April 21, 2025

QUICK HITS

• Why is DOGE building a “master database” of sensitive information? Specialized networks are an attempt to sidestep network security controls.

• Will emerging liability laws targeting AI developers stifle innovation? Why bears responsibility when an AI malfunctions?

• WH to prioritize commercially available products: Agencies must justify purchasing custom-built options with market research & report to OMB.

• How would a dramatically reorganized Dept of State impact foreign relations? A leaked draft EO shows key bureaus, embassies would close.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

As Army leaders reconsider needs and rumors swirl, industry braces for potential ground vehicle cuts.

Army is signaling a potential shift in its ground combat vehicle programs as leaders emphasize the need to adapt to rapid technological advancements. While no official decisions have been made, defense contractors are preparing for possible budget cuts and program cancellations, reflecting the Army's focus on reallocating resources toward modernization and future capabilities.

XQ-58 Valkyrie with built-in landing gear revealed in new rendering.

Kratos’s new rendering of its XQ-58A Valkyrie drone features built-in tricycle landing gear — a significant shift from its original runway-independent design. The modification allows the Valkyrie to potentially increase sortie rates and payload capacities. The rest of the design remains largely unchanged.

• On the flipside: The images of NGAD are doctored to hide most, if not all, of its true design features.

Army expands access to encrypted Wickr platform aiming to curb insecure comms, bolster integration.

The Army is expanding access to its encrypted messaging platform, Army Wickr, to improve secure communications and reduce reliance on unauthorized apps after the "Signal-gate" incident. Operating in a DOD IL5 environment, Army Wickr offers enterprise-level data retention and admin controls. The expansion, led by the Army's Enterprise Cloud Management Agency, aims to integrate with data platforms like Army Vantage and the Army Intelligence Data Platform.

ICYMI:

• USACE RFI: HPCMP HITS-UIII.

• The SR-72 Darkstar Bomber: Will it be better than the SR-71 Blackbird?

• Army eyes first human machine integrated formations (HMIF) in FY27.

• Shield AI has acquired Crowdbotics' Data Driven Readiness (DDR) intellectual property assets.

Defense Contract Awards

• SAIC won an $87M USN Global Deterrence (Code GX) support contract.

• BAE nets additional $12M for Columbia-class submarine components.

• GC&E Federal inked a $7.5M Army Fort Devens IT and Technical Support deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• CACI’s former executive was chosen to be Decision Lens’ President.

Defense Job Openings

• Navy Military Sealift Command needs a Program Manager.

• ANGU wants a Program Manager.

FUNNY

INTEL COMMUNITY

NGA is field testing a new processor to speed imagery to US regional commands.

​The NGA is field-testing its Joint Regional Edge Node (J-REN) system, designed to accelerate satellite imagery delivery to U.S. combatant commands by processing data closer to the battlefield. Integrated with the SlimGIMS software, J-REN has demonstrated a significant reduction in collection request times—from an hour to just five minutes—during exercises with INDOPACOM and SOUTHCOM.

As military SATCOM use grows, rivals vie to cut SpaceX’s market share.

​The USSF is increasing the Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Satellite-Based Services program from $900M to $13B to meet growing defense demands. However, concerns have arisen over SpaceX's dominance — having secured the majority of the $660M in task orders to date — prompting officials and industry leaders to advocate for a more competitive and diversified provider base to avoid reliance on a single vendor.

ICYMI:

• USSOCOM RFI: SOF Global Services Delivery; Event on May 7 in Tampa.

• DIA RFI: Common Data Fabric.

• NGA director is leveraging AI in “no-fail mission” for US intelligence.

• US is defenseless against foreign influence warfare after DOS office closures.

• China’s Deepseek AI deployed to bypass US export controls and spy on USA.

• Cyberstar secured a USSOCOM Cyber Workforce Management Platform deal.

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CIVILIAN

TSA looks to AI to help train and assist airport screening officers.

TSA is piloting AI and VR tools to improve training and support for airport screeners. Projects include the "TSA Answer Engine," a chatbot for quick access to procedures, and VR simulations using AI personas. These efforts aim to boost efficiency and decision-making without major staffing increases or contracts.

HUD to move to a new HQ; existing building to be sold.

The WH plans to relocate HUD HQ from the aging Robert C. Weaver Building in D.C., citing $500 million in deferred maintenance. Though most staff work onsite, the building runs at half capacity. The move follows the administration’s repeal of E.O.s prioritizing urban, historic locations, giving agencies more flexibility in site selection.

ICYMI:

• SSA RFI: Nationwide Law Enforcement Database.

• CBP RFI: Fingerprint Segmentation Software and Capture Analysis.

• NASA's JPL launches the first quantum sensor into space.

• CISA faces cybersecurity setback as key threat-hunting tools are cut.

• Projects that do not align with NSF’s mission will have grants terminated.

• New DOGE CIO looks to reduce Labor IT office by 30%.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• VA awards Potomacwave Consulting FPDS data validation PO.

• Arch Systems wins $19M DHS USCIS BADSSD contract.

• ABT Global inked a $1.8M VA HMIS Services contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• OSTP taps Dean Ball as Senior AI, Emerging Tech Advisor.

• Koniag Government Services has a new CSO.

• IgniteData named its new CMIO.

Civilian Job Openings

• VA is looking for a Deputy Chief of Staff.

• DOJ is hiring a Deputy Chief Appellate Immigration Judge.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Humanoid robots compete against actual humans in a half-marathon. Just 6 out of 21 robots finished, overheating and tripping up on the way. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Pfizer has discontinued the development of its weight loss pill. Liver toxicity was detected in its late-stage trials. SOURCE↗︎ (However: Eli Lilly expects to release its GLP-1 inhibitor pill in FY26.)

3. Will Zuckerberg say goodbye to Instagram and WhatsApp? The antitrust trial between the FTC and Meta has begun. SOURCE↗︎

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