The INSIDER daily digest -- Oct. 7, 2019

In this Monday INSIDER Daily Digest, we have the latest on the Defense Department's plans for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program as well as an update on Raytheon's Standard Missile-3 Block IIA program.

DOD last week released a request for information appealing to non-profit organizations:

Pentagon explores establishing 'accreditation body' to run contractor cybersecurity program

The Pentagon's acquisition office is moving toward the establishment of an independent "accreditation body" to run a new contractor cybersecurity auditing program viewed as key to preventing the theft of sensitive national security information.

Meanwhile, Raytheon says the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA is positioned to significantly outperform the original design requirements:

Raytheon confident SM-3 Block IIA can intercept ICBM warheads

Raytheon is "very confident" the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA -- a new ballistic missile interceptor developed with Japan to defeat medium- and intermediate-range threats -- can also knock down intercontinental ballistic missiles, delivering Washington and Tokyo more than they originally bargained for.

A task force is planning an event later this year to showcase drone testing software:

Next demo of TACE autonomous drone testing software expected in December

Engineers at Edwards Air Force Base, CA, are partnering with the Skyborg manned-unmanned teaming program for another demonstration of an evolving software tool that’s intended to enable realistic and safe flight testing of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles.

Alexis Ross of the Army met with reporters last week to explain how the service's new advanced manufacturing policy will help it compete with China:

Army releases new advanced manufacturing policy

The Army has released a new policy on advanced manufacturing that aims to bring the service up to par with foreign powers who have fully embraced new ways of building weapon systems, as well as the commercial sector, inspired by the National Defense Strategy.

The Pentagon is readying several key reform initiatives, including a rewrite of acquisition regulations:

Lord says key acquisition reforms near completion

This fall will be an inflection point for Defense Department acquisition chief Ellen Lord, who is working to finalize a series of acquisition reform initiatives intended to simplify and accelerate the military’s procurement process.