❄️ 8(a) awards freeze

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Lawmakers have agreed on the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, introducing major acquisition reforms, codifying drone initiatives, and enhancing cybersecurity standards across contracts. The bill also supports new programs like BOOST and strengthens partnerships in emerging tech.

The Pentagon’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense program aims for initial capability by summer 2028. Space Force leaders admit it’s no “gimme putt,” with risks, secrecy, and costs running into the hundreds of billions. Still, contracts for space-based interceptors and command-and-control software are already underway.

The Pentagon is fast-tracking AI across its 3M users, with Undersecretary Emil Michael promising deployments in “days or weeks.” The plan spans office efficiency, intelligence analysis, and warfighting logistics—backed by partnerships with tech giants like Google and OpenAI.

JETS 2.0 roared through 2025, and the top three awardees left everyone else in the rearview. These wins are fast, fierce, and full of horsepower—exactly what you’d expect from one of DLA’s biggest IT vehicles. Want to know who’s leading the pack?

The ODNI has disclosed a $73.3 billion appropriation for the National Intelligence Program in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a decrease from the prior year’s $76.5 billion. While supplemental funding is included, ODNI emphasized that only the topline figure will be released publicly.

The updated National Security Strategy prioritizes U.S. dominance in emerging technologies—AI, quantum, and biotech—while reinforcing influence across the Western Hemisphere. Expect measures to secure supply chains, adjust semiconductor exports, and strengthen economic resilience.

Global military spending, in 2023 dollars

Global military spending just hit a record ~$2.7 trillion, driven by the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and rising great-power tensions. The U.S. remains the heavyweight, but Europe is closing the gap fast as defense budgets swell across NATO.

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Large-scale solar projects are facing setbacks as the DOI temporarily halts approvals for developments on federal land. Companies including EDF and Arevon caution that the delays could increase costs and slow deployment, underscoring the regulatory challenges in meeting clean energy demand.

The House has created a new commission to study how AI is reshaping the U.S. economy, from workforce disruption to national competitiveness. Lawmakers say the panel will identify risks, recommend safeguards, and help Congress craft policies to keep the U.S. ahead in the global AI race.

Federal CIO Greg Barbaccia’s 2026 agenda centers on strengthening tech talent pipelines, streamlining the Authority‑to‑Operate process, and improving enterprise cloud procurement and contract data utilization. These initiatives aim to modernize federal IT operations and enhance efficiency across agencies.

IBM is shelling out $11B to acquire Confluent, paying $31 per share to bring the data-streaming pioneer into its AI arsenal. The deal aims to create a “smart data platform” for enterprises, ensuring generative AI runs on real-time, trusted data.

Boeing has finalized the acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems to reinforce aviation safety and aircraft quality while supporting stability across Boeing’s commercial production and supply chain operations. Boeing said it will establish Spirit Defense as a non‑integrated subsidiary under Boeing Defense, Space & Security, operating independently with separate governance.

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