INNOVATIVE CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC

From Defense Knowledge

Stories from around the Department of Defense

DOD Announces Instructions for Reporting Termination and Cancelation Actions Taken in Response to the Administration's Efficiency Initiatives: The Defense Department announced the Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy memorandum.; — Press Operations 2025-04-03 21:46:12
Advance Underwater Communication for the Future of Naval Operations: A Call for Solutions: The tri-national AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025 is seeking commercial companies with solutions that will enhance the tactical and operational capabilities of undersea command.; — Press Operations 2025-04-03 16:07:21
Jules W. Hurst III, Performing the Duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Statement on Guidance on Hiring Freeze Exemptions for the Civilian Workforce: During the hiring freeze directed by the secretary of defense, DOD will continue to hire the civilians that support the lethality of the total force.; — Press Operations 2025-04-02 13:48:40
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell Statement on Force Posture Updates: In line with the president's direction to achieve peace through strength, the defense secretary directed the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to remain in the U.S Central Command area of respon...; — Press Operations 2025-04-01 20:52:00
Office of Strategic Capital Receives $8.9 Billion in Financing Requests for First Domestic Manufacturing Loan Program: The Office of Strategic Capital received more than 200 applications totaling $8.9 billion in financing requests for its inaugural credit product for American manufacturing.; — Press Operations 2025-04-01 15:41:36
Statement by Secretary of Defense Chief of Staff Joseph Kasper on Counterterrorism Action: The Defense Department completed a successful counterterrorism mission this weekend, in partnership with El Salvador.; — Press Operations 2025-04-01 09:57:02
New Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy Appointed: Laurie Buckhout, the new deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, is responsible for establishing DOD cyberspace policy and strategy.; — Press Operations 2025-03-31 16:25:53

Multimedia driven stories and information about Defense Department programs

The Heart of the Matter: Test Yourself on America's Oldest Medal: Since its origin during the Revolutionary War, the Purple Heart has served as a recognition of sacrifice and heroism by those in the U.S. military. Find out how much you know about the Purple Heart.; — Press Operations 2025-01-14 18:09:00
We Prepare. You Should, Too.: Service members train and prepare year-round so when disasters strike, troops are ready to help those in harm's way. Learn how you can prepare, too.; — Press Operations 2025-01-09 17:02:00
DOD in Photos 2024: DOD in Photos focuses in on the people and activities of the Defense Department around the world while highlighting the extraordinary work of military photographers who capture it all.; — Press Operations 2024-12-19 15:31:00
Military Units: Space Force: The Space Force structure is unique. While it is a separate and distinct branch of the armed services, it is organized under the Department of the Air Force.; — Press Operations 2024-12-12 17:27:00
Celebrating Holiday Troop Traditions: Not even Santa can escape our radar. And tracking him is only one of the many ways troops celebrate the holidays.; — Press Operations 2024-12-10 22:19:00
Remembering Pearl Harbor: On Dec. 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and propelled the nation into World War II.; — Press Operations 2024-12-03 19:38:00
Land vs. Sea: Test Your Army-Navy Game Knowledge: Who will "sing second" this year? See how much you know about one of the oldest college football rivalries.; — Press Operations 2024-12-03 07:42:00

Speeches

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the 80th Reunion of Honor Ceremony on Iwo Jima (As Delivered): Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered remarks during the 80th Reunion of Honor ceremony on Iwo Jima.; — Press Operations 2025-03-29 13:00:00
Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered): Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered opening remarks at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels.; — Pete Hegseth 2025-02-12 16:32:00
Farewell Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (As Delivered): Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III gave farewell remarks at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va.; — Lloyd J. Austin III 2025-01-17 21:57:48
Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in Honor of President Biden (As Delivered): Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in Honor of President Biden; — LLoyd J. Austin III 2025-01-16 22:53:00
Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks at the Defense Innovation Board's Public Meeting: Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks gave remarks at the Defense Innovation Board's public meeting.; — Kathleen H. Hicks 2025-01-13 23:16:00
Keynote Address by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks "Outpacing the PRC: Lessons Learned for Strategic Competition" (As Delivered): Deputy Defense Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks gave a keynote address about "Outpacing the PRC: Lessons Learned for Strategic Competition."; — Kathleen H. Hicks 2025-01-10 18:29:00
Remarks by Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III After His 25th and Final Meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered): Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivered remarks following the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.; — Lloyd J. Austin III 2025-01-09 19:26:00

U.S. Department of Defense Contracts valued at $7.5 million or more

Contracts for April 3, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-04-03 21:00:25
Contracts for April 2, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-04-02 21:00:06
Contracts for April 1, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-04-01 21:00:42
Contracts for March 31, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-03-31 21:00:09
Contracts for March 28, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-03-28 21:00:26
Contracts for March 27, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-03-27 21:00:05
Contracts for March 26, 2025: Today's Defense Department contracts valued at $7.5 million or more are now live on Defense.gov.; — Press Operations 2025-03-26 21:00:36

Defense Daily

Anduril Unveils New Undersea Sensor Network: Anduril on Thursday unveiled its new AI-enabled undersea sensor node network, called Seabed Sentry, ahead of the annual Sea-Air-Space Expo next week. The company said the new system uses cable-less...; — Rich Abott 2025-04-03 21:31:52
DoD IG Opens Investigation On Hegseth’s Use Of Signal App To Discuss Yemen Strikes: The Pentagon inspector general’s office has opened an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app to discuss plans for military strikes in Yemen. In a [&...; — Matthew Beinart 2025-04-03 21:15:45
Army Selects 10 Vendors For Potential $4.2 Billion Aerostat Systems Contract: The Army has selected ten vendors for a new 10-year contracting vehicle, worth up to $4.2 billion, to provide services and modernization of aerostat surveillance systems. Advanced Technology System...; — Matthew Beinart 2025-04-03 21:08:37
Defense Industrial Base Needs Capacity, Surge Ability, Flexibility, And Resilience, Report Says: The U.S. defense industrial base (DIB) remains inadequate to give U.S. forces the edge in, and deter, a major conflict, says a new report by the Center for a New […]; — Cal Biesecker 2025-04-03 21:07:28
First OA-1K Skyraider Delivered to AFSOC: L3Harris Technologies [LHX] and Air Tractor said on Thursday that they have delivered the first “missionized” OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft for U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command ...; — Frank Wolfe 2025-04-03 21:06:01
Hawk vs. Dove: Wicker and Others ‘Reject’ Arguments Against Golden Dome From Kelly and Others: While Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) are pulling for President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense against nuclear adversaries, others are saying it is not cos...; — Sarah Salem 2025-04-03 19:45:32
Leidos Announces Up to Five Year, $390 Million SIGINT Award: Leidos [LDOS] has won an up to five-year, $390 million National Security Agency (NSA) contract for signals intelligence (SIGINT) “capabilities, analysis and reporting tool modifications, engi...; — Frank Wolfe 2025-04-03 19:39:10

LegiStorm Caught Our Eye Digest

Kennedy press secretary joins DHS: Paloma Chacon has joined the U. S. Department of Homeland Security as a deputy press secretary after more than three years in Sen. John Kennedy's (R-La. ) office. Chacon most recently served as K...; 2025-04-02 17:52:33
House Democrats dwarf Republicans in town hall events: House Democrats have significantly outnumbered House Republicans in town hall events so far in 2025. From Jan. 1 to March 31, House Democrats have held 376 town hall events, more than doubling the...; 2025-03-31 16:21:14
Malliotakis staffer races up the ranks: Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N. Y. ) has promoted longtime staffer Anthony Raisley to communications director, marking his latest step up the office ladder. Raisley, who has been with Malliotakis' o...; 2025-03-28 17:47:11
57 members have an alma mater competing in the Sweet 16: With 16 teams remaining in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, 44 representatives and 13 senators have a rooting interest as their alma maters compete for a national championship. Each of the 16 ...; 2025-03-26 16:10:12
Fringe John Birch Society registers first lobbyist: The John Birch Society, a fringe advocacy group whose founder accused President Dwight Eisenhower of being a "dedicated, conscious agent of the communist conspiracy," has registered to lo...; 2025-03-24 19:22:30

WSJ Op-eds

Trump and His ‘Little Disturbance’ From Tariffs: The effective U.S. tariff rate is now higher than after Smoot-Hawley.; — The Editorial Board 2025-04-03 21:49:00
Finland Knows Winter Is Coming: The Finns ramp up defense spending and leave a land-mine pact. It’s a lesson for Trump.; — The Editorial Board 2025-04-03 21:43:00
What the Trump Dollar Plunge Means: Are investors losing confidence in U.S. economic policy?; — The Editorial Board 2025-04-03 21:40:00
Congress Begins to Dissent on Trade: Four GOP Senators vote to undo Trump’s tariffs on Canada.; — The Editorial Board 2025-04-03 21:45:00
Say Hello to Your New Colleague, the AI Agent: Today’s CEOs are the final generation of executives who will lead exclusively human workforces.; — Marc Benioff 2025-04-03 19:37:00
Living Well Is Europe’s Best Revenge for Trump Tariffs: Policy overhauls to boost domestic prosperity can insulate the Continent from U.S. protectionism.; — Joseph C. Sternberg 2025-04-03 19:33:00
The Incredibly Massive Number of Hackneyed Words Is Surreal: Overused, meaningless phrases fall out of fashion. It would be awesome if they did it a little quicker.; — Joseph Epstein 2025-04-03 19:32:00

The Diplomat

COP31: An Opportunity That Australia Cannot Afford to Miss: The benefits of co-hosting the annual climate negotiations by far outweigh the costs, both economically and strategically.; — Melanie Pill and Richie Merzian 2025-04-04 05:46:00
Southeast Asian Governments React to Punitive Trump Tariffs: Vietnam and Thailand say they are open to negotiations with Washington, but will also seek to diversify their export markets away from the U.S.; — Sebastian Strangio 2025-04-04 04:27:00
The India-US Trade Dilemma: Tariffs, Tensions, and the Road Ahead: New Delhi faces a difficult choice between attempting to ease tariffs through diplomatic channels or imposing counter-tariffs on U.S. goods.; — Kashif Hasan Khan 2025-04-03 15:00:00
On Defense, Trump’s Early Moves in Asia Have Been Notably Normal: Despite its high-decible MAGA rhetoric, the administration has largely upheld the regional commitments made during Joe Biden's presidency.; — Tom Corben 2025-04-03 14:33:00
Airstrikes Amid Earthquakes: Myanmar’s Double Disaster: The junta's muddled and repressive response to the devastating March 28 earthquake show where its priorities really lie.; — Myra Dahgaypaw and La Min 2025-04-03 23:55:00
Myanmar and the Gutting of USAID: The Trump administration's foreign aid cuts have crippled U.S. efforts to support earthquake relief efforts. But that's not the only damage they will do.; — Naw Theresa 2025-04-04 00:24:00
Russia’s Complicated Strategic Frontiers in Southeast Asia: Southeast Asia is an especially appealing strategic frontier in Moscow’s dream of a multipolar world. But the reality of Russian engagement in the region is complicated.; — Lucas Myers and Dan White 2025-04-03 15:58:00

European Security & Defence

Leonardo unveils new cockpit design for Block 20 version of the M-346: <img width="300" height="225" src="https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/M-346-Block-20-cockpit-Leonardo-300x225.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: bl...; — Peter Felstead 2025-04-03 16:50:35
JFD to continue providing subsea-related capabilities to UK MoD under new contract: <img width="300" height="200" src="https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TMCC-JFD-300x200.jpeg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 5p...; — Peter Felstead 2025-04-03 15:50:05
Rohde & Schwarz unveils the capabilities of its ARDRONIS Effect C-UAV jammer: <img width="300" height="201" src="https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ARDRONIS-Effect-Rohde-Schwarz-300x201.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: bloc...; — Peter Felstead 2025-04-03 14:38:17
Japanese MoD initiates project to develop VTOL UAV for ground forces: <img width="300" height="219" src="https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Japanese-VTOL-UAV-concept-ATLA-300x219.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: blo...; — Peter Felstead 2025-04-03 12:58:10
Saab receives UTAAS order from BAE Systems for CV90s: <img width="300" height="240" src="https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CV90-with-UTAAS-BAE-Systems-300x240.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="display: block;...; — Peter Felstead 2025-04-03 12:17:13
Bridging: Keeping up with rising MLC: <img width="300" height="200" src="https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4-Anaconda-Credit-GDELS-Bridge-Systems-300x200.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="disp...; — ESD 2025-04-03 10:20:00

Politico Defense feed

Trump's tariffs threaten US weapons production: The program could make it more difficult for America to produce weapons — and keep allies.; — By Paul McLeary and Joe Gould 2025-04-03 21:59:00
DOD watchdog launches investigation into Hegseth’s Signal use: The inquiry will examine whether the Pentagon chief violated the agency’s standards for sharing classified information.; — By Jack Detsch 2025-04-03 19:15:37
New chaos in White House as top NSC officials sacked: Mike Waltz’s NSC is under fire from far-right influencers.; — By Robbie Gramer and Jack Detsch 2025-04-03 18:51:22
Former acting AG Whitaker confirmed as US envoy to NATO: His selection had surprised U.S. allies because the lawyer had no significant foreign policy experience.; — By Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing 2025-04-02 01:38:27
Caine denies Trump’s MAGA hat tale: The nominee for the Joint Chiefs chair said the president "was actually talking about somebody else."; — By Joe Gould and Connor O'Brien 2025-04-01 14:28:27
Judge blocks Trump administration from firing CIA, ODNI staffers who worked on DEI: A federal judge in Alexandria, Virginia, ordered that the employees be allowed to seek other positions at the agencies.; — By Josh Gerstein 2025-04-01 00:25:37
Atlantic editor: ‘Phone numbers don't just get sucked into other phones’: Jeffrey Goldberg denies he never spoke to Mike Waltz prior to Signal chat leak; — By Amanda Friedman 2025-03-30 16:18:04

CGTN-China politics

CGTN poll on U.S. 'reciprocal tariffs': CGTN invites its global audience to share their views on the recent "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by the U.S.; 2025-04-03 07:53:32
Timeline: S. Korean President Yoon's impeachment trial: Timeline: S. Korean President Yoon's impeachment trial; 2025-04-03 07:09:22
Graphics: Xizang's economic development in numbers: Graphics: Xizang's economic development in numbers; 2025-03-29 14:33:47
Nature survey: About 75% of U.S. scientists are considering leaving: Nature survey: About 75% of U.S. scientists are considering leaving; 2025-03-30 03:54:09
China unveils new guideline to boost social credit system: China unveils new guideline to boost social credit system; 2025-04-01 02:37:58
China's top political advisor urges oversight on Yangtze conservation: China's top political advisor urges oversight on Yangtze conservation; 2025-04-03 01:31:57
Xi Jinping extends condolences over passing of Laos' former president: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, extending his deep condolences over the passing of Khamtay Siphandone, former president of Laos and fo...; 2025-04-03 08:31:36

TradeWinds - maritime shipping news

Massive cocaine seizure on JJ Ugland bulker after FBI tip uncovers $700m haul: Norwegian owner says procedures will be reviewed to tighten precautions against trafficking; — Gary Dixon 2025-04-04 10:50:44
Feeder shipping is ‘bright spot’ with the best returns in container space: Consultant sees returns for smaller boxships massively outstripping larger vessels; — Ian Lewis 2025-04-04 10:43:55
Frode Teigen closes asset-play masterclass as Belships bids farewell to Oslo Stock Exchange: Ultramax owner transformed under previous majority shareholder Frode Teigen; — Holly Birkett 2025-04-04 10:37:54
Stolt-Nielsen executives explain how investors are valuing the company incorrectly: Revived buyback scheme aimed at supporting the Oslo-listed company's share price, Jens Gruner-Hegge explains; — Gary Dixon 2025-04-04 09:46:27
Suezmax rates could slide rapidly after closures at key terminal, Braemar says: Broker warns of delays and higher demurrage costs as two of three Russian mooring points out of action; — Gary Dixon 2025-04-04 09:42:59
Jens Ismar hands over Exmar shipping reins to new face: Gas specialist talks about ‘becoming a grown up’, having ‘too much fun’ and his search for a little more freedom; — Lucy Hine 2025-04-04 08:15:51
Clock ticking for Delta Corp Holdings’ Singapore unit to settle second winding-up petition: This is the second court application to wind up group’s Singapore shipping subsidiary for unpaid bills; — Holly Birkett 2025-04-04 08:04:08

EveryCRS Appropriations

Department of Homeland Security Appropriations: FY2025 State of Play: 2024-09-27 04:00:00
FY2025 Appropriations Status: In Brief: 2024-09-30 04:00:00
Agricultural Conservation: FY2023 and FY2024 Appropriations: 2024-10-01 04:00:00
Overview of Continuing Appropriations for FY2025 (Division A of P.L. 118-83): 2024-10-07 04:00:00
Offshore Energy Agency Appropriations, FY2025: 2024-10-10 04:00:00
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2025 Budget and Appropriations: 2024-10-16 04:00:00
Energy and Water Development Appropriations for Nuclear Weapons Activities: In Brief: 2024-10-24 04:00:00

TechCrunch

A comprehensive list of 2025 tech layoffs: A complete list of all the known layoffs in tech, from Big Tech to startups, broken down by month throughout 2024.; — Cody Corrall, Alyssa Stringer, Kate Park 2025-04-04 09:44:26
ChatGPT: Everything you need to know about the AI-powered chatbot: ChatGPT, OpenAI’s text-generating AI chatbot, has taken the world by storm since its launch in November 2022. What started as a tool to supercharge productivity through writing essays and code wi...; — Kyle Wiggers, Cody Corrall, Alyssa Stringer, Kate Park 2025-04-04 09:17:39
StrictlyVC is heading to London this May: StrictlyVC is crossing the Atlantic! On 13 May, London will play host to an exclusive StrictlyVC evening, delivering the same high-caliber VC insider content that has made these events a must-atten...; — TechCrunch Events 2025-04-04 07:00:00
Midjourney releases V7, its first new AI image model in nearly a year: Midjourney, one of the first AI-based image generators on the web, has released its first new AI image model in nearly a year. Dubbed V7, the model began rolling out in alpha around midnight EST on...; — Kyle Wiggers 2025-04-04 04:59:47
Amazon’s new AI agent will shop third-party sites for you: Amazon is starting to test a new AI shopping agent, a feature it calls “Buy for Me,” with a subset users, the company announced in a blog post Thursday. If Amazon doesn’t sell som...; — Maxwell Zeff 2025-04-04 00:35:40
Federal judge allows the EFF’s lawsuit against DOGE and Elon Musk to proceed: A federal judge ruled on Thursday that a lawsuit attempting to stop the Department of Government Efficiency from obtaining records on millions of Americans may proceed. In conjunction with privacy ...; — Julie Bort 2025-04-03 22:05:13
Amazon Kindle’s new feature uses AI to generate recaps for books in a series: Amazon is introducing a new “Recaps” feature for Kindle users to help them recall plot points and character arcs before picking up the latest book in a series. While the company’s...; — Aisha Malik 2025-04-03 20:32:28

Space.com

JWST finds spiral galaxy about 5 times more massive than Milky Way — scientists call it 'Big Wheel': Scientists have uncovered a massive galaxy that existed just 2 billion years after the Big Bang. But how did this colossal "Big Wheel" form so early in the universe? The answer could change everyth...; — capellalarissa68@hotmail.com (Larissa G. Capella) 2025-04-04 10:00:00
Watch SpaceX's history-making Fram2 astronaut mission return to Earth today: SpaceX's Fram2, the first crewed mission ever to orbit Earth over its poles, will splash down today (April 4), and you can watch the action live.; — mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) 2025-04-04 09:00:20
SpaceX launches 27 Starlink satellites to orbit from California: SpaceX sent 27 of its Starlink internet satellites toward low Earth orbit from California this evening (April 3).; — mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) 2025-04-04 01:14:25
SpinLaunch wants to send 250 broadband 'microsatellites' to orbit with a single launch: SpinLaunch has unveiled its plans for a new broadband satellite constellation known as Meridian Space.; — brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley) 2025-04-03 22:00:00
I'm going to a huge astronomy expo to see the latest telescope tech this weekend. I won't be alone.: Billed as the "World's Largest Astronomy & Space Expo," NEAF 2025 draws thousands of stargazers each year, with astronauts and exoplanet hunters speaking this year.; — tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik) 2025-04-03 21:45:35
NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts reveal moon mission patch to honor 'AII': The next astronauts to fly to the moon now have a mission patch to represent their journey. NASA debuted the official Artemis 2 insignia, its first emblem for a moon-bound crew in more than 50 years.; — robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman) 2025-04-03 21:00:00
SpaceX fires up used Super Heavy booster ahead of 9th Starship test flight (photos, videos): SpaceX is gearing up for the ninth test flight of its Starship megarocket, which will be the first to reuse the vehicle's Super Heavy first stage.; — mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) 2025-04-03 20:13:32