Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
FBI and HSI Indianapolis to Lead New Homeland Security Task Force
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The FBI issued the following news release:
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FBI and HSI Indianapolis to Lead New Homeland Security Task Force
Nationwide Initiative Targets Criminal Organizations
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INDIANAPOLIS--FBI Indianapolis is participating in the first-of-its-kind Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which coordinates law enforcement efforts nationwide to crush violent crime. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are leading efforts to target sophisticated cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and transnational gangs whose list of crimes include homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking,
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The FBI issued the following news release:
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FBI and HSI Indianapolis to Lead New Homeland Security Task Force
Nationwide Initiative Targets Criminal Organizations
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INDIANAPOLIS--FBI Indianapolis is participating in the first-of-its-kind Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which coordinates law enforcement efforts nationwide to crush violent crime. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are leading efforts to target sophisticated cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and transnational gangs whose list of crimes include homicide, kidnapping, human trafficking,extortion, and smuggling drugs across our borders.
"The FBI, HSI and our law enforcement partners stand united behind a single, unwavering mission: protecting the American people," said Timothy J. O'Malley, special agent in charge of FBI Indianapolis. "Through the Crossroads of America Homeland Security Task Force, we're sending a clear message to those who threaten our communities - your time here is over. We will find you, we will stop you, and we will not allow our citizens to become your next victims."
"The Homeland Security Task Force is a vital initiative to protect the American people and dismantle dangerous transnational criminal organizations. Through unprecedented coordination, HSI and our law enforcement partners will target drug cartels and other terrorist organizations to safeguard communities across the nation. This unified effort reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping America safe," said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago.
The task force rallies dozens of federal agencies as well as state and local partners across 50 states and territories.
"No single agency can tackle the scale and complexity of the threats we face alone," said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. "The Homeland Security Task Force exemplifies what's possible when federal, state, and local partners unite with purpose. Together we are confronting foreign terrorist organizations, human trafficking networks, violent drug cartels, and other transnational criminal entities and protecting our country and our fellow Hoosiers from these deadly threats. Make no mistake, we will bring every resource to bear in this fight."
"Through the Homeland Security Task Force, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in defending our Nation and its people," said M. Scott Proctor, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. "We are firmly committed to dismantling each and every criminal organization that threatens to harm our fellow citizens. The Homeland Security Task Force will ensure that such organizations and their members are brought to justice through the relentless, coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement."
The Crossroads of America Task Force includes the following law enforcement partners:
* FBI
* HSI
* United States Attorney's Office--Northern and Southern Districts
* ATF
* DEA
* IRS
* IMPD
* Indiana National Guard
* Indiana State Police
* HIDTA
* U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations
* Marion County Sheriff's Office
* Plainfield Police Department
Through a unified framework, the Crossroads of America Homeland Security Task Force will serve as a model for protecting the homeland from evolving threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing national resilience.
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Original text here: https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases
Energy Department Announces $355 Million to Expand Domestic Production of Critical Minerals and Materials
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Energy Department Announces $355 Million to Expand Domestic Production of Critical Minerals and Materials
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $355 million for two notices of funding opportunities issued by DOE's Office of Fossil Energy (FE) to expand domestic production of critical materials essential for advancing U.S. energy production, manufacturing, transportation and national defense. The first funding opportunity provides up to $275 million for American industrial
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Department of Energy issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Energy Department Announces $355 Million to Expand Domestic Production of Critical Minerals and Materials
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $355 million for two notices of funding opportunities issued by DOE's Office of Fossil Energy (FE) to expand domestic production of critical materials essential for advancing U.S. energy production, manufacturing, transportation and national defense. The first funding opportunity provides up to $275 million for American industrialfacilities capable of producing valuable minerals from existing industrial and coal byproducts. The second provides up to $80 million to establish Mine of the Future proving grounds for real-world testing of next-generation mining technologies.
The Department announced in August its intent to invest $1 billion to advance and scale mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies, delivering on President Trump's Executive Orders, Unleashing American Energy and Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production. These actions will secure America's critical material supply chain, increase domestic mineral production, reduce reliance on foreign sources, and strengthen U.S. energy independence.
"For too long, the United States has relied on foreign nations for the minerals and materials that power our economy," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "We have these resources here at home, but years of complacency ceded America's mining and industrial base to other nations. Thanks to President Trump's leadership, we are reversing that trend, rebuilding America's ability to mine, process, and manufacture the materials essential to our energy and economic security."
"The Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative will be among the Department of Energy's first major investments into mining technology research and development in almost four decades," said U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fossil Energy Kyle Haustveit. "This effort will help establish the United States as the world's leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals--creating economic prosperity in fossil energy communities across the country while strengthening critical mineral supply chains for the United States and its allies."
Mines & Metals Capacity Expansion - Piloting By-Product Critical Minerals and Materials Recovery at Domestic Industrial Facilities
FE announced up to $275 million under the Mines & Metals Capacity Expansion notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to address the potential for America's industries to recover valuable critical materials by piloting promising future separation and recovery technologies directly at industrial sites.
This NOFO includes two focus areas for the design, construction, and operation of large pilot-scale facilities to produce critical materials:
* Coal-based feedstocks - advancing and accelerating demonstration of critical material production using coal-based resources as feedstocks.
* Industrial byproducts and wastes - open to all U.S. industry sectors that produce market-ready materials where industrial byproducts and/or wastes can be a source of crucially needed critical materials.
These pilots will demonstrate the feasibility of recovering critical minerals from existing American infrastructure and industrial activity, reducing waste while building new domestic supply chains for high-value materials. Read the complete NOFO here (https://netl-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId20492c21-8c53-495c-9861-0899cd72c79e).
Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative
FE also announced up to $80 million under the Mine of the Future - Proving Ground Initiative NOFO, which supports DOE's broader Mine of the Future initiative to accelerate technology commercialization and increase the competitiveness of domestic mining operations.
Field sites are essential for minerals and mining stakeholders to test innovative technologies under real-world conditions. Awards made under this NOFO will not only develop mining proving grounds but also support R&D projects that accelerate technologies past laboratory and/or bench scale to testing and demonstration in a field-scale setting, an essential step to de-risk commercial adoption of these new mining technologies.
Projects selected under this initiative will also create opportunities for hands-on workforce training to prepare the next generation of American miners and engineers to operate advanced mining systems safely and efficiently. Read the complete NOFO here (https://netl-exchange.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId20492c21-8c53-495c-9861-0899cd72c79e).
The application deadline for both NOFOs is December 15, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.
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Original text here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-announces-355-million-expand-domestic-production-critical-minerals-and
Fed: Central Bank Access and Flight to Safety
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSres) -- The Federal Reserve issued the following white paper abstract (No. 2025-100) on Nov. 14, 2025, by Lucia Gurrieri, Chase Ross, Ben Schmiedt, Alexandros P. Vardoulakis and Vladimir Yankov entitled "Central Bank Access and Flight to Safety."
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Central Bank Access and Flight to Safety
Abstract:
We examine whether access to the Federal Reserve's Overnight Reverse Repo Facility (ON RRP) affects money market fund flows during flight-to-safety episodes. We find that funds with ON RRP access serving sophisticated investors experience about a 1 percentage point increase
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 (TNSres) -- The Federal Reserve issued the following white paper abstract (No. 2025-100) on Nov. 14, 2025, by Lucia Gurrieri, Chase Ross, Ben Schmiedt, Alexandros P. Vardoulakis and Vladimir Yankov entitled "Central Bank Access and Flight to Safety."
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Central Bank Access and Flight to Safety
Abstract:
We examine whether access to the Federal Reserve's Overnight Reverse Repo Facility (ON RRP) affects money market fund flows during flight-to-safety episodes. We find that funds with ON RRP access serving sophisticated investors experience about a 1 percentage point increasein net daily flows over total assets during the March 2020 flight-to-safety episode relative to similar funds without access. The effect aligns with theoretical predictions and explains more than half of the inflows in those funds. Our results show that access to central bank deposit facilities amplifies flight-to-safety behavior.
Keywords: central bank account access, flight-to-safety, Regulation D
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17016/FEDS.2025.100
PDF: Full Paper
Disclaimer: The economic research that is linked from this page represents the views of the authors and does not indicate concurrence either by other members of the Board's staff or by the Board of Governors. The economic research and their conclusions are often preliminary and are circulated to stimulate discussion and critical comment. The Board values having a staff that conducts research on a wide range of economic topics and that explores a diverse array of perspectives on those topics. The resulting conversations in academia, the economic policy community, and the broader public are important to sharpening our collective thinking.
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View full text here: https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/feds/central-bank-access-and-flight-to-safety.htm
[Category: Fed]
Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced for Allowing Drug-Laden Vehicles to Enter the U.S.
SAN DIEGO, California, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California posted the following news release:
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Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced for Allowing Drug-Laden Vehicles to Enter the U.S.
Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Diego Bonillo was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison for allowing vehicles containing methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl to enter the U.S.
In his plea agreement, Bonillo acknowledged that he worked for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization wherein he agreed to accept payment
... Show Full Article
SAN DIEGO, California, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California posted the following news release:
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Former Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced for Allowing Drug-Laden Vehicles to Enter the U.S.
Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Diego Bonillo was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison for allowing vehicles containing methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl to enter the U.S.
In his plea agreement, Bonillo acknowledged that he worked for a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization wherein he agreed to accept paymentfor using his official position as an officer to allow drug-laden vehicles into the U.S. from Mexico without inspection. Bonillo admitted that as part of the conspiracy he allowed at least 75 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and over 1 kilogram of heroin, into the United States.
According to the government's sentencing documents, during the investigation, agents discovered that Bonillo was using a second phone that was unknown to law enforcement to transmit his lane assignments to members of the drug trafficking organization so they would know which lane and what time to send their smugglers to ensure their entry. Eventually, agents determined that Bonillo's role in the scheme began no later than October 2023 and continued until April 2024, allowing at least 15 vehicles to enter uninspected. According to the sentencing materials, Bonillo used his proceeds to travel internationally, purchase luxury gifts, buy tickets to the Canelo versus Munguia boxing match, attempt to purchase property in Mexico, and spend time at the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club in Tijuana, Mexico.
"This sentence holds Bonillo accountable for betraying the public trust," said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "He weaponized his badge for personal profit, funneling deadly narcotics through a port of entry and putting communities at risk. Corruption like this will be met with the full force of the law -- and we will not hesitate to pursue and punish those who trade duty for dollars."
"Corrupt Customs and Border Protection officers betray their oath and endanger our national security," said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D. "This sentence sends a clear message that such betrayal of public trust will not be tolerated."
"Former CBP Officer Diego Bonillo allowed massive amounts of drugs into the U.S. without regard for the deadly consequences it could have on our communities," said Mark Dargis, Special Agent in Charge of FBI San Diego Field Office. "He disgraced the badge and violated his oath to protect the American people. This conduct betrays the public's trust and is contradictory to the values and standards expected of a federal law enforcement officer. FBI San Diego and our partners will not tolerate such dishonorable behavior. This sentence reflects the FBI's commitment to hold accountable anyone who corrupts their role at the expense of our citizens' safety."
The sentencing took place on November 7, 2025. This press release was delayed due to the lapse in appropriations.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark, Bianca Calderon-Penaloza, and Shauna Prewitt.
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DEFENDANT: Diego Bonillo
Age: 31
Chula Vista, Mexico
Case Number: 24cr0908-RBM
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SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances - Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952, 960, and 963
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum
Importation of Controlled Substances - Title 21, United States Code, Sections 952 and 960
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison with a 10-year mandatory minimum
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation - Border Corruption Task Force
Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility
U.S. Border Patrol - San Diego Sector Intelligence Unit
Homeland Security Investigations - SDNET
Drug Enforcement Administration
Homeland Security Investigations - Hermosillo Attache
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/former-customs-and-border-protection-officer-sentenced-allowing-drug-laden-vehicles
Defense Contractor Executive Sentenced in Bribery Scheme
SAN DIEGO, California, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California posted the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Defense Contractor Executive Sentenced in Bribery Scheme
Russell Thurston, a former executive vice president at Cambridge International Systems, Inc., a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today to 18 months custody, followed by 12 months home confinement, after admitting that he participated in a bribery scheme with other Cambridge employees and former Naval Information Warfare
... Show Full Article
SAN DIEGO, California, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California posted the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Defense Contractor Executive Sentenced in Bribery Scheme
Russell Thurston, a former executive vice president at Cambridge International Systems, Inc., a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today to 18 months custody, followed by 12 months home confinement, after admitting that he participated in a bribery scheme with other Cambridge employees and former Naval Information WarfareCenter employee James Soriano.
According to Thurston's plea agreement, Cambridge - acting through Thurston and multiple other Cambridge employees - gave various things of value to Soriano, including expensive meals at restaurants in San Diego; a ticket to the 2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.; and a job at Cambridge for Soriano's friend, Liberty Gutierrez. According to Gutierrez's plea agreement, Gutierrez did minimal work at Cambridge and gave Soriano $2,000 a month from her Cambridge salary.
In return, Soriano, acting in his position as a contracting officer's representative at Naval Information Warfare Center, influenced the procurement process to ensure that Cambridge was awarded two large task orders. Soriano further ensured that Cambridge was able to capture a steady stream of government funds by influencing a series of projects on those task orders to be approved. According to Cambridge's plea agreement, as a result of the conspiracy, the government obligated more than $32 million on one of the task orders and over $100 million on the other.
Soriano also allowed Cambridge employees to draft various procurement documents for him, even when Cambridge was competing for contracts against other bidders. Thurston and Soriano also worked together to remove document properties so that other government employees would not know of Cambridge's involvement in drafting the documents.
Cambridge was separately charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 24-cr-00759-TWR. Cambridge was ordered to forfeit the $1,672,102.23 in profits it obtained from the bribery conspiracy and pay a $2.25 million fine.
According to Thurston's plea agreement, Thurston received periodic pay bonuses from Cambridge - which totaled between $150,000 and $250,000 - based on the profits Cambridge received from the bribery conspiracy.
"Defense contracting is built on trust, integrity, and a solemn duty to protect the nation, but this defendant and his accomplices shattered that trust," said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. "Today's sentence makes clear that those who corrupt the system for personal gain will face decisive consequences."
"The sentencing of Mr. Thurston for his role in subverting the Department of Defense's (DoD) procurement process should act as a deterrent to those seeking to enrich themselves through fraudulent contracting practices," said John E. Helsing, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. "DCIS remains committed to working jointly with the United States Attorney's Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate public corruption affecting the DoD and the American taxpayer."
"Today's sentencing of Russell Thurston is a reminder that corruption in the federal contracting process carries serious consequences," said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. "By conspiring to bribe a government official, Mr. Thurston not only violated the law - he also undermined the integrity of a system meant to serve our military and protect taxpayer dollars. IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to expose and dismantle these schemes, and to ensure that those who abuse positions of trust are held fully accountable."
"Through his misdeeds, Mr. Thurston undermined the integrity of the Department of the Navy's procurement process in order to line his own pockets with millions of dollars in contract awards," said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. "NCIS remains steadfast in our commitment to work with our partners to investigate and deter public corruption that would bring discredit to the Navy and Marine Corps."
"This case demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to root out fraud and corruption in government contracting," said Tim Larson, SBA OIG Western Region Acting Special Agent in Charge. "By exploiting the 8(a) program this scheme not only defrauded the government but also compromised the integrity of the program designed to uplift deserving entrepreneurs. I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office and law enforcement partners for their continued pursuit of justice and holding accountable those who engage in fraudulent schemes."
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Swan and Carling E. Donovan.
DEFENDANT: Russell Thurston
Age: 52
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Case Number 24-cr-0341-TWR-2
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SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Bribery - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; a maximum $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest; and a term of supervised release up to three years.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation
Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/defense-contractor-executive-sentenced-bribery-scheme
Army Revolutionizes Acquisition Process to Deliver Warfighting Capabilities Faster
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Army issued the following news release:
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Army revolutionizes acquisition process to deliver warfighting capabilities faster
Army streamlines bureaucracy, realigns acquisition offices, and empowers leaders to accelerate delivery of cutting-edge technologies to the joint force
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The U.S. Army is undertaking a sweeping transformation of its acquisition process, designed to dramatically accelerate the delivery of critical warfighting capabilities to Soldiers. Recognizing that current acquisition processes are hampered by bureaucracy and outdated requirements,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Army issued the following news release:
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Army revolutionizes acquisition process to deliver warfighting capabilities faster
Army streamlines bureaucracy, realigns acquisition offices, and empowers leaders to accelerate delivery of cutting-edge technologies to the joint force
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The U.S. Army is undertaking a sweeping transformation of its acquisition process, designed to dramatically accelerate the delivery of critical warfighting capabilities to Soldiers. Recognizing that current acquisition processes are hampered by bureaucracy and outdated requirements,the Army is implementing significant structural and procedural changes to prioritize speed, accountability and delivery.
The most significant change is the identification of six Portfolio Acquisition Executives. Each PAE will own a comprehensive "capability area" aligned to the emerging Army Warfighting Concept. The six PAE organizations are: Fires; Maneuver Ground; Maneuver Air; Command and Control and Counter Command and Control; Agile Sustainment and Ammo; and Layered Protection and CBRND.
This shift makes a single leader accountable for all aspects of that capability area, including requirements, science and technology, contracting, acquisition, testing, programming, sustainment, and international sales. Less focus on individual programs, but an increased focus on capabilities. With the alignment of the capability portfolios under PAEs, the Army is restructuring the Program Executive Offices to better nest capabilities.
"Under the current fragmented process, accountability is distributed across multiple organizations and functions, creating misalignment between critical stakeholders," said Brent Ingraham, the Army's Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology; and Army Acquisition Executive. "Aligning this reform with operational concepts better postures the Army to deliver capabilities our Soldiers need without delay."
Additionally, the Army is streamlining its contracting processes through the lifecycle of the materiel process - just one example of focused outcomes over processes within the new PAE structure. Each PAE will have an embedded Senior Contracting Official with the authority to award contracts quickly, eliminating bottlenecks and simplifying the process for industry. The Army plans to continue to leverage flexible contracting tools like Other Transaction Authorities and commercial solutions where applicable. This creates fewer bottlenecks and clearer entry points for industry.
"Consolidating functions under a single, accountable leader will streamline decision-making and remove barriers. It will empower leaders to take calculated risk where appropriate, delivering capabilities faster and more effectively," said Ingraham. "All acquisition authorities will remain intact."
The Army began implementing the iterative PAE construct in early October and will achieve initial operating capability in January 2026. All PAEs will be dual support, reporting to the U.S. Army's newly activated Transformation and Training Command, or T2COM, for Army requirements generation, and to the Assistant Secretary of Army (Acquisition Logistics and Technology) for acquisition and materiel development.
"Incremental change is not sufficient to match the rate of change in our operating environment. The deliberate partnering of our seasoned operational and acquisitions leaders will enable continuous transformation at the pace of relevance," Gen. David Hodne, commanding general of T2COM.
To build the team, each PAE will include organizations in direct support from key stakeholders across the Army, ensuring a unified and collaborative approach to achieving mission success.
"Additionally, we are launching the Pathway for Innovation and Technology, or PIT, driving innovation, streamlining processes, and accelerating technology development from concept to prototype, and to full-scale implementation," said Ingraham.
Reporting directly to ASA(ALT), the PIT operates under a synchronized framework to deliver advanced capabilities, strengthen the industrial base, integrate Soldier feedback, and enhance readiness at the speed of relevance.
"Adopting a venture capitalist mindset, the PIT focuses on broad technology scouting, calculated risk-taking, and scaling the most promising solutions to meet critical Army priorities," said Ingraham.
The Army is committed to transforming acquisition into an outcome-driven enabler to ensure rapid and continuous modernization of key capabilities across all domains.
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Original text here: https://www.army.mil/article/288957/army_revolutionizes_acquisition_process_to_deliver_warfighting_capabilities_faster
Anchorage Woman Guilty of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska posted the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Anchorage woman guilty of drug trafficking conspiracy
A federal jury convicted an Anchorage woman yesterday for her role in a local drug trafficking conspiracy to traffic cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and heroin.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Erica Elisoff, 51, and her boyfriend and co-defendant, Larry Kennedy, 65, were selling drugs out of adjacent apartments that they jointly occupied, as well as from Kennedy's
... Show Full Article
ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Nov. 15 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska posted the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Anchorage woman guilty of drug trafficking conspiracy
A federal jury convicted an Anchorage woman yesterday for her role in a local drug trafficking conspiracy to traffic cocaine, cocaine base, methamphetamine, and heroin.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Erica Elisoff, 51, and her boyfriend and co-defendant, Larry Kennedy, 65, were selling drugs out of adjacent apartments that they jointly occupied, as well as from Kennedy'sauto repair shop.
Between August and December 2021, law enforcement officials arranged multiple controlled purchases of cocaine base, aka crack cocaine, from both Kennedy and Elisoff. On three separate occasions in August, law enforcement purchased roughly seven grams of cocaine base from Kennedy, respectively. On one occasion in December, law enforcement executed a controlled purchase from Elisoff for 21 grams of cocaine base.
In May 2022, law enforcement officials executed search warrants at the apartments Elisoff and Kennedy shared. In one apartment, law enforcement discovered over $123,100 in cash, five heat sealed plastic bags containing over three kilograms of cocaine, over 745 grams of heroin, multiple scales, drug packaging materials, and other assorted drug paraphernalia. In the other apartment, law enforcement discovered over 20 grams of methamphetamine, over 15 grams of heroin, over $4,000 in cash, two scales, and other assorted drug paraphernalia.
Elisoff was convicted of one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. She faces between five years to life in prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 4, 2026. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On March 31, 2025, Kennedy pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. On Sept. 29, 2025, Kennedy was sentenced to five years in prison and upon release, will serve three years on supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska has been recused from this case with the exception of certain personnel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven D. Clymer from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York has been appointed as Special Attorney to the United States Attorney General to assist with this and other recused cases. He reports to and acts under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General, or his delegee, or U.S. Attorney Bradford in these cases. Special Attorney Clymer supervises personnel from the District of Alaska who have been exempted from the recusal.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case as part of the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the DEA Anchorage District Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephan Collins and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case.
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Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/anchorage-woman-guilty-drug-trafficking-conspiracy
Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on U.S.-Korea Joint Fact Sheet
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on U.S.-Korea Joint Fact Sheet
Today, Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued a statement following President Donald J. Trump and President Lee reaffirming the historic announcement of the Korea Strategic Trade and Investment deal. The United States and the Republic of Korea agreed to a Joint Fact Sheet laying the ground for terms for a historic deal reflecting the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance.
"President Trump's winning streak following
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on U.S.-Korea Joint Fact Sheet
Today, Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued a statement following President Donald J. Trump and President Lee reaffirming the historic announcement of the Korea Strategic Trade and Investment deal. The United States and the Republic of Korea agreed to a Joint Fact Sheet laying the ground for terms for a historic deal reflecting the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance.
"President Trump's winning streak followinghis successful swing in Asia continues with the release of a Joint Fact Sheet with the Republic of Korea, underscoring the United States' commitment to achieve more reciprocal and balanced trade with a strong trading partner," said Ambassador Greer. "Korea committed to address non-tariff barriers that U.S. exporters face, further promoting economic prosperity and national security for Americans. The leaders also agreed to advance significant investments in key industries such as shipbuilding and to strengthen strategic commercial partnerships."
To read the Joint Fact Sheet, click here (https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/joint-fact-sheet-on-president-donald-j-trumps-meeting-with-president-lee-jae-myung/); to read the USTR Fact Sheet, click here (https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/fact-sheets/2025/november/fact-sheet-united-states-and-korea-agree-korea-strategic-trade-and-investment-deal).
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Original text here: https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/november/ambassador-greer-issues-statement-us-korea-joint-fact-sheet
Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on Framework for a Historic Deal With Switzerland and Liechtenstein
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on Framework for a Historic Deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Today, Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued a statement following President Trump's announcement of a Framework for a historic deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
"President Trump's unmatched dealmaking continues to deliver for the American people," said Ambassador Greer. "This framework tears down longstanding trade barriers that have held U.S. exporters back and secures
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15 -- The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:
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Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on Framework for a Historic Deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Today, Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued a statement following President Trump's announcement of a Framework for a historic deal with Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
"President Trump's unmatched dealmaking continues to deliver for the American people," said Ambassador Greer. "This framework tears down longstanding trade barriers that have held U.S. exporters back and securesbillions in new investment on American soil--investment that will generate thousands of good-paying jobs in every state. This deal builds upon the success of America first Trade Policy by correcting chronic trade imbalances, opening new markets for U.S. goods, and welcoming massive Swiss investment to help reduce our deficit in pharmaceuticals and other key sectors. I thank my counterparts from Switzerland and Liechtenstein for their collaboration and commitment to achieving reciprocal trade with the United States."
To read the Joint Statement with Switzerland and Liechtenstein, click here (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/11/joint-statement-on-a-framework-for-a-united-states-switzerland-liechtenstein-agreement-on-fair-balanced-and-reciprocal-trade/); to read the White House Fact Sheet, click here (https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/11/fact-sheet-the-united-states-switzerland-and-liechtenstein-reach-a-historic-trade-deal/).
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Original text here: https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/november/ambassador-greer-issues-statement-framework-historic-deal-switzerland-and-liechtenstein
332 ESFS SUAS Division Launches First Quadcopter in AFCENT History
SHAW AFB, South Carolina, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Air Forces Central, the air component of U.S. Central Command, issued the following news:
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332 ESFS sUAS division launches first quadcopter in AFCENT history
By Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed, 332 Air Expedtionary Wing Public Affairs
The small unmanned aircraft systems flight, housed within the electronic warfare division of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, made history in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command by flying the first quadcopter drone in the area of responsibility, Nov. 5, 2025.
The team specializes in aerial defense
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SHAW AFB, South Carolina, Nov. 15 -- The U.S. Air Forces Central, the air component of U.S. Central Command, issued the following news:
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332 ESFS sUAS division launches first quadcopter in AFCENT history
By Senior Airman Kari Degraffenreed, 332 Air Expedtionary Wing Public Affairs
The small unmanned aircraft systems flight, housed within the electronic warfare division of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, made history in the U.S. Air Forces Central Command by flying the first quadcopter drone in the area of responsibility, Nov. 5, 2025.
The team specializes in aerial defensethrough reconnaissance, target identification, and terrain observation by utilizing drones around base perimeters to better protect and defend personnel and assets.
"We help defenders see what's coming," said Senior Airman Tequarrie Jackson, 332nd ESFS sUAS operator. "We go out there and look for anomalies or threats to report back to security forces members so they can do what they need to do in defending freedom."
The addition of the quadcopter allows the sUAS team to get in the air within five minutes with shorter preparation time, while other drones can take up to an hour to go through pre-flight checklists, set up, and the added stress of hand-launching.
"Everything is all pre-programmed," said Manuel Ajoste, Consolidated Analysis Center International sUAS lead and evaluator. "Radio frequencies, pre-flights, it's all pre-programmed, so we can get them in the sky as soon as possible. That way, the drone can be in the air so one member can get the gear ready while the other is on the controller."
The quadcopter is equipped with multiple camera capabilities, including a 360-degree field of view, thermal imaging and advanced high-resolution zoom, giving defenders a detailed look at their surroundings. These features allow them to gather information faster and more safely than with boots on the ground.
The sUAS program and drone capabilities have come a long way in the theater since the program was established in 2014. At the time, Ajoste was an active-duty Airman working with sUAS in the 332nd ESFS.
"We used to fly digital fixed wing drones that would take 20 minutes to an hour to set up," Ajoste said. "Defenders working in the AOR today have all the stuff we always wanted and it's just getting better."
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Original text here: https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/4331408/332-esfs-suas-division-launches-first-quadcopter-in-afcent-history/
