DOD CIO Archives

Members of the 56th Air and Space Communications Squadron at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam operate cyber systems using a Enhanced communications flyaway kit during the Global Information Dominance Experiment 3 and Architect Demonstration Evaluation 5 at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Michigan, July, 12, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Amy Picard)

DOD CIO solicits industry to inform revamp of ‘cumbersome’ cybersecurity risk framework

The Pentagon CIO is seeking industry feedback on a new construct that will modernize the notoriously burdensome Risk Management Framework.

6 days ago By Mikayla Easley

A signage of Microsoft is seen on March 13, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)

EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon CIO reviewing Microsoft 365 licenses as part of DOGE-related cuts

“Our Microsoft 365 contract [is a] very big contract here in the Department of Defense. Does every individual in the Department of Defense need an [E5] license?…

Jun 17, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Acting DOD CIO Katie Arrington speaks at the UiPath on Tour Public Sector conference, April 29, 2025. (Photo credit: Scoop News Group)

Inside the Pentagon CIO’s push to overhaul antiquated software acquisition practices

In an exclusive interview with DefenseScoop, acting Pentagon CIO Katie Arrington outlined how her Software Fast Track initiative will help the DOD streamline acquisition of modern capabilities.

Jun 9, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. David Whalen, assigned to the Marine Innovation Unit (MIU), Marine Forces Reserve, works on developing a “Flight Mode” software feature at the Marine Corps Software Factory (MCSWF) in Austin, Texas, 17 – 29 March, 2025. (U.S.Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Orion Stpierre)

Pentagon sets out two-year plan to scale enterprise cloud offerings, software factories

The Pentagon CIO's updated software modernization implementation plan highlights three goals to help improve the department's delivery and deployment of software capabilities.

May 8, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Dave McKeown delivers a keynote at DefenseScoop’s DefenseTalks conference. (DefenseScoop)

DOD taps McKeown to serve as new special assistant for cybersecurity innovation

As part of the new role, McKeown will stand up and helm the DOD CIO's new Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.

Dec 20, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

A work crew prepares a 5G mobile test station for testing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Feb. 25, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw)

Pentagon taps Hughes to develop 5G O-RAN prototype at Fort Bliss

"The Open RAN project at Fort Bliss is a valuable opportunity for the DoD to explore the enhanced command and control capabilities that near-real time control of…

Nov 4, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

Audit finds flaws in Pentagon’s 2019 digital modernization strategy

The DOD CIO's 2019 digital modernization strategy contained objectives that were not “specific, verifiable and measurable," according to a new audit from the Pentagon Inspector General.

Jul 17, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

DOD CIO John Sherman at DefenseTalks — DOD CIO John Sherman delivers a keynote at DefenseTalks 2023. (DefenseScoop)

DOD CIO John Sherman departing at the end of June

A statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sherman has better positioned DOD to take advantage of technological developments and respond to digital threats.

Jun 6, 2024 By Mark Pomerleau

Zero-trust network architecture illustration (iStock/Getty Images)

DOD to brief Congress early next year on zero-trust progress

The Pentagon's zero-trust portfolio management office is expecting to receive Defense Department components' plans by Oct. 23.

Oct 19, 2023 By Mark Pomerleau

DOD to review agencies’ zero-trust proposals over the next few months

The services and other Defense Department components will soon be submitting their plans to achieve zero-trust cybersecurity by 2027.

Sep 7, 2023 By Mark Pomerleau