QUICK HITS
State IT oversight: GAO presses CIO to close cybersecurity gaps.
NASA engineering support bid: Agency opens $1.9B ESSCA II competition.
AI in research compliance: Speed gains require explainable outputs.
Enterprise IT modernization: Why it matters now and how to deliver.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
DOD AI patent database: Industry access expected this year.
The Pentagon is preparing an AI‑enhanced patent database to provide industry with streamlined access to more than 5,400 DOD lab technologies. An alpha version is planned by year’s end, offering improved search and analysis capabilities to strengthen public‑private partnerships and expand commercialization of federally funded R&D.
Pentagon delays contractor review: naughty list needs more time.
The Pentagon’s “naughty list” of underperforming defense firms isn’t quite ready for prime time. After an initial review under a January E.O., officials say they need more time before issuing any compliance calls.
MITRE study highlights security delays in defense acquisition.
A new MITRE study finds that legacy security processes are slowing defense acquisition, with 74 identified bottlenecks—including foreign ownership reviews often exceeding 40 weeks—adding significant cost and schedule burdens. The report warns these delays particularly hinder small and nontraditional contractors and offers 155 recommendations to streamline security practices.
ICYMI:
USN RFI: NTCDL Engineering Support Services.
Pentagon adds ChatGPT to GenAI.mil.
IFPC Inc 2 competition: Rafael joins Lockheed and Boeing‑Anduril team.
Navy is rethinking how to command robotic forces.
Defense Contract Awards
Follow the Defense Leaders
Rear Adm. takes helm of AUKUS integration.
Former USAF Deputy CIO named Boeing’s new Senior Manager.
Defense Job Openings
NAVSEA is seeking a Manager.
NAVSEA is hiring a Program Manager.
CHART
GAO. “Biosafety and Biosecurity: Comparing the U.S. and Selected G20 Members.” GAO-26-107338. February 2026.
INTEL COMMUNITY
CIA unveils new framework to accelerate tech procurement.
The CIA is rolling out a new acquisition framework aimed at cutting the red tape that slows tech adoption—because even spies get tired of waiting on paperwork. The plan centers on centralized vendor vetting and faster IT authorization to shrink the gap between mission need and operational approval, all under the direction of new procurement chief Efstathia Fragogiannis.
CIA and SOCOM pursue technologies for field‑forward operations.
The CIA and SOCOM are convening a rapid capability assessment to identify technologies that can enhance real‑time intelligence and operational support in field‑forward environments. Focus areas include advanced analytics, resilient communications, novel energy solutions, and optimization of edge devices to meet mission demands in increasingly data‑dense settings. See also: RCA 17 Event.
ICYMI:
Military issues advisory on sensitive EOD Data and AI.
NATO reshapes command structure as U.S. loses leadership of two key warfighting commands.
W.H. holds meeting to address impending expiration of key spying power.
FCC clears Amazon to launch 4,500 LEO internet satellites.
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CIVILIAN
DOE launches consortium to boost AI‑driven research collaboration.
The DOE just rolled out its new Genesis Mission Consortium, a “collaborative hub” built to tighten public‑private partnerships and accelerate AI‑powered research. With 24 tech companies already on board, the agency aims to streamline model validation, data governance, and research throughput
NASA, SpaceX prep Crew‑12 for ISS science mission.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑12 mission will send four international astronauts to the ISS for an eight‑month research deployment, conducting studies in biotechnology, plant systems, and advanced spaceflight operations. Launching aboard the Dragon Freedom from Cape Canaveral, the mission supports future lunar and Martian exploration objectives.
Commerce evaluates unused BEAD funding as states reconsider SpaceX.
The DOC reports that nearly $21 billion in BEAD funding may remain unspent, prompting discussions on how those funds will be redirected. Secretary Lutnick also affirmed that states may discontinue work with SpaceX if it fails to meet program requirements.
ICYMI:
TREAS RFI: CFIUS Known Investor Program and Streamlining the Foreign Investment Review Process.
DOC RFI: HR PAR, Pay and Benefits Processing Service.
NASA’s next steps: STRIVE and EDGE advance in Earth science program.
Weather forecasting upgrade: NOAA deploys drones for clearer data.
Civilian Contracts Awards
GENCETEK landed a $13M DOI BOEM Data Management deal.
Guidehouse inked a $10M CMS ERM International Support deal.
AWS won a $5M DOE NNSA Automated Centralized Logistics contract.
Momentus to showcase multispectral sensor in NASA‑supported mission.
Follow Civilian Leaders
CISA announced its new Energy Risk Analysis Program Manager.
Axonius welcomed its new Executive Chairman and Interim CEO.
Constellis appointed a new CEO.
Civilian Job Openings
M&A CORNER
Zscaler expands zero trust with SquareX browser security.
Zscaler just bought SquareX, giving zero trust a front‑row seat inside the browser. Instead of wrestling with cranky VPNs and pricey VDI, agencies can now secure SaaS and private apps on any device using lightweight browser extensions
BaseRock guides Cornerstone, Claborn through investor consortium Sale.
Cornerstone and Claborn Manufacturing just found new owners, with BaseRock Capital steering the sale to a consortium including Castle Harlan. The longtime detention‑equipment duo brings 5,000+ projects and a vertically integrated security platform to their buyers.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Coffee and tea: New study links daily cups to lower dementia risk. SOURCE↗︎
Buddhist monks walking for peace reach D.C. 19 monks have been walking 2,300 miles from Texas to spread a message of peace. SOURCE↗︎
Ex-SpaceX engineer plans water-powered flight. General Galactic aims to fly a satellite using only water for in-orbit propellant. SOURCE↗︎
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