🚀 AFRL prototypes up for grab

According to the Clarity GovCon Industry Report, the industry averaged 15% revenue growth, yet 90% of contractors had at least one declining financial metric. This disconnect highlights a new reality: while opportunities may be expanding, profitability, compliance, and operational efficiency are more critical than ever.

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The 688th Cyberspace Operations Wing is enforcing DOD’s Comply to Connect framework by quarantining USAF and USSF devices that fail security checks for patches, firewalls, encryption, certificates or anti-malware protections. Beginning in August, the wing will also deploy automated application whitelisting to block unauthorized software and strengthen Zero Trust protections across USAF networks.

A new EO gives defense contractors until early 2027 to stop sourcing certain critical minerals and materials from China and other prohibited countries, raising concerns about supply-chain disruption and compliance costs. DOD says it plans to work with industry through the transition, while defense trade groups are pressing for clear guidance, realistic timelines and support for developing alternative sources.

Washington N.G. troops trained on an Anduril counter-UAS system that uses sensitive sensors, AI and Lattice software to detect small drones, distinguish them from birds and track them in real time. Some components can also help identify a drone operator’s location, giving troops and LE officials better situational awareness during security operations.

Anthropic disclosed that three Claude models inadvertently accessed and compromised real-world systems during cybersecurity evaluations after they were mistakenly given internet access and told all reachable targets were part of the test environment. The incidents, which relied on weak passwords, unsecured endpoints and one accidentally published malicious software package, underscore the need for tighter containment, monitoring and oversight when testing agentic AI systems.

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VA will no longer require cloud contractors to hold an existing FedRAMP authorization when competing for agency contracts, a move intended to reduce procurement delays and broaden competition. Vendors must still meet NIST and VA cybersecurity requirements and obtain a VA Authorization to Operate before their cloud systems can be deployed.

DOT is resisting industry pressure to rush its long-awaited BVLOS drone rule, arguing that overly prescriptive standards could lock in current technologies and favor established vendors. The rule will govern areas including operations, manufacturing, separation distances, security and data-sharing, and DOT says its final framework should be released soon.

The DOC launched the National AI Center, a new hub designed to accelerate AI adoption across the federal government by connecting agency needs directly with industry capabilities. The center will coordinate AI research, pilot programs, and workforce development across both sectors. It will also serve as a resource for agencies navigating new federal AI directives and procurement frameworks.

Leonardo DRS has agreed to acquire Raft in an all-cash deal worth $450 million, expanding its portfolio of mission software, artificial intelligence and data integration technologies. Raft’s offerings center on open-architecture mission software that uses AI to fuse data from multiple domain.

Thales and Exail Technologies signed a tender offer agreement advancing Thales’ planned acquisition of Exail, including the purchase of the Gorgé family’s controlling stake followed by an offer for the remaining shares. Exail is a French defense technology company specializing in maritime robotics, autonomous surface and underwater drones, navigation systems and mine-countermeasure technologies.

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