DOD CIO backs pilots for digital twins and prioritizes OT security and spectrum coordination
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Summary
Lawmakers pressed the DOD CIO on operational‑technology security and spectrum management for growing drone and 5G use; Davies supported piloting digital twin technology at installations, said OT playbook guidance exists, and described efforts to balance commercial spectrum growth with warfighter needs.
Members asked about operational‑technology (OT) security, spectrum sharing and whether digital twin pilots could improve visibility into installation infrastructure.
Representative Vindman cited an Inspector General report finding limited progress in mitigating Navy cyber vulnerabilities and asked whether Davies supported a digital twin pilot to improve real‑time visibility and risk management at installations. "Absolutely, congressman. I think this is fabulous," Davies replied, adding she has been working on a design and that her office has published OT playbook guidance.
On spectrum and drone use, Acting Ranking Member Houlihan asked how the department is balancing commercial wireless growth (including 5G) and increased UAS/drones with government access to spectrum. Davies said DOD is engaged in interagency negotiations, is exploring dynamic spectrum sharing and reported that commercial 5G is deployed on the majority of installations: "We are currently at, 88% of US military installations possessing commercial 5 g infrastructure in at least 1." She offered to provide deeper briefings to members on these issues.
Davies said OT systems are often legacy and bespoke, and proposed establishing a center of excellence for OT security to provide targeted controls for industrial control systems and shipyard infrastructure. She framed OT security as closely linked to supply‑chain and manufacturing security.
