AirForce Says Emerging Tech Supply Chain Remains Strong

The Air Force has assured that its supply chain for emerging technologies has not been significantly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier in March, the department awarded nearly $1B in funding to startup tech companies through the Small Business Innovation Research program. Will Roper, the Air Force's acquisition chief and a three-time Wash100 winner, said acquisition programs are staying strong amid disruptions and economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. During its Spark Collider industry pitch event held online, the Air Force awarded investments to over 550 small businesses, FedScoop reported Wednesday. Roper warned against creating a "tunnel vision" on present issues, which could lead to compromises for the future. Some CEOs of tech companies working with the Air Force said work is going even ahead of schedule despite their industry's vulnerability to the ongoing crisis.