ExecutiveGov

DIU has announced a leadership change Travis Metz’s background spans investing and AI consulting The 2027 Defense R&D Summit will explore unmanned systems and more The Defense Innovation Unit has named Travis Metz, its deputy director and chief operating officer, as acting director. As DIU transitions to new leadership and continues sourcing commercial unmanned and autonomous capabilities for the joint force, emerging defense technologies remain a key focus across the Department of War.

The DOE’s Office of Science Open Call will offer up to $400 million for FY 2027 funding The funding covers seven programs, including fusion energy sciences, high energy physics and nuclear physics The call also supports work that falls outside the office’s narrower FY 2027 funding notices The Department of Energy has launched its annual Office of Science funding solicitation, making as much as $400 million available for foundational research expected to underpin future technologies.

Raytheon’s SM-6 contract covers five years with two additional option years Department of War expects the deal to expand manufacturing throughput and generate cost savings The award is part of broader investments intended to strengthen critical supply chains and the defense industrial base Raytheon, an RTX business, has booked a multiyear $24.4 billion contract from the U.S. Navy to produce Standard Missile-6 munitions. What Is the Scope of Raytheon’s SM-6 Contract?

GSA has approved revised LLM acquisition terms LLM data clause takes effect Oct. 19 The 2026 FedCiv Summit will explore AI, IT modernization and more The General Services Administration has added provisions to its acquisition regulation that require contractors and subcontractors to protect government data processed by large language models, or LLMs, Nextgov/FCW reported Thursday.

New commercial NSS must support quantum-resistant algorithms starting in 2027 Legacy systems that cannot run quantum-resistant algorithms face phaseout by 2030 NSA warns of “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics targeting encrypted information The National Security Agency is developing post-quantum cryptography resources designed to protect national security systems, dubbed NSS, during the transition to algorithms that can withstand quantum computing threats.

TSA concurred with all five DHS OIG recommendations to improve its IT access controls Auditors cited gaps in privileged account approvals, annual reviews and separated employee access TSA launched a ServiceNow process in July 2026 to disable separated employees’ accounts The Transportation Security Administration is tightening oversight of privileged accounts and employee offboarding to reduce the risk of unauthorized access after a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General...

DHS last summer tested an integrated biometric entry-exit system in a live setting Contractors used emerging technologies like AI to create a 3D digital environment of a capture zone Learn about new biometric procurement opportunities at the 2026 Homeland Security Summit! Implementing an integrated biometric entry-exit system at U.S. border crossings is a top national security priority.

John Skillman will succeed Adm. James Kilby as vice chief of naval operations if confirmed Skillman currently serves as the Navy’s N8, overseeing integration of capabilities and resources He previously commanded USS New Orleans, USS Ponce and USS San Antonio President Donald Trump has nominated Vice Adm. John “Brad” Skillman for appointment as vice chief of naval operations, the Navy’s second-highest-ranking officer, and to the rank of admiral.

Carter Farmer has emerged as the reported federal CIO pick EPA opens search for new CIO The 2026 FedCiv Summit will explore AI, cybersecurity and more Carter Farmer, chief information officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, is the White House’s choice to serve as federal CIO, FedScoop reported Wednesday, citing multiple sources. Changes in federal IT leadership come as civilian agencies continue to advance their technology priorities.

Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. has been nominated to lead U.S. Space Command Miller currently serves as U.S. Space Force’s deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs and requirements Miller would succeed Gen. Stephen Whiting President Donald Trump has nominated Lt. Gen. David Miller Jr. to become the next commander of U.S. Space Command. According to a congressional notice, the Senate received the president’s nomination on Tuesday.