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Pentagon

Austin ‘Concerned’ Pentagon Doesn’t Have Permanent Acquisition Chief In Place

By Matthew Beinart

Wednesday, July 21st, 2021

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Austin ‘Concerned’ Pentagon Doesn’t Have Permanent Acquisition Chief In Place

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin holds a press briefing at the Pentagon on Feb. 19, 2021.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday he’s “concerned” the department does not have a permanent acquisition chief in place, adding he’s working with the White House on identifying a candidate to lead the office. Austin’s remarks arrive after Michael Brown, director of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), withdrew his nomination to be the next under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment (A&S). Additionally, media reports have confirmed that Stacy Cummings, who is serving in acting capacity, is planning…

Congress

SASC Cites Concern With Army’s sUAS Approach, Seeks Info On Plans To Scale Fielding

Senate defense authorizers are seeking more info from the Army on its plans for scaling and deploying small drone capabilities citing concern with the service’s current “fragmented and insufficient” approach. […]

SASC Bill Would Raise Amphib Requirement To 33 Ships

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) fiscal year 2027 defense policy bill adds new provisions that would raise the Navy and Marine Corps’ minimum requirement for amphibious warships and extend […]

Army

Army Plans To Initiate ISV-Heavy Competition Later This Year, Official Says

The Army is planning to initiate its competition to build the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV)-Heavy in the fourth quarter of this year, a senior acquisition official has said. Jesse Tolleson, […]

Senate Authorization Bill Restricts Building Navy Warships Overseas With Limited Exception For Auxiliaries

The Senate Armed Services Committee’s (SASC) version of the FY 2027 defense policy bill looks to cut the ability for the Trump administration to buy foreign-made warships, but still allow […]