Acquisition
The Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle is recovered onboard the Manchester (LCS 14) during a testing activity. (Photo courtesy of US Navy)
Navy awards several contracts aimed at advancing key mine countermeasures capabilities
Justin Katz, Breaking Defense
The U.S. Navy is awarding contracts to advance its mine countermeasures mission package (MCM MP) for Littoral Combat Ships, which includes unmanned surface vehicles and payload delivery systems, to modernize and expand its capabilities while also retiring legacy systems. The MCM mission package consists of various capabilities designed to clear buried and bottomed mines and ensure safe operations for sailors.
Pentagon acquisition office orders review of Space Development Agency
Courtney Albon, Defense News
The Pentagon's acquisition office has ordered a review of the Space Development Agency (SDA) to assess its progress in fielding a constellation of missile tracking and data transport satellites, as well as its organizational structure and contracting strategy. The review comes amid concerns about delays and an ongoing investigation into past contracting actions.
Implementing the DoD’s Digital Data Strategy for Acquisition and Sustainment: Strategic Implementation Approaches and Options
Laura Freeman, Philip S. Antón, et al., Acquisition Innovation Research Center
This report from the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) utilized established frameworks to analyze current DoD acquisition processes, identifying key challenges and proposing a Digital Acquisition Vision and Acquisition Decision Landscape Model for a future-state data-driven organization.
Full Report
Sgt. Victor Sanchez, a fire direction coordinator assigned to Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 258th Artillery Regiment, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the New York Army National Guard, operates an advanced field artillery tactical data system to calculate aiming data to relay to the howitzer teams during an air assault artillery raid on Fort Drum, N.Y. on June 9, 2017. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Alexander Rector)
Army finalizing contracting approach for scaled-up version of enterprise data platform
Mikayla Easley, Defense Scoop
The Army is working to scale up its data platform, known as ADP 2.0, by incorporating multiple vendors to offer a wider range of data analytics tools and to increase flexibility and scalability. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for data-driven solutions across the Army.
- Multi-Vendor Approach: The Army is moving towards a multi-vendor model for ADP 2.0, which will allow the Army to access diverse capabilities and technologies. This approach is intended to promote competition and ensure the Army is getting the best value for its money.
- Diverse Tools: The Army seeks to incorporate a range of "no-code/low-code" AI tools and commercial off-the-shelf products into ADP 2.0, which will make the platform easier for users to utilize for their specific needs. This includes a variety of data pipelines and user experiences.
- Task Order Clarity: The Army is working to create a range of task orders that clearly differentiate between various requirements. This will help vendors better understand the complexity of different missions.
Innovation
Mr. Zach Futujma, a drone operator, flies a Perimeter 8 drone during a Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Refresh Challenge at Camp Wilson, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, on Nov. 4, 2024. Photo by Lance Cpl. Richard Perez Garcia via DVIDS.
How Can We Measure if Defense Innovation Works?
Casey Perley, War on the Rocks
The provided article discusses how the Department of Defense (DoD) can measure the effectiveness of its innovation organizations, focusing on three key areas: impact on the warfighter, impact on the civil innovation base, and impact on the Department of Defense itself. The author emphasizes the need for clear metrics and a focus on practical outcomes, rather than simply tracking activity.
L3 unveils new low-bandwidth, high-autonomy drone swam tech
Patrick Tucker, Defense One
L3Harris has unveiled Amorphous, a new drone swarm technology enabling a single operator to manage hundreds, and eventually thousands, of drones simultaneously. This is achieved through low-bandwidth communication, placing greater reliance on onboard drone intelligence and minimizing data exchange with the operator.
The system prioritizes high autonomy, allowing drones to collaboratively complete tasks with minimal human intervention, a shift from previous, highly intensive human-controlled drone operations.
- Operational Proximity: Data exchange is reduced to the size of SMS text messages. and the swarm can operate close to the battlefield without long communication threads.
- Open Architecture: The program prioritizes open, government-owned software architectures, so the software can be integrated onto any vendor’s hardware.
Maxar 'AFTER" satellite imagery of the reported attack on a Russian Ropucha-class landing ship at the eastern Crimean port of Feodosia. Satellite image (c) 2023 Maxar Technologies
What Google’s return to defense AI means
Patrick Tucker, Defense One
Google has reversed its 2018 ban on using AI in weapons, joining a competitive field of AI defense firms, and highlighting the Pentagon’s role as the primary regulator of AI use in the military.
- AI Reversal: Google has rescinded its self-imposed ban on using AI in weapons, which has drawn both praise and criticism. This is a shift from its 2018 decision to not renew its contract on the Air Force's Maven project.
- Ethical Shift: Google stated that democracies should lead in AI development guided by values like freedom, equality, and respect for human rights. The company’s original ban was described as "overly zealous" by one expert.
- Pentagon Oversight: The Defense Department drafted its own AI ethics principles in 2019, which are more comprehensive than those of most Silicon Valley companies. They aimed to reassure the American tech community and international partners that the Pentagon could lead in the ethical use of AI in combat.
DARPA continues quest to validate quantum computing utility
Courtney Albon, Defense News
DARPA is advancing its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to assess the feasibility of building utility-scale quantum computing systems by 2033. The agency is focusing on designs from Microsoft and PsiQuantum and is seeking to understand the real-world possibilities of quantum computing. The agency is not only funding company research, but it is also verifying and validating their plans.
Defense & Strategy
Preventing China’s DeepSeek in Space
Erin C. Conaton, Defense News
The article emphasizes the need to protect American space technology from theft and highlights the increasing reliance on private companies for space missions, which introduces new security challenges. It argues for stricter vetting standards and divestiture requirements to mitigate risks posed by adversaries like China and Russia.
The Pentagon plans to expand a pilot program aimed at providing combatant commanders with advanced computing capabilities in theater. (Jennifer Napier/Marine Corps Systems Command)
Pentagon prepares to expand in-theater data processing pilot
Courtney Albon, Defense News
The Pentagon is expanding its Joint Operational Edge (JOE) cloud initiative to provide combatant commanders with advanced computing capabilities, with a particular focus on AI and GPU capabilities.
JOE aims to address the increasing need for robust computing and storage to manage data from numerous sensors and unmanned systems. The program plans to establish around 20 nodes in the coming years, building on the initial sites in Japan, Hawaii, Guam, Europe, and Africa.
Navy PEO Digital’s goals riding on Flank Speed’s success
Jason Miller, Federal News Network
The Flank Speed's program achievement of near-perfect zero-trust compliance has enabled the Navy to expand its cyber capabilities and integrate other systems and data within this secure architecture.
Key initiatives include improving operational resiliency by 15% and expanding the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program to 150,000 users.
These advancements, facilitated by a holistic systems engineering approach and strong industry partnerships, are paving the way for more ambitious goals, impacting various PEO programs and spending approximately $556 million annually on technology initiatives. The ultimate aim is to create a more resilient, secure, and user-friendly digital environment across all Navy operations.
Strategy & Policy: Kendall: His Legacies and Look Ahead
John A. Tirpak, Air & Space Forces Magazine
Frank Kendall's tenure as Secretary of the Air Force focused on modernizing the Air and Space Forces to meet the challenges posed by China, with a major emphasis on the rapid development of new technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and enhanced space capabilities.
- Transformative CCAs: The Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is a key initiative to increase combat capacity at a lower cost. CCAs will enable swift upgrades and provide the Air Force with "affordable mass", increasing combat capacity and flexibility.
- Counterspace Priority: Kendall prioritized the development of offensive counterspace capabilities, emphasizing that the Space Force requires significant growth and funding, potentially absorbing missions from the Air Force.
An F-15EX fighter jet taxis to its parking spot at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (US Air Force)
Air Force pauses ‘reoptimization’ planning as service awaits new leadership
Michael Marrow, Breaking Defense
The Department of the Air Force has paused its "Reoptimizing for Great Power Competition" initiative on order from the Secretary of Defense. The reoptimization initiative aims to revamp Air Force and Space Force internal structures and processes to prepare for potential conflict with China. Under the new order, all planning activities are paused while the Air Force awaits new, Senate-confirmed leadership.
Industry
Targeting U.S. Technologies: A Report of Threats to Cleared Industry by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
Staff, Small Wars Journal
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) has released a report on threats to cleared industry and academia, highlighting foreign intelligence entities' (FIE) efforts to acquire U.S. technologies and information. These entities use a variety of methods, including non-traditional and cyber operations, to gain access. The DCSA report emphasizes the need for strong security protocols within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to protect against these threats
Full Report
The CCGS Amundsen, a Canadian research ice-breaker, navigates near Devon Island in the Canadian high Arctic in September 2015. (Clement Sabourin/AFP via Getty Images)
Canadian shipyard in talks to buy US shipbuilder amid trade war talk
Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo, Defense News
Despite trade war tensions, Canadian shipbuilder Davie plans to expand its operations into the U.S. by acquiring an American shipyard, as part of a larger trilateral agreement with Finland and the U.S. to build advanced icebreakers. Once the acquisition is complete, Davie will be the only company in the ICE Pact with a presence in all three member nations.
Lockheed Martin, Boeing compete for military satellite contract amid commercial disruption
Sandra Erwin, Space News
Lockheed Martin and Boeing are competing for a $2.5 billion contract to modernize the U.S. Space Force's narrowband satellite network. However, the Space Force is evaluating whether to supplement or replace systems like MUOS with commercial satellite communications services.
Congress & Government
Navy League urges rapid expansion of battle fleet for future wars
Nikki Wentling, Defense News
The Navy League is urging Congress to significantly increase funding for the Navy to prepare for potential large-scale conflicts, advocating for a $40 billion annual investment to grow and maintain the U.S. battle fleet.
- Industry needs: The proposal also calls for increased funding to revitalize public shipyards, add to the Coast Guard's fleet of polar icebreakers, and increase munitions production.
- Workforce shortages: The shipbuilding industry would need to drastically increase its productivity and workforce to meet the Navy's goals, after facing cost overruns and labor shortages that have delayed ship production.
- Legislative push: The Navy League is lobbying for the SHIPS for America Act, which addresses the maritime industry's weak points and would help boost the shipbuilding workforce.
Full report
Research
A concept showing a container ship as it might look after conversion to a warship with containerized missiles and drones weapons, including the missile launcher shown amidship. Shutterstock
Warship Weapons for Merchant Ship Platforms
T. X. Hammes, Col USMC (ret.), and R. Robinson Harris, CAPT USN (ret.) U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings
To bolster U.S. naval power, the authors advocate for converting merchant ships into warships by equipping them with containerized missile systems, drones, and sensors.
The authors argue that this "missile merchant" concept offers a cost-effective and rapidly deployable solution to the Navy's current shortage of ships and missiles, particularly crucial in the context of potential conflict with China.
The core argument rests on the superiority of weapon quantity over ship quantity in modern missile warfare, leveraging readily available commercial platforms and advanced, relatively inexpensive weaponry (missiles and drones) to create a powerful, dispersed naval force.
Development of an Artificial Intelligence Test Harness for the Department of Defense
Dr. Laura Freeman, Dr. Stephen Adams, et al, Acquisition Innovation Research Center
This research report details the development of an AI Test Harness for the Department of Defense. A Virginia Tech team, commissioned by the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), created a framework and prototype to reliably test AI and machine learning (ML) systems, addressing the unique challenges posed by their evolving and stochastic nature. The report highlights the need for improved T&E methods for AI/ML and emphasizes the harness's role in accelerating method development, informing DOT&E policy, and serving as an educational resource.
Full Report
Software-Defined Warships: The Navy’s Digital Future of Necessity
Artem Sherbinin and Austin Gray, War on the Rocks
The article argues that software-defined warships are essential for the U.S. Navy to maintain its dominance, emphasizing the need for rapid software updates and standardized architectures to keep pace with technological advancements. The current hardware-centric approach of warship design is slow and expensive, which the authors suggest could leave the U.S. vulnerable.
- Hardware Constraints: Hardware-centric designs lock in upgradeability for decades, necessitating a shift towards software focus.
- Software Primacy: Software will generate continuous capability increases, allowing for updates hours after engagement, compared to lengthy refits.
- Immediate Action: The U.S. can leverage its strength in software engineering to win in digital warfare. The Navy needs to digitize warships now rather than waiting for future systems.
Photo by NASA via Unsplash
Operational and Policy Implications of Integrating Commercial Space Services into U.S. Department of Defense Operations
Yool Kim, George Nacouzi, et al, RAND
This RAND report, commissioned by the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, examines the increasing integration of commercial space services into U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) operations and the associated policy implications. It concludes that while commercial space services offer significant benefits, the DoD must address vulnerabilities and develop better integration strategies.
Opportunities
SOCOM searching for ‘tactical forensics’ tools to exploit data from vehicles, smartphones, drones. RFI
SOCOM wants new helmet goggle mount and oxygen-generating device. RFP
Army says DUCES to cyber hackers: New RFI looks for tactical edge zero trust solutions. RFI
DARPA Seeks Stable Quantum Sensors for Defense Platforms. RFP
DARPA Eyes Protections for Common but Critical Computing System. RFP
Events
2025 DAU Acquisition Update
Leading with Purpose: Accelerating Capability to the Field
19 - 20 February 2025
Virtual
Creative Disruptors in the Desert
21-22 February 2025
Indian Wells, CA
PEO IWS Industry Day: Evolving the Competitive Edge
26 February 2025
Alexandria, VA
2025 Pacific Operational Science & Technology (POST) Conference
3-7 March 2025
Honolulu, HI
2025 Undersea Warfare Spring Conference
17-19 March 2025
San Diego, CA
2025 Munitions Executive Summit
18-19 March 2025
Parsippany, NJ
Building Critical Mineral Security for a Sustainable Future
30 April 2025
Washington, DC or Virtual
22nd Annual Acquisition Research Symposium & Innovation Summit
Creating Synergy for Informed Change - Transitioning Technology
7-8 May 2025
Monterey, CA
2025 ASNE Intelligent Ships Symposium
12-14 May 2025
Philadelphia, PA
DLA Supply Chain Alliance Conference & Exhibition
11-12 June 2025
Richmond, VA
MODSIM World 2025
18-20 August 2025
Norfolk, VA
One more thing...
Chief Enrico Dagsindal holds a small model of an F-35C Lightning II while Petty Officer 1st Class Caroline Lui works on the snow sculpture for the 75th Annual Sapporo Snow Festival. (Matthew Fischer/U.S. Navy)
US Navy sailors sculpt F-35C stealth fighter for Japan’s iconic snow festival
Jonathan Snyder, Stars and Stripes
The U.S. Navy participated in the Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing a naval-themed sculpture. This effort was part of a broader initiative to engage in cultural exchange and strengthen ties with Japan. The sculpture, created by Navy personnel, attracted significant attention from festival-goers, promoting awareness of the Navy’s role and demonstrating teamwork and creativity.
|
