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Cost Estimating NewsBrief: August 28, 2026
Three initiatives causing industry new concerns about DoD acquisition reforms
(Federal News Network) The Defense Department’s third message to industry since early May is prompting many contractors to strongly doubt whether Secretary Pete Hegseth’s goal of revitalizing the defense industrial base still is a priority. Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg’s Aug. 18 memo on cost and pricing is the latest example in the last three months of the Pentagon adding more compliance and complexity to contractors working for the DoD. Taken together, industry and acquisition experts say DoD is sending a mixed message at best, and at worst, creating disincentives for companies to join or even stay in the defense industrial base over the long term. Read More
National Security Space: DOD Has Opportunities to Improve Its Use of Commercial Data and Related Services
(U.S. Government Accountability Office) The Department of Defense uses equipment—like satellites—to protect the U.S. from foreign adversaries both at home and abroad. This equipment provides DOD with data, like an enemy’s location, via coordinates. DOD also relies on companies in the commercial space sector to provide data about activities on Earth and in space. We found that some officials are missing opportunities to use this data due to licensing costs, perceived use restrictions, and concerns over long-term data access. Our recommendation addresses this issue. Read More
Deferred Maintenance Up, Needed Staff Down, DoD/DoW Officials Tell GAO
(FEDWeek) GAO has estimated that the backlog of deferred maintenance at DoD/DoW facilities has risen to $385 billion from $137 billion in 2020, with officials telling auditors that loss of staff and the hiring freeze under the Trump administration have left them with fewer employees to address those needs. Officials from three facilities that GAO questioned specifically about the deferred resignation program “reported that their maintenance and facility management workforce substantially decreased and that the positions, or billets, for any individuals participating in the program were permanently eliminated from their offices regardless of need.” Read More
How the World Cup became a ‘forcing function’ for drone security
(Route Fifty) More than 700 illegal drones were downed during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, but industry insiders believe it’s just the beginning of an effort to make drone security a big part of public safety. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel said in a video released last month that, while some may have been a “borderline nuisance” and others had “criminal intentions,” they were violating airspace rules formed by the Federal Aviation Administration and so all needed to be removed. “We don’t have the luxury of taking the chance and saying, well, this is probably for a slightly nefarious purpose versus criminal purpose,” Patel said. “If you’re in the space, we’re going to take you down.” Read More
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