QUICK HITS
End-of-year strategy: Navigating complexity with smarter workflows for a strong FY26.
Collaborative security: Why government needs to engage with industry.
GAO will sanction you for AI protest abuse: It started with fake citations, but the problems are bigger than that. Don’t risk your credibility.
Closing the governance gap: Three strategies for business-critical applications: people, processes, and technology.
GOVBREW INSIDER
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
China’s mineral clampdown disrupts Western defense supply chains.
China’s tightening grip on critical minerals—like germanium and rare earths—is delaying production and driving up costs for Western defense firms. Some materials now cost 60x more, and companies are scrambling for non-Chinese sources.
Army details vision for integrated air, missile, space defense.
The Army has released its strategic framework for integrated air, missile, and space defense through 2040, emphasizing speed, adaptability, and advanced technologies. Key initiatives include new Patriot battalions, modular formations, and the launch of the first enlisted space operations role this October.
Pew-pew! Army laser weapons near readiness for missile defense role.
The Army’s directed energy tech is “pretty mature,” with prototypes ranging from 10kW to 300kW already tested—and even deployed. Officials say lasers could bolster next-gen missile defense, but a weak manufacturing base and limited engineering talent remain hurdles.
ICYMI:
Lockheed’s missile alert satellite nears launch after surviving testing.
Navy utilizes AI to strengthen “Zero Trust” authentication.
Army is negotiating a contract for autonomy software for robotic initiative.
Teaming: NFA and AFIT team up on hypersonic VTOL aircraft.
Teaming: SNC and AeroVironment target drone defense for Golden Dome.
Defense Contract Awards
Follow the Defense Leaders
Defense Job Openings
TRIVIA 🤔
Which of the following statements about procurement thresholds at Federal Reserve regional banks is TRUE?
- A. All 12 Reserve Banks require competitive bidding for purchases over $50,000.
- B. The Richmond Fed requires competitive bids for purchases of $35,000 or more.
- C. The New York Fed requires competitive bidding for all purchases above $10,000.
- D. All Reserve Banks follow the exact same procurement policies as the Board of Governors.
Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. Scroll down to the bottom of this email for more information about the correct answer.
INTEL COMMUNITY
Army proposes marketplace to accelerate tactical drone production.
Following the rapid development of 100 drones under Project Flytrap, the Army’s C5ISR Center is exploring a formalized UAS marketplace to streamline the acquisition of low-cost, mission-tailored drones. The initiative aims to enhance responsiveness and scalability across future operations..
ICYMI:
NGA RFI: JREN.
USCG RFI: Direction Finding (DF) System Upgrade.
Lockheed Martin scored a $652M NGA Erebus contract.
NSA flags cyber risks: Small defense firms may be targeted and at risk.
Iran says a spy was executed for passing nuclear secrets to Mossad.
CIVILIAN
NASA’s new orbit rules: Fewer astronauts, faster contracts.
NASA is reworking its commercial space station strategy—cutting crew requirements to four astronauts for one-month stints and ditching fixed-price contracts in favor of flexible Space Act Agreements.
GSA signs new OneGov cloud deal with AWS.
GSA’s OneGov agreement with Amazon Web Services could save agencies up to $1B through 2028, offering access to cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and training. The non-exclusive deal follows similar arrangements with Google and Oracle, expanding centralized procurement options.
NIST builds on cyber standards to tackle AI security risks
NIST is crafting a “cyber AI profile” to help CISOs secure AI systems, counter adversarial AI, and use it defensively—without burying them in new guidance. The agency’s mantra? “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” A draft is expected soon, while Congress pushes for red teaming standards.
ICYMI:
VA RFI: HINGE Cerner - Interface.
Grant funding: DHS rolls out $100M for community cybersecurity.
ICE is hiring 10,000 agents, offering signing bonuses.
ICF Fathom is an AI suite built to boost federal efficiency.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
LMI appointed new executives.
Salesforce named its Legal and Corporate Affairs CAITO.
Civilian Job Openings
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M&A CORNER
DHI acquires AgileATS for govtech edge.
DHI Group just picked up AgileATS for $2M to boost ClearanceJobs’ recruiting power in the cleared talent market. The deal adds AI-driven applicant tracking tools tailored for government contractors.
Intuitive Machines is acquiring KinetX for deep space navigation.
Intuitive Machines is buying KinetX to beef up its deep space navigation chops—think Pluto, Mars, and lunar missions. The deal, set to close by year’s end, positions them to chase NASA contracts and autonomous data relay work. No small step for a space tech firm.
Motorola-Silvus deal: expanding into unmanned defense tech.
Motorola Solutions just dropped $4.4B to acquire Silvus Technologies, aiming to boost its footprint in the drone and unmanned systems market. Silvus’ MANET tech enables secure, infrastructure-free comms—ideal for defense, border security, and public safety.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Butch Wilmore announces retirement after “extended stay” in space. After 25 years at NASA, four spacecraft, and 464 days in orbit, he hung up his spacesuit for good. SOURCE↗︎
Former Superman actor Dean Cain to become an ICE agent. He knows Superman “is an immigrant;” he just wants to enforce the rules. SOURCE↗︎
The first British woman to become spy chief and inspiration for MI6’s “M” dies at age 90. Stella Rimington sniffed out Soviet spies, infiltrated Northern Ireland militant groups, and later became a spy thriller author. SOURCE↗︎
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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️
B) The Richmond Fed requires competitive bids for purchases of $35,000 or more.— The Fed may print money, but when it comes to buying stuff, each regional bank likes to play by its own rulebook. Spoiler alert: it’s not one-size-fits-all—even in the land of one currency. (Source)
