Navigating the New “Production-First” Defense Paradigm
Summary Prioritizing the Warfighter The American defense industrial base (DIB) is currently undergoing its most significant structural realignment in decades. On January 7, 2026, the White House issued the Executive Order (EO) “Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting,” signaling a decisive shift away from decades of shareholder-first thinking toward a “production-first” model of national security […]
GSA: What’s the Future of Acquisition?
The Chertoff Group recently hosted an exclusive discussion about the strategic shift in Federal acquisition and a wave of changes including GSA’s expanding authority, an updated Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the push to consolidate contract vehicles and IT acquisition transformation. These changes present both challenges and opportunities for contracting officers and industry stakeholders. Our panel […]
Decisive Shift in Purchasing at DOW Explained
The Department of War’s new Draft Acquisition System Guidance is more than another policy update circulating through the Pentagon. It represents a decisive shift in how national security leaders want to buy and deliver capability in an era where technological change and pressures created by rapid adversary modernization are fundamentally outpacing the traditional acquisition cycle. […]
Doing Business with DHS
At a recent event sponsored by Washington Technology called “Doing Business with DHS,” Aaron Roth and other federal government experts advised contractors pursuing U.S. Homeland Security Department (DHS) funding, to look beyond initial procurement buys and focus on the long-term operational “tail.” According to Aaron Roth, principal and head of federal strategy and security with […]
Coast Guard Investments Improve Readiness
The Chertoff Group‘s Aaron Roth writes in National Defense Magazine about the benefits of a well-funded U.S. Coast Guard. With $25 billion in new funding, Coast Guard investments will improve mission readiness, replace aging cutters and increase personnel. This will enhance performance in crucial areas including border security, drug enforcement, cybersecurity and disaster response. This […]
DOGE: Impacts and Opportunities
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has evolved since its establishment in January 2025. As DOGE 2.0, takes shape, many are questioning what it will look like moving forward. In late June 2025, we hosted an exclusive panel discussion titled, “DOGE: Impacts and Opportunities.” The dialogue covered what the future of DOGE may bring, and how industry […]
DOGE 2025 Event Photos
Executive Protection in 2025: From Perk to Imperative In the six months since the assassination of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson, Fortune 500 board members and C-suite leaders have quietly and quickly recalibrated Read More Ron Rowe is Chertoff Group’s newest Senior Advisor WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Chertoff Group, a global security and growth advisory […]
Growth Strategies for Government Contractors at 100 Days
The early months of this administration have brought policy shifts, sparking both anticipation and anxiety in federal contracting circles. For contractors, understanding the administration’s mindset and priorities, including DOGE, is critical to positioning themselves for success. At The Chertoff Group, we advise taking a pragmatic view, looking at the potential impacts and how affected stakeholders […]
How Will the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Impact GovCon?
Today, President Donald Trump was sworn in for a second, nonconsecutive term after the historic November 2024 election. As highlighted on the campaign trail, Trump’s Administration will bring with it an unprecedented challenge to the status quo of government operations, inviting important discussions about government size, efficiency and efficacy. Prior to taking office, Mr. Trump […]
Eliminating Foreign Influence in Federal Contracting
In an age of amplified global tensions and heightened cybersecurity threats, the U.S. government has sharpened its focus on potential foreign influence in the federal contracting space. For contractors planning to acquire and maintain government business, understanding and preparing for this increased scrutiny is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.