Pentagon creating software ‘do not buy’ list to keep out Russia, China

FILE PHOTO: The Pentagon is seen in this aerial photo from the Air Force One in Washington, DC, U.S., March 29, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is working on a software “do not buy” list to block vendors who use software code originating from Russia and China, a top Defense Department acquisitions official said on Friday.

Ellen Lord, the under secretary of defence for acquisition and sustainment, told reporters the Pentagon had been working for six months on a “do not buy” list of software vendors. The list is meant to help the Department of Defence's acquisitions staff and industry partners avoid buying problematic code for the Pentagon and suppliers.