April 28, 2025

☢️ $946B nuclear arsenal, NASA RFI, NSF says bye to Director, TRICARE efficiency, iFAMS testing gaps, Leidos Cyber VP, Golden Dome jobs surge

Author

GovBrew
April 28, 2025

QUICK HITS

  • [Event] Shaping opps in the new GovCon climate: May 8 via Zoom.

  • Managing litigation risk during the business lifecycle: How to minimize risks during business acquisition and post-closing disputes.

  • Fortifying cyber defenses with fewer resources: Less staff, budget, and tech with big goals like achieving Zero Trust and CTEM.

  • $150B defense bill sparks Golden Dome jobs surge: Demand rises for people with new skills, emerging tech, training programs, certificates.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

America’s nuclear arsenal to cost $946B over the next decade.

A new report projects that U.S. nuclear forces will cost $946 billion from 2025 to 2034—a 25% increase from the 2023 estimate—driven by modernization programs like the over-budget Sentinel ICBM and upgrades to C2 systems. The costs are split between the DOD and DOE, with $129B allocated for anticipated overruns. Analysts warn rising expenses could complicate POTUS’s defense budget goals and highlight the need for Congress to reassess the scale and scope of U.S. nuclear modernization plans.

SecNav axes contracts for fleet maintenance software, DEI, climate in $300M purge.

SECNAV has canceled nearly $300M in contracts, targeting over-engineered fleet maintenance software and programs related to DEI and climate initiatives. The terminated Naval Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (NMRO) contracts, awarded to firms like Lockheed Martin and IFS, were deemed unusable after five years of development. Additionally, 45 grants were cut for misalignment with defense priorities.

$150 billion defense boost fast-tracks shipbuilding and missile shield.

Congress is fast-tracking a $150B defense boost, funneling funds into shipbuilding, munitions, and the Golden Dome missile shield. Lawmakers call it a "generational investment," ensuring stability in military funding while strengthening deterrence against global adversaries.

ICYMI:

  • DOD seeks open-source software to support 5G and 6G networks.

  • Say hi to “Dark Eagle,” the U.S. Army’s latest hypersonic weapon.

  • AIRCAT Bengal MC: the most advanced warship on the planet.

  • Agenic warfare is here. Will America be the first mover?

  • Army made a tank that it can’t use. What’s it going to do with it now?

Defense Contract Awards

  • Tyto Athene inked a $379M Army LTRAC contract.

  • Astrotech awarded a $78M USAF space vehicle processing contract.

  • Renk America awarded $15M Army contract for transmission control modules.

Follow the Defense Leaders

  • Airbus U.S. Space and Defense appointed a new CEO.

  • Leidos named its Defensive Cyber Practice VP.

  • CIO of AFRL resigns, joins OpenAI.

Defense Job Openings

FUNNY

INTEL COMMUNITY

DOJ rescinds rules safeguarding media from government seizures.

DOJ has rescinded a policy that protected journalists from having their communications seized during leak investigations. The new guidelines permit prosecutors to subpoena reporters' records and compel testimony. Press freedom advocates argue the move could deter confidential sources and hinder investigative journalism.

ICYMI:

  • CIA’s Deputy Director for Digital Innovation seeks stronger ties with government contractors.

  • Top intelligence lawmaker fears China may exploit DOGE’s changes to government.

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CIVILIAN

VA OIG flags testing gaps in $8.6B financial system overhaul.

VA OIG has identified significant testing deficiencies in the VA's $8.6B financial system modernization initiative, iFAMS. The OIG warns that these lapses could impede user adoption, hinder change management, and reduce overall efficiency. The report recommends that the VA conduct comprehensive end-to-end testing and improve documentation to ensure the system meets its intended objectives.

DOD’s TRICARE program could use more efficiency.

A recent GAO report found that the DOD’s TRICARE contracts, valued at $168B, have increased in cost due to longer performance periods, expanded requirements, and inflation. It also flagged a decline in competition, with fewer bids and most contracts awarded to incumbents. The report stresses the need for stronger oversight to manage costs, encourage competition, and maintain the quality of healthcare for military beneficiaries.

ICYMI:

Civilian Contracts Awards

  • RELI Group inked a $60M CMS Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program MOCA contract.

  • CGI Federal won a $28M TREAS OCC OCFO Content Management System deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

  • NSF Director resigns; NSF Chief of Staff will perform duties in the interim.

  • South Dakota’s CIO has been chosen to be CISA’s Deputy Director.

  • GTSC’s Strategic Advisory Board has a new member.

Civilian Job Openings

M&A CORNER

Mythics acquires SmartERP to expand Oracle Cloud capabilities globally.

Mythics, LLC is strengthening its Oracle Cloud portfolio with the acquisition of Smart ERP Solutions, Inc. The move broadens service offerings, enhances technical expertise, and integrates offshore capabilities for 24/7 customer support. With joint leadership and proven innovation, this merger is set to accelerate growth across sectors.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

  1. Pope Francis has been laid to rest. His funeral was attended by politicians from different countries, royalty, and 400,000 mourners. SOURCE↗︎ 

  2. Is Apple saying goodbye to China? By next year, the company will manufacture all its phones in India. SOURCE↗︎

  3. Chinese companies rush to establish U.S. factories. POTUS delivered a clear message to Chinese exporters: relocate production to the U.S. or face the risk of being priced out of the market. SOURCE↗︎

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