandate be stripped from final bill
The Defense Department is lobbying Congress to drop a legislative provision that could force the Pentagon to construct a third homeland missile defense site -- and spend an estimated $5 billion, 25% higher than prior estimates, on a project that lacks a validated operational need.
Document: Austin's FY-25 'heartburn' letter
News on the Marine Corps' Amphibious Combat Vehicle:
Marine Corps soliciting white papers for high-tech ACV training suite
The Marine Corps’ Advanced Amphibious Assault program office has released a request for white papers for the development and production of a high-tech suite of training systems for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, according to an Oct. 1 special notice.
Document: USMC request for white papers in support of the ACV suite of training systems
United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket successfully took off this morning, taking the next step toward certification needed for certain future National Security Space Launches:
ULA 'supremely confident' in upcoming Vulcan certification launch
The United Launch Alliance is "supremely confident" that the second certification flight for the Vulcan rocket will be successful and earn the approval needed for certain National Security Space Launch missions, CEO Tory Bruno said.
A White House Office of Management and Budget memo issued last month "builds on previous efforts to harness the power and utility of AI in service of agency missions while protecting the public from potential risks or harms":
OMB memo instructs agencies to require vendors disclose AI use, report incidents
Federal contractors must be ready to report AI incidents to agencies within 72 hours according to the latest Office of Management and Budget guidance on adhering to obligations under President Biden's artificial intelligence executive order.
Document: OMB memo on responsible AI acquisition