Warfighting at Warp Speed, Part 5: Software Acquisitions at Speed and Scale

PilieroMazza has been covering the Department of War’s (DOW) acquisition overhaul since Secretary Hegseth’s November 2025 memorandum: “Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities.” Now, the Department of the Army (Army), via Army Directive 2026-19, Enabling Modern Software Acquisition Practices (the Directive), has taken a concrete step to implement the DOW’s policy of focusing on acquiring and delivering weapons and business systems at speed and scale. Under the July 22, 2026 Directive, Army Secretary Driscoll announced the . . . Read More

Warfighting at Warp Speed, Part 4: DFARS Overhaul

In November 2025, the Department of War (DOW) announced its blueprint for its Acquisition Overhaul, and savvy defense contractors took note of DOW’s plan to realign its processes with its goals—namely, accountability, speed, and industry investment. In concert with the broader Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), DOW is now implementing a sweeping rewrite of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). In this blog, we provide an overview of how the DFARS rollout will occur and some key insights on a . . . Read More

Warfighting at Warp Speed, Part 3: Tracking the 2026 NDAA and DOW’s Acquisition Overhaul

In December 2025, PilieroMazza explained some key highlights of the 3,000-page 2026 NDAA for defense contractors, tracking how these important updates will affect their ability to compete and how they align with DOW’s Acquisition Overhaul. In this blog, we dive deeper into one of these NDAA updates—Section 1826—which all small businesses, defense contractors, and prospective defense contractors need to understand, as it could significantly ease compliance burdens across the existing defense industrial base and invite new competitors into the space. . . . Read More

Warfighting at Warp Speed, Part 2: Tracking the 2026 NDAA and DOW’s Acquisition Overhaul

In November, PilieroMazza explained the Department of War’s (DOW) Acquisition Overhaul and why defense contractors need to stay informed, as understanding how DOW plans to fast-track contract delivery will be key to thriving in this evolving landscape. Since DOW released its plans in a memo titled “Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities,” the government took further action to reshape the defense acquisition process via the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released by Congress on December . . . Read More

Warfighting at Warp Speed, Part 1: Why Defense Contractors Must Track the Department of War’s Acquisition Overhaul

The Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on November 7, 2025, that the U.S. Department of War (DOW) is dropping a game-changing memo: “Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities.” This bold blueprint reimagines how defense capabilities are delivered—with speed, agility, and results at the forefront. But with rapid transformation comes turbulence. While the newly branded Warfighting Acquisition System promises thrilling opportunities, it also introduces uncertainty. Defense contractors should stay sharp and informed. Understanding how DOW plans . . . Read More

Competing at the Speed of Space: What Space Force’s Acquisition Shift Means for Government Contractors

Defense contracting is changing rapidly, and United States Space Force (USSF) procurements are no exception. In September 2025, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized that USSF cannot afford to maintain the status quo of “chasing perfection” and instead must shift toward building “minimum viable capability.” For contractors, that message is important: winning future USSF work may depend less on proposing a fully mature, long-duration solution and more on showing that the company can deliver a usable, mission-ready capability . . . Read More

Warfighting at Warp Speed: Why Defense Contractors Must Track the DOW’s Acquisition Overhaul

Click here to view the recorded session. In November 2025, the Department of War (DOW) released a game-changing memo: “Transforming the Warfighting Acquisition System to Accelerate Fielding of Capabilities.” This bold blueprint reimagines how defense capabilities are delivered—placing speed, agility, and results at the forefront. But with rapid transformation comes turbulence. While the newly branded Warfighting Acquisition System promises contract opportunities, it also introduces uncertainty. Don’t miss PilieroMazza’s Lauren Brier and Josie Farnielli as they address why defense contractors should stay informed and how understanding . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – September 17, 2026

 The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com. _____________________________________________ GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS GovCon M&A and Organizational Conflicts of Interest: How Acquisitions Can Restrict Future Opportunities | The GovCon M&A Playbook, Part 6 PilieroMazza Blog; Author: Samuel S. Finnerty A buyer identifies a government contractor with strong customer relationships, complementary capabilities, and a $100 million pipeline. The buyer expects the acquisition to open new markets, create cross-selling opportunities, . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – February 19, 2026

  The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com. _____________________________________________   GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS DHS Shutdown Talks Hit a Wall as GOP Fumes, The Hill Discussions between the White House and Democratic leaders on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have hit a wall as administration officials publicly slammed the minority party for refusing to make concessions. Read more here.  SBA Strikes Again: New 8(a) Program . . . Read More

Weekly Update for Government Contractors and Commercial Businesses – January 8, 2026

  The Weekly Update recaps recent legislative and regulatory updates affecting government contractors and commercial businesses. If you have questions concerning this content, please email marketing@pilieromazza.com. _____________________________________________ Happy New Year from PilieroMazza!   PilieroMazza Promotes Eric Valle to Partner, Helping Government Contractors Navigate Compliance and Stay Competitive, PilieroMazza News PilieroMazza is proud to announce that Eric Valle was promoted to Partner in the Firm’s Government Contracts Group effective January 1, 2026. Eric’s promotion reflects his deep experience in government contracting law and his . . . Read More