QUICK HITS
A guide to understanding bid protest deadlines: You know, when the gov’t opens up and GAO goes back to accepting protests.
Government overhaul: How agile strategies are revolutionizing federal operations.
$15B in Bitcoin siezure sparks chaos in crypto reserve plan: The seizure has raised questions about the legal and financial risks involved in crypto.
[Listen] The Ecosystemic Futures Podcast: Aerovergence - Cross-cutting conepts shaping ecosystemic futures.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Army to test next-gen C2 prototype for the second time since July contract award.
The Army will conduct a second field test of its next-generation C2 prototype, three months after awarding Anduril a contract. The 4th Infantry Division will participate in Ivy Sting 2, evaluating the system's effectiveness in managing airspace deconfliction and integrating AI-driven logistics tools from partners like Govini and Strive Works.
Army is looking to field CCA-like capability potentially in “next couple of years.”
Army is accelerating efforts to develop a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)-like capability, aiming for deployment within the next couple of years. This initiative follows the lead of the USAF and USN, with the Army exploring options such as a Group 4 VTOL drone and collaborating with industry partners. (More about CCA)
DOD clarifies contract work limits during shutdown.
The DOD has issued updated guidance stating that contractors may continue work only on projects with previously obligated funding. New awards, renewals, and task orders are suspended unless deemed “excepted” activities. Oversight disruptions may trigger stop-work orders.
ICYMI:
USN Solicitation: NIEF Engineering Services.
Defense spending bill fails to pass amid shutdown.
USAF scraps Integrated Capabilities Command (ICC).
Collins Aerospace unwilling to sell USAF repair data for AWACS DRAGON.
Defense Contract Awards
Follow the Defense Leaders
LightPath Technologies appoints a new member of the Board of Directors.
Defense Job Openings
DLA needs a Financial Manager.
ANGU wants a Base Operations Manager.
INTEL COMMUNITY
China accuses US of cyber breaches at national time center.
China has accused the NSA of conducting a prolonged cyber-espionage campaign against its National Time Service Center, including exploiting a mobile-messaging vulnerability in 2022 and attacking ground-based precision timing systems in 2023–24. Beijing warned that the hacks targeted timing infrastructure that underpins communications, financial networks, and the power grid.
ICYMI:
State, DHS sued by union groups over AI-fueled surveillance programs.
Thousands of civil servants’ passwords exposed since early 2024.
Violating international standards? A mysterious signal from SpaceX defense satellites raises concerns.
Assurance Technology wins $244M NRL Radio Frequency R&D contract.
SIXGEN names a national security industry leader to its Board of Directors.
CIVILIAN
OpenAI researchers see current chatbot use supporting, not replacing, workers.
A recent study co-authored by OpenAI and Harvard University reveals that ChatGPT is predominantly utilized for decision-making support, such as information retrieval, guidance, and writing assistance, rather than replacing human workers. OpenAI's Chief Economist emphasized that AI serves as an "accelerant" to human productivity, akin to the internet's role in enhancing careers.
USPTO launches new AI pilot for pre-examination utility application search.
The USPTO has launched the Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot (ASAP!) program to enhance the patent examination process. This pilot provides applicants with an AI-generated "Top Ten List" of potential prior art issues, enabling early assessment and informed decision-making before substantive examination. The program is designed to improve examination efficiency, reduce backlog, and help applicants refine their submissions.
ICYMI:
How CPaaS platforms help government agencies deliver better citizen services.
HUD is joining GSA’s centralized acquisition services pilot.
NASA and India deploy the world’s most advanced radar satellite.
Orion moonship arrives at final stop before liftoff.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
Civilian Job Openings
DOJ is seeking an Operations Manager.
LOC is hiring a Senior Data Manager.
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M&A CORNER
Molex to expand defense footprint with Smiths Interconnect deal.
Molex is acquiring Smiths Interconnect to boost its reach in aerospace, defense, and semiconductor testing. The deal will add 21 global facilities and complements Molex’s 2024 AirBorn acquisition.
SAIC acquires SilverEdge to boost intelligence capabilities.
SAIC has completed its $205M acquisition of SilverEdge Government Solutions from Godspeed Capital. The deal adds cybersecurity experts, intelligence analysts, and the MynAI agentic AI platform to SAIC’s portfolio—plus a customizable SOAR SaaS suite for secure environments.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
The U.S. and U.K. have imposed sanctions on the Cambodia-based Prince Group. They’re accusing it of running one of Southeast Asia’s largest crypto scam networks using trafficked workers in forced labor camps. SOURCE↗︎
More | Job scams: South Korea restricts travel to parts of Cambodia over torture reports.miBrain: MIT researchers' new invention. It's a 3D brain tissue model that enables personalized disease research and drug testing. SOURCE↗︎
Do you want to watch the Orionids meteor shower? It will peak around October 22 and remain visible through November 7. SOURCE↗︎
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