Department of Defense contracts Aerosol, Vapor Chemical Agent Detectors from Smiths Detection
As a means to detect, identify, alarm and report traditional and advanced chemical threats, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) this week chose Smiths Detection to provide 122 portable Aerosol and Vapor Chemical Agent Detectors (AVCAD). The award, which included five fixed systems for ships... Read More »
Pay Our Military Act pledges military pay regardless of government shutdown
U.S. Senate Republicans led by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) recently introduced legislation that seeks to make sure military service members still get paid in the event of a government shutdown. The Pay Our Military Act of 2023, S.2835, would guarantee that all American military branches – Army,... Read More »
Safe Response Act pledges training for first responders to prevent overdoses
U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced legislation on Tuesday that would provide investments for a grant program meant to help train and provide resources to first responders working to prevent overdose deaths. The Safe Response Act, S.... Read More »
Department of Defense awards $30M in grants to six Defense Manufacturing Communities
As part of the Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program (DMCSP), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) this week awarded approximately $30 million to six organizations, following competitive applications. "Delivering capabilities to our warfighters at scale depends on a resilient and... Read More »
Northrop Grumman to provide U.S. Air Force with new SiAW missile capabilities
As an upgrade for fifth generation aircraft and more, the U.S. Air Force tapped Northrop Grumman Corporation this week to deliver the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), an air-to-ground weapon meant to hunt rapidly relocatable targets. “Northrop Grumman’s SiAW delivers on the Air Force’s... Read More »
Overtime Pay for Protective Services Act introduced to guarantee Secret Service gets paid fairly
U.S. Reps. Mark Green (R-TN) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) recently introduced the Overtime Pay for Protective Services Act of 2023, new legislation that would extend the overtime pay authority for U.S. Secret Service agents. “For the brave men and women of the Secret Service, protecting our... Read More »
FirstNet Authority Board approves $451M budget for FY24
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) last week approved its Fiscal Year 2024 budget, allocating $451 million to fund operations and consider network improvements. “This budget positions the FirstNet Authority for continued growth and success as we implement our... Read More »
Biden administration adds national security protections to CHIPS incentives program
Through elaboration of certain provisions, the U.S. Department of Commerce placed guardrails on the CHIPS and Science act last week, barring associated funds from expanding semiconductor manufacturing in or jointly researching with foreign countries of concern. “One of the Biden-Harris... Read More »
Legislation demanding Chinese sanctions advances beyond House committee
A measure to demand sanctions on and prohibit nearly all economic interactions with blacklisted Chinese entities so targeted – the Chinese Military and Surveillance Company Sanctions Act of 2023 (H.R. 760) – advanced from the House Financial Services Committee last week. Authored by U.S.... Read More »
Bipartisan legislation proposes establishing FEMA as cabinet-level federal agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could, as a whole, be up for a major promotion under the FEMA Independence Act of 2023 – a proposal to raise the agency to a cabinet-level position. According to its authors – U.S. Reps. Garret Graves (R-LA) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) – the... Read More »
Marshals’ Operation North Star III yields arrests of more than 4,400 fugitives nationwide
After three months under Operation North Star III, the U.S. Marshals Service reported arrests of 4,455 violent fugitives this week, following targeted efforts in 20 cities to execute warrants for homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and firearms violations. “ONS is an... Read More »
U.S. military implementing creative programs to boost recruitment efforts
As some branches of the U.S. Armed Forces are coming up short in their recruitment efforts, officials are looking at creative ways to connect students with recruitment officers, as well as programs that increase the likelihood students are prepared to pass rigorous military entrance... Read More »
DHS gathers private experts for Homeland Intelligence Experts Group
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Homeland Intelligence Experts Group this week, assembling experts from the private sector to advise on federal intelligence efforts. Former senior intelligence officials, journalists, and human rights advocates join the assembly,... Read More »
House Homeland Security Republicans probe DHS, DoD and FBI over reported Chinese attempts to access sensitive U.S. sites
In a letter to the heads of the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Defense (DoD) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the House chairs pressed for details of their responses to supposed Chinese attempts to breach U.S. military and other sensitive sites. The letter from House... Read More »