April 14, 2025

QUICK HITS

• GAO says it’s finally hearing from DOGE: The efficiency police are finally speaking to the efficiency gurus and are “using our recommendations.”

• Google busts into gov’t, breaking Microsoft’s hold: The 71% discount is the “first of many” deals with Google to come; estimated to save $2B over 3 years.

• Tariff updates: POTUS raises them on Chinese products to 145%. China asks him to “completely cancel” them; WH pauses electronics, semiconductors.

• DOD cancels contracts with Accenture, Booz Allen, and Deloitte: They have a total value of $5.1B.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Can the Pentagon stop overpaying for weapon systems?

A new E.O. related to DOD acquisitions calls for a review for any weapons systems that exceeds their original cost estimate by more than 15% or is more than 15% behind schedule. The special review could potentially lead to cancellation or restructuring of the program.

DOD ordered to take control of federal lands along the southern border.

A new E.O. directs allows the DOD jurisdiction over portions of federal land on the southern border known as the Roosevelt Reservation, excluding any Native American reservations. By creating a military buffer zone that stretches across the U.S.-Mexico border, any migrant crossing into the U.S. would be trespassing on a military base, therefore allowing active-duty troops to hold them until CBP agents arrive.

DOD cancels some IT service contracts.

DOD wants to cut several IT contracts with tech consulting firms to reduce duplicative spending and increase efficiency. SecDef ordered the termination of several IT services contracts with the DHA, USAF, and USN, saying the work could be “performed by our civilian workforce” or fulfilled with “existing procurement resources.” Additionally, the memo ends an IT helpdesk services contract with DARPA.

ICYMI:

• Army RFI: PCTE Cyber Range Development Software Application Project.

• USAF RFI: Cohesive Cloud Environment.

• USAF uses generative AI to aid in modernizing its outdated legacy software.

• Hypersonic weapons: A report to Congress.

Defense Contract Awards

• Trace Systems inked a $373M Tactical Network Capabilities Enhancement deal.

• Davidson won a spot on the $249M DOD AI Talent 2.0 contract vehicle.

• 12 companies awarded a $249K Army IDIQ for A-E services.

• NOC awarded an $8M DARPA contract Modular Efficient Laser Tech.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• The Joint Chief of Staffs has a new Chairman.

• A temporary Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy has been appointed.

Defense Job Openings

• USN wants a Construction Manager.

• PACFLT needs a Deputy Production Resources Manager.

FUNNY

INTEL COMMUNITY

Former DHS official warns against dismantling our WMD office.

A former assistant secretary for the CWMD office within DHS from 2023 to 2025 warns that dismantling the office would leave the USA vulnerable to attacks as the country prepares to host major international events. The CWMD Office was established during POTUS’s first term to coordinate government-wide efforts against WMD threats. Rumors are swirling that the office may be shut down. 

CBP has lost three physical servers: Where did the data go?

CBP is investigating the loss of three physical servers, as revealed by FOIA request. The agency's Cybersecurity Directorate reported that approximately 200 government devices, including 140 cell phones and nearly 40 laptops, have been lost or stolen in recent years.

ICYMI:

• FBI RFI: Cross-Domain Cybersecurity Solution.

• World’s oldest satellite could return to Earth after 67 years in orbit.

• Winning the satellite industry’s most disruptive decade yet.

• DOS is hiring a Supervisory Project Manager.

CIVILIAN

Congress is calling for “cautious cuts” to CISA.

​The House Homeland Security Committee Chairman has called for cautious reductions to the CISA, emphasizing the need to avoid undermining its mission to protect critical infrastructure. While some lawmakers want even bigger cuts, the Chairman urges for restraint to ensure national cybersecurity efforts remain effective.

Treasury to eliminate offices and outsource work.

​The Treasury Department is closing several offices within the Bureau of Fiscal Service, including those handling savings bonds and check printing, as part of the WH's initiative to reduce the federal workforce. This move involves outsourcing these functions.

WH aims to end public input period for creating or ending new agency rules.

A new WH memo aims to expedite deregulatory agenda by allowing federal agencies to repeal regulations without undergoing the traditional public notice and comment period, which typically takes at least a year. Advocacy groups have expressed concern about the elimination of public input in the governmental process.

ICYMI:

• DOS Sources Sought: Global and Regional Training.

• A bipartisan bill urges NOAA to use AI for forecasting extreme weather events.

• NASA is offering a $3M reward for a poop recycler.

• WH E.O. opens 58% of national forest land for logging.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• SAIC inked a $327M PBGC IT Infrastructure Support contract.

• Advanced Computer Concepts wins DHS USCIS DLP task on SEWP.

• Sev1tech awarded HHS Data Inventory Edge Server Deployment task.

• Metrika won a $2.5M TREAS Worldwide Logistics Support Services deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Claroty names a new Public Sector GM.

• EdgeConneX welcomes a new Chief Accounting Officer.

Civilian Job Openings

• FAA is hiring a System Support Center (SSC) Manager.

• U.S. Courts is seeking an Administrative Manager.

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M&A CORNER

Fisica buys Space Vector.

Defense products manufacturer Fisica has acquired Space Vector to broaden its capabilities and improve its ability to support customers across national defense and space domains.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Touch it, grab it, poke it—there’s a new type of 3D hologram in town. Mom! MOM! Is this real? WOW. SOURCE↗︎

2. Intel's CEO made investments in numerous Chinese companies—including those with military ties. SOURCE↗︎

3. Google’s XR glasses has made a debut. The AR smart glasses can project Google Maps, scan books, translate in real time, and more. SOURCE↗︎

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