Acquisition
Saronic unveils latest, largest unmanned vessel, with eye on mass production
Justin Katz, Breaking Defense
Saronic has unveiled its latest and largest unmanned vessel, the Corsair, which is 24 feet long and can travel 1,000 nautical miles at a top speed of 35 knots while carrying a payload of 1,000 pounds. The company plans to mass-produce hundreds of these vessels starting next year to meet anticipated demand from the Pentagon. This move aligns with the Pentagon's Replicator initiative, which aims to mass-produce affordable unmanned drones. Saronic's CEO, Dino Mavrookas, emphasized the importance of vertical integration to scale production efficiently.
Space
Join the commercial space reserve: Get longer contracts, in-depth threat briefs; play wargames
Theresa Hitchens, Breaking Defense
The article discusses the benefits of joining the Commercial Augmented Space Reserve (CASR), as highlighted by Col. Rich Kniseley during the Space Systems Command’s annual Space Industry Days conference. Key benefits include longer funding periods, in-depth threat briefings based on a firm's security clearance, and opportunities to participate in Pentagon wargames. The first CASR contracts are expected by early next year, focusing on space awareness.
SDA creates new contractor pool to bid for future demos, tags 19 initial vendors
Theresa Hitchens, Breaking Defense
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has established a new vendor pool called Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO). This pool includes 19 companies and aims to facilitate rapid contracting for demonstrations and experiments to support SDA's low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations. The initial prototype orders under HALO will focus on reducing risk and demonstrating the feasibility of proliferation for future tactical data links and optical communication missions.
Innovation
Marines score aviation firsts with F-35 squadron, drone test and more
Todd South, Military Times
The article highlights several significant achievements by the U.S. Marine Corps in aviation. Key points include:
- New F-35 Squadron: The establishment of a new East Coast F-35 squadron, enhancing the Corps' capabilities with advanced stealth fighters.
- Valkyrie Drone Test: Successful testing of the Valkyrie drone, which represents a step forward in integrating unmanned systems with manned aircraft.
- Technological Advancements: These milestones are part of broader efforts to modernize and improve the operational effectiveness of Marine aviation.
America’s future advantage depends on quick adoption of advanced tech
Opinion Mark T. Esper, Military Times
The article emphasizes the critical need for the U.S. military to rapidly adopt advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and unmanned systems to maintain its strategic advantage. Drawing lessons from the Ukraine conflict, Esper highlights how these technologies have transformed warfare, making operations more efficient and effective. He argues that the Department of Defense must invest more in these areas, adopt commercial standards, and accelerate prototyping and deployment to stay ahead, particularly in light of potential threats from nations like China.
Success of the AI national security memo ‘will be in the implementation,’ industry says
Alexandra Kelley, Next Gov
The article discusses the reactions to the Biden administration's first National Security Memorandum focused on artificial intelligence (AI). Industry leaders emphasize that the success of this memo will depend heavily on its implementation. Key points include:
- Oversight and Accountability: Experts stress the importance of firm oversight to ensure the memo's directives are effectively executed.
- AI Governance and Risk Management: The memo includes actions to secure U.S. leadership in AI, such as enhancing supply chain security and forming a specialized coordination group.
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation: While some industry leaders believe the regulations will enhance public trust in AI, others worry that excessive regulation could hinder U.S. competitiveness.
Overall, the memo is seen as a positive step, but its real impact will be determined by how well it is put into practice.
Industrial Base
America’s defense contractors are failing basic cybersecurity and China is exploiting it
Eric Noonan, Next Gov
Commentary: The gap between what Americans believe about the security of our defense contractors and the grim reality should alarm everyone.
The article highlights a critical issue: most U.S. defense contractors are failing to meet basic cybersecurity standards, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks, particularly from China. A report by Merrill Research found that only 4% of contractors are fully prepared to meet the Department of Defense's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. This lack of preparedness is alarming given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, such as the recent Salt Typhoon attack linked to Chinese hackers.
The article emphasizes that basic cybersecurity measures, like multi-factor authentication and patch management, are not widely implemented among contractors. This gap in cybersecurity readiness poses a significant national security risk, as these contractors handle sensitive military projects and critical infrastructure. The Department of Defense plans to enforce stricter compliance through third-party audits starting in 2025.
As FBI Director Christopher Wray bluntly stated, “China’s hacking program is larger than that of every other major nation, combined.”
Merrill Research Report
DEFENSE ON THE BRINK: The Perilous State of Cybersecurity Across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
Research
Navy considers electrical microgrids at major shipyards as shield against outages
Wyatt Olson, Stars & Stripes
The article discusses the U.S. Navy's plans to implement electrical microgrids at its major shipyards. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance energy resilience and ensure continuous operations at these critical facilities. The microgrids are designed to protect against power outages, which can disrupt shipyard activities and impact national security.
The Navy's consideration of microgrids comes in response to increasing concerns about the vulnerability of the electrical grid to natural disasters, cyberattacks, and other disruptions. By creating localized grids that can operate independently of the main power grid, the Navy aims to maintain operational readiness and support its mission-critical activities even during widespread power outages.
People First, Mission Always: A Tension-Centered Approach to Conducting Safe, Effective Logistics
Matthew A. Douglas, Department of Management, Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University; Matthew D. Roberts, Department of Management, College of Business, Louisiana Tech University; Jessica L. Ford, Department of Communication, College of Arts & Sciences, Baylor University
The article explores how logistics organizations balance safety and operational demands, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study uses a grounded theory approach to analyze data from six U.S. Air Force logistics organizations. It reveals that effective logistics management involves navigating tensions between operational requirements and personnel health and safety. The research highlights the importance of organizational culture in achieving both safe practices and effective operations, offering a process model for logistics leaders to manage these tensions effectively.
Giving Our “Paper Tiger” Real Teeth: Fixing the U.S. Military’s Plans for Contested Logistics Against China
Zachary S. Hughes
Joint Force Quarterly, JFQ 115, 4th Quarter 2024
This article explores the growing concerns about the U.S. military’s ability to deter or win a conflict with China in the Western Pacific, focusing on the role of logistics in future military success. China’s advanced missile systems pose a significant threat to the U.S.'s traditional deployment strategies, leading the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force to adopt dispersed operations to enhance survivability. These strategies have proven logistically unsustainable due to their high resource demands and coordination challenges. The article also highlights technological innovations, such as sea-based resupply, additive manufacturing, alternative energy sources, and AI, which offer potential logistical improvements. However, delays in implementation, limited joint integration, and reliance on complex weapons systems have reduced their effectiveness. The article argues that logistics will be the key determinant of success in any U.S.-China conflict. It calls for a joint-force approach to logistics, better alignment between combat and support cultures, and the strengthening of logistical command structures. The U.S. military must address logistical gaps now to avoid becoming a "paper tiger" in the face of China’s rising military power.
Events
SERC Annual Events 2024
12-13 November 2024
Modernizing PPBE Business Systems and Data Analytics
21 November 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET (Virtual)
George Mason University and the Acquisition Innovation Research Center
Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) 2024
2-5 December 2024
Austin, TX
22nd Annual Acquisition Research Symposium & Innovation Summit
7-8 May 2025
Monterey, CA
Federal Government
Memorandum on Advancing the United States’ Leadership in Artificial Intelligence; Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Fulfill National Security Objectives; and Fostering the Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence
The White House
The memorandum from October 24, 2024, outlines the Biden administration's strategy to maintain U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) for national security. It emphasizes the need to harness AI technologies responsibly while protecting human rights, civil liberties, and privacy. The memorandum directs federal agencies to enhance AI governance, improve the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems, and collaborate with allies to establish international AI norms. It also highlights the importance of rapid AI adoption to counter adversaries and maintain a technological edge.
Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security
The White House
The "Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security" outlines guidelines for the responsible use of AI in U.S. national security. It builds on the National Security Memorandum on AI, emphasizing the need to uphold human rights, civil liberties, and privacy. The framework includes:
- AI Use Restrictions: Identifying prohibited and high-impact AI use cases.
- Risk Management Practices: Implementing robust risk assessments and human oversight for high-impact AI.
- Monitoring and Cataloguing: Keeping an inventory of AI use and ensuring transparency.
- Training and Accountability: Providing training and establishing accountability mechanisms.
This framework aims to ensure AI is used in a manner consistent with democratic values and international norms.
Congress
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) completing acceptance trials from shipbuilder Electric Boat on Oct. 3, 2023. US Navy Photo
Senators Question SECNAV, OMB on Submarine Funding Ahead of 17 Attack Boat Buy
Sam LaGrone, USNI News
A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), is pressing the Navy and the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for more details on the funding strategy for 17 new attack submarines. The senators are particularly interested in the Shipyard Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) plan, which aims to reallocate funds from existing submarine contracts to increase shipbuilders' wages and improve infrastructure.
The senators expressed concerns about the Navy's delay in briefing Congress on the SAWS plan, which has been in development for over a year. They emphasized the need for better communication and decisive leadership to ensure the submarine programs stay on schedule and within budget.
The Navy's submarine programs are facing significant financial challenges, with a projected $17 billion shortfall in the Virginia-class program over the next six years. The senators highlighted the importance of these programs for national security and the AUKUS partnership, which includes the sale of at least two Virginia-class submarines to Australia.
House Oversight leaders ask GAO to probe ‘root causes’ of federal improper payments
Jory Heckman, Federal News Network
House Oversight leaders have requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the root causes of federal improper payments, which amounted to $236 billion in fiscal 2023. The lawmakers, including Chairman Pete Sessions and Ranking Member Kweisi Mfume, are concerned about the persistent issue of improper payments and fraud, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. They aim to ensure that agencies are effectively addressing these issues and implementing corrective actions. The GAO's findings will help determine whether current measures are sufficient and identify any barriers preventing effective fraud prevention.
One more thing...
Herrmann Hall has some ghostly guests
Episode 56 from the Naval Postgraduate School's Trident Room Podcast dives deep into the haunted history of the Hotel Del Monte, now Herrmann Hall on the NPS campus. Hosts Alanna Youngblood and Sarah Dixon explore various ghost stories and supernatural encounters reported by guests over the years.
Historical Background:
- Origins: The Hotel Del Monte was established by Charles Crocker in 1880 as a luxury resort, which played a significant role in Monterey's tourism history.
- Architecture: Originally built in a Victorian style, the hotel featured a 125-acre botanical garden with plants from over 60 countries and had just over 100 suites and guest rooms.
Supernatural Encounters:
- Logbook: A logbook at the hotel's front desk contains 57 entries of ghost stories and strange occurrences reported by guests since 2010. This logbook serves as a legal record of these incidents.
- Common Reports: Guests have reported various supernatural experiences, including sightings of apparitions, unexplained noises, and other eerie phenomena.
Significant Stories:
- Ghostly Figures: Some guests have claimed to see ghostly figures wandering the halls, believed to be spirits from the hotel's past.
- Unexplained Events: Incidents such as objects moving on their own and sudden drops in temperature have been frequently noted.
Cultural Impact:
- Tourism: The hotel's haunted reputation has become a part of its charm, attracting visitors interested in its spooky history.
- Local Lore: The stories contribute to the rich tapestry of local legends and folklore, making the Hotel Del Monte a fascinating subject for both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts.
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