Posted by
Cost Estimating NewsBrief: August 21, 2026
Agencies Rethink AI Acquisition Strategies as Tech Outpaces Traditional Contracting Timelines
(Executive Gov) The U.S. government’s conventional approach to buying technology is struggling to keep up with how quickly artificial intelligence tools are advancing, prompting agencies to look for faster and more flexible acquisition paths, according to a GovCIO Media & Research article citing federal leaders’ remarks at a forum on Thursday. Among the officials sharing their insights were Anil Chaudhry, senior advisor for AI, autonomy and national security at the Department of Transportation; Birgit Smeltzer, director of the Office of IT Products at the General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service; and Geoffrey Sage, director of the enterprise service and analysis division in NASA’s Office of Procurement. Read More
Army Modernization: Better Schedule and Cost Information Needed to Support Scaling Battlefield Network
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) The Army has two efforts underway to modernize its mobile battlefield communication technologies, making them more reliable and secure for modern large-scale combat operations. The first effort is a near-term upgrade to eliminate large, immobile command posts that are easy to destroy. The second effort is ongoing and should provide the Army with a long-term mobile network solution when complete. But the Army doesn’t have detailed schedule or cost information for this effort. This increases the risk these technologies will not be given to all Army units by FY 2032, as tentatively planned. Our recommendations address this issue. Read More
Rules about funding and cybersecurity can shape the defense market as surely as contracts do
(Federal News Network) The Defense Department is moving toward final decisions on cybersecurity requirements for contractors while Congress continues to debate funding priorities and possible additional spending through reconciliation. Those decisions will help shape how companies invest, compete, and plan for future government work. Terry Gerton: Two important topics. One is CMMC. The deadline for CMMC reform comments has just passed. PSC submitted comments on that. What were at the top of your list in terms of concerns or feedback on the proposal? Read More
New Per Diem Rate Announcement Likely Soon; Mileage Rate Ticks Up
(FEDWeek) If past practice is followed, the GSA likely will soon announce the new per diem rates for federal employees traveling on official business for the fiscal year starting October 1. That annual announcement is closely watched by federal employees who are regular travelers, who often complain that the amounts are inadequate and that they end up paying the difference out of their own pockets. Last August the GSA made no change in the rates for fiscal 2026 from the fiscal 2025 levels, keeping $110 per day as the standard lodging rate for destinations without specific rates. The range of the meals and incidental expenses portion remained between $68 and $92 per day; the lowest figure acts as the standard “M&IE” rate for destinations without specific lodgings rates. Read More
ICEAA’s NewsBrief is a collection of articles relevant to the cost estimating and analysis community that is delivered weekly to current ICEAA members. To advertise in NewsBrief, contact [email protected].