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How to make Tech Force work

The Office of Personnel Management announced the U.S. Tech Force program, which will place 1,000 technology fellows annually into federal agencies starting September for one- or two-year terms, supervised by private sector managers. This represents a significant government hiring initiative that could create new opportunities for technology contractors and consulting firms to support federal digital transformation efforts. The program's success will depend on implementation decisions being made currently, and could impact how agencies approach technology modernization and talent acquisition going forward.

Cabrillo Club·February 20, 2026

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Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia tapped for two leadership roles at GSA

Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia has been appointed as acting director of GSA's Technology Transformation Services (TTS) and senior advisor to the GSA administrator, replacing Thomas Shedd who moves to a fraud prevention role. TTS oversees critical government digital services including Login.gov and SAM.gov that contractors use for registration and authentication. This leadership change at GSA, following multiple DOGE-related departures, may signal shifts in how the agency approaches technology modernization and digital service delivery that could affect contractor engagement with these platforms.

Cabrillo Club·February 19, 2026

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SpaceX and Blue Origin abruptly shift priorities amid US Golden Dome push

A December 2025 White House executive order mandates a missile shield prototype by 2028 as part of the Golden Dome initiative, with lunar return timelines set for 2028 and permanent moon presence elements by 2030. This directive is driving major commercial space companies SpaceX and Blue Origin to rapidly shift priorities toward lunar development, with Defense officials emphasizing commercial partnerships as essential to achieving these goals. The policy shift represents significant new contracting opportunities in space defense and lunar infrastructure for aerospace contractors.

Cabrillo Club·February 19, 2026

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Airbus open to two-fighter option for FCAS to keep program alive

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program between France, Germany, and Spain faces potential restructuring, with Airbus proposing a 'two-fighter solution' to break the development deadlock. The sixth-generation fighter program has stalled due to disputes over work share, leadership, and technology transfer, with Germany's Chancellor indicating his country may not need the same aircraft as France. This represents a significant shift in European defense cooperation that could impact U.S. defense contractors working with European partners and affect transatlantic defense industrial relationships.

Cabrillo Club·February 19, 2026

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BAE says its Eurofighter pipeline is filled until first GCAP assembly

BAE Systems announced that Eurofighter Typhoon production is secured through the mid-2030s with recent orders from Spain, Italy, Germany, and new customer Turkey, filling the pipeline until GCAP sixth-generation fighter assembly begins. The consortium plans to increase production from 14 to 20 aircraft annually by mid-2028, with potential to reach 30 per year. This represents significant international defense contracting activity with implications for U.S. defense industrial base competition and allied interoperability, particularly as the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP program targets 2035 entry into service.

Cabrillo Club·February 19, 2026

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HHS’s reported AI uses soar, including pilots to address staff ‘shortage’

HHS reported a 65% increase in AI use cases in 2025, including pilots specifically designed to address staffing shortages following significant workforce reductions. The agency is deploying AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot for legal investigations and public correspondence, indicating a strategic shift toward automation amid reduced personnel. This trend suggests potential changes in how HHS contracts for services and may create opportunities for AI-enabled solutions while reducing traditional staffing-based contracts.

Cabrillo Club·February 19, 2026

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Interior Department finding momentum with modernization

The Department of Interior is modernizing its contracting and procurement processes by implementing robotic process automation (RPA) tools and exploring emerging technologies like generative AI and blockchain. The agency is also working to centralize IT infrastructure and improve compliance following an IG audit that found $40 million in misclassified IT purchases during FY2022-2024. These modernization efforts and process changes may impact how contractors engage with DOI procurement systems and requirements.

Cabrillo Club·February 18, 2026

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FAA, DOD data silos were partly to blame for last year’s DCA crash

The NTSB's final report on the DCA midair collision reveals systemic data-sharing and safety management failures across FAA and DOD, with specific recommendations for improved data analysis and inter-agency information sharing. The findings highlight deficiencies in Army helicopter flight safety data monitoring and FAA's risk assessment processes, which may drive new data management and safety compliance requirements for defense contractors. Contractors supporting aviation operations, particularly those working with FAA and DOD on safety systems and data analytics, should anticipate enhanced oversight and potential new requirements for safety data collection and sharing protocols.

Cabrillo Club·February 18, 2026

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Australia prepares for next batch of ‘Ghost Bat’ warplane buddy drones

Australia's Royal Australian Air Force has ordered seven additional MQ-28A Ghost Bat collaborative combat aircraft from Boeing Defence Australia in a third tranche worth AUS$754 million (US$534 million). This brings the total fleet to 18 aircraft across three blocks, with plans for 10 operational units by 2028 as part of Australia's long-range deterrence strategy. The program demonstrates international defense collaboration and potential export opportunities for U.S. defense contractors working with allied nations on unmanned combat systems.

Cabrillo Club·February 17, 2026

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Federal Register: Federal Acquisition Regulation: Prohibition on Certain Semiconductor Products and Services

OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA (collectively referred to as the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, or FAR Council) are proposing to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to partially implement a section of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 which prohibits executive agencies from procuring or obtaining certain products and services that include covered semiconductor products or services effective December 23, 2027.

Cabrillo Club·February 17, 2026

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Federal Register: Posting of Informational Video: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program

The Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO) has released an informational video to provide the public with an overview of the proposed rule for DoD's updated Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, which was published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2023 for public comment. The proposed rule establishes requirements for a comprehensive and scalable assessment mechanism to ensure defense contractors and subcontractors have, as part of the CMMC Program, implemented required existing security requirements for Federal Contract Information and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and adds new CUI security requirements for certain priority programs. This document announces that a video file containing an overview briefing of the CMMC proposed rule, presented by leadership and staff from the Office of the DoD Deputy CIO for Cybersecurity, was posted on the internet on February 14, 2024.

Cabrillo Club·February 17, 2026

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Federal Register: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program

With this final rule, DoD establishes the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program in order to verify contractors have implemented required security measures necessary to safeguard Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The mechanisms discussed in this rule will allow the Department to confirm a defense contractor or subcontractor has implemented the security requirements for a specified CMMC level and is maintaining that status (meaning level and assessment type) across the contract period of performance. This rule will be updated as needed, using the appropriate rulemaking process, to address evolving cybersecurity standards, requirements, threats, and other relevant changes.

Cabrillo Club·February 17, 2026

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Federal Register: National Industrial Security Program

This final rule removes the DoD's regulations on the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) regarding industrial security procedures and practices related to foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) for U.S. Government activities. The interim final rule currently in effect is duplicative and obsolete. The Director of the National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) is responsible for implementing and monitoring Executive Branch implementation of the NISP, and DoD's rule duplicates an amendment to the NARA rule on the same subject.

Cabrillo Club·February 17, 2026

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Federal Register: National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM); Amendment

DoD is proposing amendments to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) based on public comments received on a final rule published on December 21, 2020. The proposed amendments address implementation guidance and costs for the Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD) 3, clarifications on procedures for the protection and reproduction of classified information, controlled unclassified information (CUI), National Interest Determination (NID) requirements for cleared contractors operating under a Special Security Agreement for Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence, and eligibility determinations for personnel security clearance processes and requirements.

Cabrillo Club·February 17, 2026

War Room intelligence briefing hero image

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US Air Force needs 500 next-gen fighters, bombers to beat China, think tank says

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies recommends the U.S. Air Force procure at least 500 next-generation aircraft (300 F-47 fighters and 200 B-21 bombers) to counter China, significantly exceeding current plans of 185 F-47s and 100 B-21s. This policy recommendation could drive major procurement increases for Boeing's F-47 program and Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider program. While currently a think tank recommendation rather than official policy, such influential defense policy papers often shape congressional budget decisions and DoD acquisition strategies.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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Dismantle DEI Act of 2025

Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Education and Workforce, Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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Why Greenland’s takeover by the US is not needed for Golden Dome

The Trump administration issued an executive order in January 2025 establishing the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system, though specific program details and budgetary information remain insufficient for Congressional oversight according to House and Senate appropriators. The initiative is linked to the administration's National Defense Strategy which emphasizes guaranteed military access to Greenland, though the article argues acquisition of Greenland is not necessary for the missile defense objectives. Defense contractors should monitor for forthcoming program requirements and funding allocations as Golden Dome details emerge, as this represents a significant new defense initiative with unclear budgetary scope.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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Coast Guard awards Davie Defense contract for 5 icebreakers

The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded Davie Defense a contract for 5 icebreakers, representing a major procurement action to revitalize Coast Guard icebreaking capabilities. This contract award signals significant opportunities in the maritime defense sector and reflects DHS priorities for Arctic and polar operations. The multi-vessel contract represents substantial federal investment in shipbuilding and could impact the competitive landscape for maritime defense contractors.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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DOJ ramps up AI for legal work, crime predictions, surveillance, inventory shows

The Department of Justice has dramatically expanded its AI usage from 4 use cases in 2023 to 315 in 2025, with 114 classified as 'high-impact' affecting rights and safety decisions. This represents a significant shift in how DOJ operates across litigation, criminal investigations, and federal prisons, potentially creating new compliance requirements and contracting opportunities for AI vendors. Contractors supporting DOJ operations should anticipate increased demand for AI solutions while navigating heightened scrutiny around bias, privacy, and civil liberties concerns.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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Senior Enlisted Advisor to Chairman Testifies on Quality of Life

Warfighters are the foundation of War Department lethality, said Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman David L. Isom, who testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee on service member and family quality of life.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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Fleet cybersecurity funding to see ‘increased investment’ in FY27 budget request: Navy official

The Navy plans to increase cybersecurity funding in its FY27 budget request, specifically targeting fleet cybersecurity capabilities. This investment will be integrated into the Navy's Golden Fleet concept, indicating a strategic shift toward embedding cybersecurity from the design phase. Government contractors supporting Navy cybersecurity, shipbuilding, and fleet modernization programs should anticipate increased opportunities in this area.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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HASC chair ‘optimistic’ FY27 budget request coming in March

The House Armed Services Committee chair expressed optimism that the FY27 defense budget request will be submitted in March 2026. This timeline is significant for government contractors as it will establish funding priorities and program allocations for fiscal year 2027, enabling contractors to anticipate upcoming opportunities and align their business development strategies. The discussion also includes Trump administration priorities on missile defense, which may signal increased funding in that sector.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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Energy Department identifies 26 Genesis Mission challenges

The Department of Energy has identified 26 specific challenges under the Genesis Mission initiative, which originated from a November executive order focused on AI advancement. DOE is actively seeking researchers and innovators to address these challenges through its national labs, industry partners, and academia, with a Genesis Mission Consortium launched to coordinate public-private partnerships. This represents an expanding opportunity for government contractors in AI, research, and technology sectors to engage with DOE on federally-funded innovation projects.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026

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IRS official says agency improperly shared some taxpayer data with ICE

The IRS improperly shared taxpayer data with ICE that violated federal privacy law and exceeded the scope of their data-sharing MOU, affecting less than 5% of 47,289 records disclosed. This incident highlights compliance risks for contractors working with sensitive government data and reinforces the importance of strict adherence to data-sharing agreements and privacy regulations. The IRS has requested DHS remediate the matter and prevent further disclosure or use of the improperly shared information.

Cabrillo Club·February 16, 2026