The Pentagon is taking a big step toward streamlining cyber defense operations with its latest move. The Defense Innovation Unit has tapped three contractors—Sealing Technologies, Omni Federal, and World Wide Technology—to develop prototypes for a new Joint Cyber Hunt Kit. Think of it as a “security operations center in a box,” designed to give Cyber Command a standardized, portable solution for threat hunting and network defense. The goal is to replace the patchwork of cyber tools used across military branches with one modular, mission-adaptable kit packed with cutting-edge monitoring and analysis capabilities. Each company has pitched a unique approach, but only one will move forward after testing wraps up later this year. The stakes are high, as the winning kit could become the backbone of future Cyber Protection Teams and Hunt-Forward Operations.
Layoffs: Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University announced this week that it will cut more than 2,000 jobs, both in the U.S. and internationally, following the White House’s decision to terminate $800 million in federal grants. The layoffs, the largest in the university’s history, will primarily impact positions within the Bloomberg School of Public Health, the university’s medical school, and its global health nonprofit affiliate, Jhpiego. University leadership called it a “difficult day” for the community, citing the loss of USAID funding as the primary driver behind the cuts. The administration’s broader review of U.S. foreign aid programs has led to significant reductions at USAID, part of a larger policy shift. As federal funding priorities change, institutions like Johns Hopkins are left navigating the financial fallout and its effects on their workforce and international programs.
Hiring: Ralliant
Raleigh’s growing tech hub just landed another big win. Ralliant, a new precision technology company spun off from Fortive, announced it will establish its headquarters in the city’s North Hills district. The move is expected to bring 180 white-collar jobs by 2029, with salaries averaging around $189,000. Roles will include finance, IT support, legal, and HR positions, with most jobs based on-site. Raleigh edged out competition from Beaverton, Oregon, thanks to its strong workforce and lower labor costs. The company plans to invest $2.1 million locally and could receive up to $2.6 million in state incentives if hiring and wage goals are met.
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Opportunity to Watch
The Department of Defense just issued a policy shift, instructing contracting officers to stop including Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) provisions in new contracts—a move following the White House’s latest executive order. The memo, released March 4, rolls back requirements from Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1965 directive, meaning contractors no longer need to complete affirmative action plans, workforce analyses, or pre-award compliance evaluations tied to EEO. Legal experts caution that core anti-discrimination protections under Title VII still apply, and companies must tread carefully to stay compliant with federal, state, and local laws. The change may simplify paperwork, but it also raises questions—and potential legal risks—about what’s still required moving forward.
