The Insider

Northrop Grumman to build second DARC site for $200 million
By Shelley K. Mesch
August 29, 2024 at 12:58 PM

The Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $200 million contract for the second Deep Space Advance Radar Capability site, which will be built in the United Kingdom.

This is Northrop’s second DARC award as the company is also building site 1 in Western Australia, which is set to come online in 2026, the Defense Department said in December. That contract, awarded in early 2022, is worth $341 million.

“This site brings us closer to achieving global coverage of deep space, which is a critical mission for future security of the U.S. and its allies,” said Pablo Pezzimenti, Northrop’s vice president for integrated national systems.

The contract for DARC site 3 will likely be awarded next year, according to the most recent Government Accountability Office weapon system assessment report.

The three ground-based radar sites are designed to provide advanced geosynchronous-orbit object tracking around the clock in all weather conditions. The capability is part of the trilateral AUKUS agreement.

Work under the site 2 contract is expected to be completed in February 2030, according to the Defense Department’s Aug. 23 contract announcement.

An announcement from last year naming Northrop as the sole-source contractor for DARC listed June 2028 and June 2029 as the initial operational capability dates for DARC sites 2 and 3.

Army awards AeroVironment $990M contract for Switchblade
By Dan Schere
August 28, 2024 at 4:07 PM

The Army has awarded a $990 million contract to AeroVironment for Switchblade loitering munition systems.

The award, which has an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity over five years, is to “provide an organic, stand-off capability to dismounted infantry formations capable of destroying tanks, light armored vehicles, hardened targets, defilade and personnel targets,” according to an Aug. 27 Pentagon notice. It has an estimated completion date of Aug. 26, 2029.

The AeroVironment contract supports the Army’s lethal unmanned systems directed requirement, which is the service’s first requirement to equip infantry battalions with “lethal, man-portable loitering munition systems.” The systems improve soldiers’ capabilities with precision flight control, lethality against fortified targets and tracking of targets, according to the company.

Deliveries of the Switchblade systems are expected to begin in “months,” according to AeroVironment.

The Army awarded a contract to AeroVironment last December for the directed requirement it is currently delivering systems under. Additionally, AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 has been identified by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks as the first named system to be fielded under tranche 1 of the Pentagon’s Replicator program.

Army acquisition czar Doug Bush told reporters in May that while he could not disclose specific funding figures about Replicator, more than $100 million would be going toward the Army’s Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordinance (LASSO), which includes the Switchblade600. The funding, he said, would be provided through a combination of Army reprogramming and the Ukraine supplemental security funding package.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 28, 2024
By John Liang
August 28, 2024 at 2:20 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Army modernization, Air Force trainer aircraft replacements and more.

We start off with a deep dive into the Army's modernization efforts:

Transformation in contact: Army designs roadmap modernization in an evolving world

FT. JOHNSON, LA -- Gen. Randy George, nearly a year into his job as the Army's chief of staff, is working to implement his strategy for modernizing the force, envisioning a process in which weapon system users, developers and testers work alongside soldiers who are training on the ground, and someone rewriting software code if equipment doesn't work.

The Air Force has unveiled plans on how it will replace T-38C trainer aircraft with next-generation T-7s at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi:

Air Force finalizes plan to send 77 T-7As to Columbus Air Force Base

The Air Force last week signed a record of decision to replace all of the T-38C Talons at Columbus Air Force Base, MS with up to 77 T-7A Red Hawk jets, keeping the flight training program there, according to a Federal Register notice issued this week.

In an Aug. 23 memo on planning, programming, budgeting and execution reform, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks directs that the Pentagon comptroller "will act as the lead for the PPBE reform agenda and implementing initiatives across the department, with the components in support":

Pentagon launches new programming and budgeting reform initiatives

The Pentagon comptroller has been charged with building a team to reform the Defense Department's 1960s-era planning, programming, budgeting and execution (PPBE) process, according to a new memo from Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

Document: Hicks memo on PPBE reform

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft recently taxied, took off, flew to a destination and landed autonomously to deliver cargo during an exercise:

Agile Flag wraps with completion of several test unmanned cargo flights

Joby Aviation and Reliable Robotics performed several autonomous logistics missions during the Air Force's Agile Flag 24-3 exercise earlier this month, demonstrating the kind of flexibility and extended range the service has said is needed to be successful in a fight in the Indo-Pacific, according to an Air Force news release.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin recently spoke with reporters about his service's fiscal year 2025 budget request, amid expectations of a continuing resolution:

Air Force already bracing for possible FY-25 budget delay

The prospect of facing another series of continuing resolutions that would hold back implementation of the fiscal year 2025 defense budget is already piquing concern from the Air Force's top officer.

Shield AI begins integration with Navy's subsonic aerial target
By Abby Shepherd
August 27, 2024 at 4:06 PM

The Navy is partnering with technology company Shield AI to integrate autonomy and AI software into its advanced subsonic aerial target, the BQM-177A, and awarded a contract to the company on Aug. 16 to further this effort.

Under the agreement, Hivemind AI pilot software will be integrated and a prototype test bed using the BQM-177 will be delivered, according to a Navy news release.

“This collaborative effort between PMA-281, PMA-208, and Shield AI not only expands and improves the existing spectrum of validation but also offers a scalable solution that benefits the entire naval aviation community,” said Capt. Jerick Black, PMA-281 program manager, in the news release. “By laying the groundwork for future advancements, this initiative ensures that the Navy remains at the forefront of technological innovation and operational excellence in naval aviation.”

The BQM-177A imitates advanced subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats, testing how effective shipboard air systems are in fleet training, according to the Navy.

“By leveraging the BQM-177A’s lower unit cost and cost per flight hour, this initiative provides a flexible and cost-effective testing environment that drives innovation at an accelerated pace,” said Greg Crewse, PMA-208 program manager.

A technical demonstration of the AI systems is planned for late 2025.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 27, 2024
By John Liang
August 27, 2024 at 1:03 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on reforming the planning, programming, budgeting and execution (PPBE) process, plus the Air Force's fiscal year 2025 budget request and more.

In an Aug. 23 memo on planning, programming, budgeting and execution reform, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks directs that the Pentagon comptroller "will act as the lead for the PPBE reform agenda and implementing initiatives across the department, with the components in support":

Pentagon launches new programming and budgeting reform initiatives

The Pentagon comptroller has been charged with building a team to reform the Defense Department's 1960s-era planning, programming, budgeting and execution (PPBE) process, according to a new memo from Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.

Document: Hicks memo on PPBE reform

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin recently spoke with reporters about his service's fiscal year 2025 budget request as Democrats and Republicans hold razor thin majorities in both chambers ahead of the 2024 presidential election:

Air Force already bracing for possible FY-25 budget delay

The prospect of facing another series of continuing resolutions that would hold back implementation of the fiscal year 2025 defense budget is already piquing concern from the Air Force's top officer.

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft recently taxied, took off, flew to a destination and landed autonomously to deliver cargo during an exercise:

Agile Flag wraps with completion of several test unmanned cargo flights

Joby Aviation and Reliable Robotics performed several autonomous logistics missions during the Air Force's Agile Flag 24-3 exercise earlier this month, demonstrating the kind of flexibility and extended range the service has said is needed to be successful in a fight in the Indo-Pacific, according to an Air Force news release.

Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, spoke at a recent Defense Writers Group discussion:

Special ops serving as 'proof of concept' for some Replicator systems in INDOPACOM

The senior Pentagon official who oversees U.S. military special operations forces said today that the Replicator program is likely to become a key enabler in the Indo-Pacific region for SOF operators, who, in some cases, are working and training in small enough groups to serve as a "proof of concept" for what is being envisioned for the new arsenal of rapidly procured, autonomous drones.

A recent Pentagon inspector general's report finds the Navy "did not obtain fair and reasonable pricing for repair of the AN/APG‑65 and AN/APG‑73 radars on the F/A‑18 Hornet":

Navy overpaid for radar systems repairs on F/A-18 Hornets, Pentagon IG says

The Navy has overpaid defense contractors nearly $4 million to repair radar systems on its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, according to a Defense Department inspector general report.

Document: DOD IG report on F/A-18 Hornet radar repair pricing

Army wants to increase training capabilities for 'threat' unmanned systems
By Dan Schere
August 27, 2024 at 11:26 AM

The Army is aiming to increase the training capabilities for "threat" unmanned aerial systems with a request for information issued last week.

The service is trying to create a “realistic training environment” that represents current and future UAS threats. The challenge for the Army will be to replicate “highly adaptive and innovative adversaries/enemies creating unexpected, lethal and non-lethal effects across multiple domains and dimensions of the” operational environment, the notice states.

The Army is particularly concerned with UAS threats that fall into groups 1 through 3, which are those weighing less than 1,320 pounds, according to the Pentagon’s classification system. The service is most concerned with that size drone because they can operate “within proximity to friendly forces undetected” and can fly low, underneath traditional radar detection zones.

The RFI states drones in this category “fly very slow and can even hover in place, preventing any doppler-based sensor from detecting them.” Additionally, their small size makes it difficult to hit with direct-fire weapons.

The government is asking for additional live training systems capabilities for group 2 and 3 drones to challenge soldiers when using counter UAS tactics, and to evolve counter UAS technologies during training. The capabilities should address soldiers’ need to survive in a “congested, contested and dynamic air domain” created by enemy UAS capabilities, the RFI states.

The government is asking for industry responses by Sept. 11.

Army expected to start fielding IBCS 'this year'
By Dan Schere
August 26, 2024 at 2:45 PM

The Army is expected to begin fielding the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) "this year," and will field it "in a larger way" in 2025, an executive from prime contractor Northrop Grumman said today.

IBCS is the Army’s air and missile defense modernization platform that aims to connect sensors and effectors into one command-and-control system that utilizes multiple radars for threat detection.

The IBCS program underwent initial operational test and evaluation in 2022, and in 2023 it was approved by the Defense Department and the Army to go into full-rate production, Bill Lamb, Northrop Grumman senior programs director for global mission command and control, said during a media briefing today.

Fielding of IBCS to the initial Patriot battalions is expected to occur in mid-2025, the company has said.

Lamb said Monday that the Army will invest about $1 billion annually in IBCS over the next five years.

“And that’s not just in production. That’s into future research, development and test around new sensors and new effector capabilities,” he said.

Additionally, IBCS has been fully fielded to the first squadron of Polish Armed Forces, with more than 100 officers and soldiers having been trained on the system, Lamb said. The system is expected to reach initial operational capability for the Polish military “sometime this year.”

The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 26, 2024
By John Liang
August 26, 2024 at 2:13 PM

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on using Replicator drones in the Indo-Pacific region, plus the latest on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program and more.

Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, spoke at a recent Defense Writers Group discussion:

Special ops serving as 'proof of concept' for some Replicator systems in INDOPACOM

The senior Pentagon official who oversees U.S. military special operations forces said today that the Replicator program is likely to become a key enabler in the Indo-Pacific region for SOF operators, who, in some cases, are working and training in small enough groups to serve as a "proof of concept" for what is being envisioned for the new arsenal of rapidly procured, autonomous drones.

A new Defense Department inspector general's report finds the Navy "did not obtain fair and reasonable pricing for repair of the AN/APG‑65 and AN/APG‑73 radars on the F/A‑18 Hornet":

Navy overpaid for radar systems repairs on F/A-18 Hornets, Pentagon IG says

The Navy has overpaid defense contractors nearly $4 million to repair radar systems on its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, according to a Defense Department inspector general report released Wednesday.

Document: DOD IG report on F/A-18 Hornet radar repair pricing

Sierra Nevada Corp. will produce the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) carried aboard a Bombardier Global Express 6500, a 99-foot, twin-engine aircraft used as a business jet in the civilian sector:

Army picks Nevada-based company for spy plane contract that has $1B ceiling

A Nevada-based company will build the Army's newest spy plane for $94 million, a program with the potential of reaching about $1 billion to enhance its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the service announced Thursday.

Here's the latest on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

Lawyers highlight major aspects of CMMC proposed rule for acquisition purposes

Lawyers from two major law firms are flagging key aspects of the Pentagon's latest proposed rule to implement its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, with a focus on new requirements and other considerations for contractors.

In a May 15 memo publicly released last week, Pentagon research and engineering chief Heidi Shyu calls on the Defense Science Board "to develop a product summarizing the key findings, observations, advice and recommendations developed by the DSB in the past decade":

DOD tech chief seeks decade of DSB's advice to 'optimize' future investments

Pentagon technology chief Heidi Shyu is directing the Defense Science Board to provide her with all of its key findings and recommendations from the past decade to help guide the Defense Department's investments in the coming years.

Document: DSB terms of reference memo for priority focus areas product

The week ahead
By Tony Bertuca
August 26, 2024 at 5:00 AM

Several senior defense officials speak at a number of industry events this week.

Tuesday

Gen. Timothy Haugh, commanding general of U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency director and other senior defense officials speak at the 2024 Intelligence and National Security Summit that runs through Wednesday.

Wednesday

Senior U.S. Space Command leaders speak about the organization's fifth anniversary at an online Mitchell Aerospace Power event.

The Hudson Institute hosts a discussion on AUKUS Pillar 2.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies hosts a virtual book discussion on weapons in space.

Thursday

The Center for Security and Emerging Technology holds a half-day conference on "Building the Tech Coalition."

U.S. sends $125M military aid package to Ukraine
By Tony Bertuca
August 23, 2024 at 4:36 PM

The latest U.S. military aid package to Ukraine includes a variety of weapon systems, according to the Defense Department and State Department.

The $125 million package, being provided via Presidential Drawdown Authority, includes:

  • Counter-unmanned aerial systems equipment and munitions;
  • Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);
  • 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
  • Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor missiles;
  • Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
  • small arms ammunition;
  • ambulances;
  • demolition equipment and munitions, and spare parts;
  • medical equipment, ancillary equipment, and training.

“This announcement demonstrates the United States’ enduring commitment to Ukraine’s self-defense against Russia’s brutal aggression,” State said. “We will deploy this new assistance as quickly as possible to bolster Ukraine’s defense of its territory and its people. As President Biden has made clear, the United States and the international coalition we have assembled will continue to stand with Ukraine.”

The aid comes as Ukraine continues to deploy forces in its cross-border attack on Russia's Kursk region.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 23, 2024
By John Liang
August 23, 2024 at 1:52 PM

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a Pentagon inspector general report on Navy F/A-18 aircraft radars, a multimillion-dollar Army spy plane contract and more.

A new Defense Department inspector general's report finds the Navy "did not obtain fair and reasonable pricing for repair of the AN/APG‑65 and AN/APG‑73 radars on the F/A‑18 Hornet":

Navy overpaid for radar systems repairs on F/A-18 Hornets, Pentagon IG says

The Navy has overpaid defense contractors nearly $4 million to repair radar systems on its F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, according to a Defense Department inspector general report released Wednesday.

Document: DOD IG report on F/A-18 Hornet radar repair pricing

In a May 15 memo publicly released this week, Pentagon research and engineering chief Heidi Shyu calls on the Defense Science Board "to develop a product summarizing the key findings, observations, advice and recommendations developed by the DSB in the past decade":

DOD tech chief seeks decade of DSB's advice to 'optimize' future investments

Pentagon technology chief Heidi Shyu is directing the Defense Science Board to provide her with all of its key findings and recommendations from the past decade to help guide the Defense Department's investments in the coming years.

Document: DSB terms of reference memo for priority focus areas product

More DSB news, in case you missed it:

DSB: Digital engineering not a magic pill for flawed T&E efforts

Digital engineering can become a critical component in the Pentagon's test and evaluation efforts but only in the context of a sound T&E infrastructure, a Defense Science Board task force argues in a recently published report.

Document: DSB report on digital engineering


DSB urges Pentagon to adopt 'strategic shift' in test and evaluation

The Defense Science Board is calling for a "strategic shift" in the Pentagon's test and evaluation efforts, according to a report published this week.

Document: DSB report on T&E

The E-6 Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) Recapitalization Program (E-XX) is set to replace the aging E-6B aircraft currently used by the Navy, with the C-130J-30 Super Hercules under consideration:

Milestone for E-XX program planned for first quarter of FY-25

The Navy's program for airborne nuclear command, control and communications is now set to transition to a major capability acquisition pathway in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, according to a Navy spokesperson -- a minor delay compared to the timeline projected by the Government Accountability Office in its recent weapon systems assessment.

Sierra Nevada Corp. will produce the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) carried aboard a Bombardier Global Express 6500, a 99-foot, twin-engine aircraft used as a business jet in the civilian sector:

Army picks Nevada-based company for spy plane contract that has $1B ceiling

A Nevada-based company will build the Army's newest spy plane for $94 million, a program with the potential of reaching about $1 billion to enhance its aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, the service announced Thursday.

Last but by no means least, here's the latest on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

Lawyers highlight major aspects of CMMC proposed rule for acquisition purposes

Lawyers from two major law firms are flagging key aspects of the Pentagon's latest proposed rule to implement its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, with a focus on new requirements and other considerations for contractors.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 22, 2024
By John Liang
August 22, 2024 at 1:36 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the Defense Science Board releasing a pair of reports, plus the Air Force's new Integrated Capabilities Command and more.

A pair of new Defense Science Board reports are out:

DSB: Digital engineering not a magic pill for flawed T&E efforts

Digital engineering can become a critical component in the Pentagon's test and evaluation efforts but only in the context of a sound T&E infrastructure, a Defense Science Board task force argues in a recently published report.

Document: DSB report on digital engineering

 

DSB urges Pentagon to adopt 'strategic shift' in test and evaluation

The Defense Science Board is calling for a "strategic shift" in the Pentagon's test and evaluation efforts, according to a report published this week.

Document: DSB report on T&E

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin spoke this week about his service's new Integrated Capabilities Command:

New Air Force requirements command to begin operations by this fall or winter

The Air Force's new Integrated Capabilities Command may take the longest and be the most difficult to execute out of each of the service's recently announced organizational changes, a top service official said Thursday.

Auterion, ModalAI and Neros, after being selected from a pool of 99 companies, have been tasked with developing prototypes to beat electromagnetic jamming systems:

DIU awards three companies prototyping contracts to beat electromagnetic jamming

The Defense Innovation Unit has selected three companies to prototype baseline hardware and software solutions for electromagnetic interference capabilities, the organization announced Thursday.

A new Government Accountability Office report recommends "U.S. agencies should improve tracking of authorized U.S.-origin defense article transfers requested by foreign donors" for Ukraine:

Watchdog: DOD and State need to improve oversight of foreign weapons transfers to Ukraine

The Pentagon and State Department need to do a better job of tracking foreign transfers of U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

Document: GAO report on military aid to Ukraine

Palantir names former GOP congressman Mike Gallagher defense chief
By Theresa Maher
August 22, 2024 at 1:22 PM

Palantir Technologies has tapped former Wisconsin GOP congressman Mike Gallagher to lead its defense business, the company announced today.

“We are thrilled to welcome former Congressman @RepGallagher to help lead our defense business as we enter the next stage of growth as a software prime,” the company said in a statement posted to social platform X.

Gallagher left the House in April, having declared he would do so in March after previously announcing he would not seek re-election. He joined the House in 2017 and spent his last year leading the newly minted House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. He also served on the House Armed Services Committee

Gallagher, one of Congress’ best-known China hawks who has signaled support for Taiwan’s independence, was sanctioned by Beijing in May.

Since leaving Congress, Gallagher has become a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute and chair of the Midwest Defense Forum at the Sagamore Institute.

“Mike’s unique talents have helped to shape U.S. policy towards our adversaries. I am delighted he is joining Palantir, and I am certain he will play an invaluable role for Palantir and our mission partners,” CEO Alex Karp said in a statement announcing Gallagher’s hiring.

Defense Business Board to meet next month
By Theresa Maher
August 21, 2024 at 4:46 PM

The Defense Business Board will hold a meeting on Sept. 10 to discuss the results of its Communicating In Large Organizations study.

The DBB posted a notice in the Federal Register today detailing plans for the open meeting, in which the chair for the talent management, culture and diversity subcommittee, Matthew Daniel, will brief the board on the findings, observations and recommendations from the study.

An updated version of the full agenda is available on the board’s website.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Aug. 21, 2024
By John Liang
August 21, 2024 at 2:35 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on a GAO report that discusses military aid to Ukraine, plus coverage of missile defense radars and more.

A new Government Accountability Office report recommends "U.S. agencies should improve tracking of authorized U.S.-origin defense article transfers requested by foreign donors" for Ukraine:

Watchdog: DOD and State need to improve oversight of foreign weapons transfers to Ukraine

The Pentagon and State Department need to do a better job of tracking foreign transfers of U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

Document: GAO report on military aid to Ukraine

Speaking Tuesday at the TechNet Conference in Augusta, GA, Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Command-and-Control Programs (G-6) Lt. Gen. John Morrison said brigades will not have the time to do "heavy analytics to try and figure out what the enemy is doing" during large-scale maneuver warfare:

G-6: Army brigades should focus on maneuvering and fighting, not data analytics

The Army wants its brigades to focus on maneuvering and fighting while divisions will analyze data as the service fields new network and mission command systems, according to the deputy chief of staff.

The Missile Defense Agency recently issued a request for information stating it is "conducting market research to determine if sources capable of satisfying the agency’s future production requirements for the Missile Defense System (MDS) Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar exist":

MDA asks for production contractor for key ballistic missile warning radar

Contractors are being asked if they can produce one of the key ballistic missile warning radars for the Missile Defense Agency, a program that is being given a significant boost in the agency's fiscal year 2025 budget.

Here's the latest on the Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program:

Pentagon considers alternative approaches to establishing CMMC requirements in contracts

The Defense Department's proposed rule for acquisition purposes proposes alternative approaches to implement its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, while explaining why the Pentagon is moving forward with its preferred option.

Senate appropriators, in a report accompanying their version of the fiscal year 2025 defense spending bill, pointed to reviews from the Defense Department inspector general and the Government Accountability Office that reveal shortfalls in government systems used to track contracts and grants, impeding oversight into DOD-funded research activities that "could benefit Chinese defense entities":

Lawmakers want DOD to show its work on blocking R&D contracts to Chinese entities

The Senate Appropriations Committee wants to know what actions the Pentagon has taken to mitigate concerns that U.S. defense research and development funding is being exploited by China.