Defense

GuidePost Strategies specializes in providing guidance and advocacy to clients navigating the complex landscape of national security and military policy. This includes monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, engaging with government agencies and lawmakers, and crafting communications that effectively convey client positions on defense-related matters. The firm works to influence policy outcomes, secure funding, and build partnerships that support client goals within the defense sector. Strategic outreach and reputation management are also key components, ensuring clients maintain a positive presence in an often-sensitive and highly scrutinized arena.

NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION Act (NDAA)

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) serves as Congress’s primary legislative vehicle for shaping U.S. defense policy, military structure, and national security priorities. Passed annually since 1961, the NDAA authorizes defense-related spending and outlines policy directives across a broad spectrum of issues, including military pay, force structure, weapons procurement, and emerging technologies. While it does not directly appropriate funds, the NDAA sets the legal framework and funding ceilings that guide the Department of Defense and related agencies. Each year’s NDAA reﬂects evolving strategic challenges and political dynamics, balancing core national security imperatives with shifting legislative priorities. The following provides an overview of the FY2026 NDAA process, content, and anticipated political implications.

Read Our Memo
NDIA ELECTRONICS SUMMER DIVISION MEETING: DOD'S MICROELECTRONICS STRATEGY

On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) held its Summer Division Meeting. The meeting featured keynote speaker Dr. Christine Michienzi, Chief Technology Officer of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) for Acquisition and Sustainment and Dr. Dev Shenoy, Principal Director for Microelectronics of the OUSD for Research and Engineering. The senior Department of Defense (DoD or Department) officials offered insight into DoD’s microelectronics roadmaps. This memo primarily outlines Dr. Michienzi’s remarks and the OUSD’s microelectronics acquisition priorities.

Read Our Memo
SECURING CYBRESPCE: BUSINESS & THE ECONOMY

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), co-chair of the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus, and Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder and chair of Silverado Policy Accelerator, joined Washington Post Live to assess how businesses can navigate the threat landscape, the impact on the national economy and ways to grow the cyber workforce. With the rise in ransomware attacks and data breaches, cybersecurity has surged in importance as a business and an economic issue.

Read Our Memo
KEY FY 2023 NDAA PROVISIONS (SENATE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY)

On Thursday, June 16, 2022, after the Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC) voted to advance the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Committee released a summary of the bill. We outline the key NDAA provisions below.

Read Our Memo