QUICK HITS
[Event] Crack the code to winning bids: Inside OPTIMIZE25’s secrets to smarter, faster, and more profitable proposals. November 4 & 5.
A&D supply chains: Achieving resilience through strategic localization.
Enhancing IT modernization: Zero trust as a strategic driver.
Is it reliable? Here’s what to check before you buy contract lifecycle management software.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
CMMC rollout: Key requirements for defense contractors.
DOD will begin Phase 1 of its CMMC program on November 10, requiring self-assessments and affirmations from contractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information. With three certification levels and limited flexibility for remediation, compliance preparation is essential.
Pentagon tech nominees say they’ll stress speed service for new capabilities.
Pentagon’s two tech nominees told senators they’ll make “speed to service” their top priority—cutting red tape to move AI, hypersonics, and other innovations from lab to battlefield in months, not years. Both vowed to overhaul Pentagon bureaucracy, modernize test infrastructure, and protect critical S- and X-band spectrum so U.S. forces can outpace China in next-generation capabilities.
Army sets domestic rules for next howitzer competition.
The Army has released updated acquisition guidance for its next-generation self-propelled howitzer, emphasizing that both the artillery system and its resupply vehicle must be manufactured domestically. The move reflects a broader push for supply chain security and industrial base resilience.
ICYMI:
The Caribbean power play: Massive U.S. military buildup near Venezuela raises questions of covert war—and contracts.
NOC enhances the F-16 with cool new electronic warfare and radar tech.
Lockheed wants to add 6th-gen tech into USAF’s F-35 and F-22 aircraft.
Defense Contract Awards
A list of notable federal contract wins during shutdown.
SAIC won a $242M USN Propulsion Test Facility O&M contract.
IBM wins $112M DISA contract for electronic shelf label upgrades.
Vantor booked a USSF space object tracking deal.
Follow the Defense Leaders
Cyber expert nominated as Coast Guard commandant.
QinetiQ has a new CPO.
Valkyrie named its BD Director.
Defense Job Openings
CHART
The Cloud forecast looks bright
Governments worldwide are ramping up their cloud adoption, and fast. The global government cloud market is projected to surge from $38.4B in 2024 to $140.2 by 2033, growing at a 15.4% CAGR. Hybrid cloud deployments are leading the charge as agencies balance flexibility, cost, and security. Expect public cloud use to expand as zero-trust and AI-driven modernization initiatives gain traction across federal and state programs.
INTEL COMMUNITY
Industry wants open source intelligence.
A coalition of industry groups and former officials is urging Congress to keep open-source intelligence provisions in the annual intel authorization bill. They argue publicly available data is vital for modern threat analysis—though some in the IC aren’t sold.
Analysis: Global conflicts push telcos to the frontlines of defense.
Militaries are turning to commercial telecom and satellite companies to build faster, AI-driven, and more resilient networks that can power drones, sensors, and real-time battlefield intel. From Nokia’s 5G-enabled NATO drills to Globalstar’s covert satcom deals with the U.S. Army, the line between commercial and defense connectivity is disappearing—making communication as critical to modern warfare as firepower itself.
ICYMI:
DOD nominee on consolidating Space Force and NRO: “Open to all options.”
Secret Service will recompete $100M HR staffing support contract.
Websec booked a USAF COMSEC Support, Cryptographic Key Management, and Crypto Key Delivery Services contract.
A former USCYBERCOM Operations Director is now a member of GRVTY's board.
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CIVILIAN
NVIDIA and Oracle partner with DOE on AI supercomputing initiative.
NVIDIA and Oracle are collaborating with the DOE to develop Solstice, the agency’s largest AI supercomputer, powered by 100,000 Blackwell GPUs. The project is part of a broader effort to deploy seven AI systems across national laboratories.
PSC supports SBA proposal to raise small business size standards.
The Professional Services Council has endorsed the SBA’s plan to increase size standards for 263 categories, citing inflation and rising bid costs. However, PSC cautions against future reductions, warning they could undermine competition and limit small business participation in federal contracting.
Sheppard Mullin summit: Leaders tackle healthcare’s challenges.
At Sheppard Mullin’s second annual Women in Healthcare Leadership Summit, speakers didn’t just talk policy—they tackled workforce burnout, AI adoption, and equity head-on. From CMS to private sector execs, the message was clear: collaboration and courage are the prescription for progress.
ICYMI:
Hitachi signed an MOU with the DOC for grid modernizations.
NASA’s "quiet" X-59 supersonic jet achieves milestone with first flight.
POTUS signed deals on trade and rare earths with Japan.
Tria Federal partners with ServiceNow for federal IT modernization efforts.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
Reli Group announced its new BD and Capture Manager.
FPSA named a new Treasurer.
GDIT promoted two individuals to key leadership roles.
Identity. io hired new executives.
Civilian Job Openings
M&A CORNER
Former CISA advisor launches BAM Consulting for cybersecurity services.
George Bamford, a former senior advisor at CISA and longtime national security official, has established BAM Consulting to provide cybersecurity, risk management, and strategic advisory services. With over 20 years of federal experience, Bamford aims to support both government and industry clients.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Amazon announces 14,000 corporate job cuts across its workforce. The company wants to streamline its operations to capitalize on opportunities presented by AI. SOURCE↗︎
No $1 trillion package, no Elon. Musk stated he won’t build Tesla’s “robot army” unless he gets greater voting control within the company. SOURCE↗︎
Air Force opens base land for private AI development. To qualify, each project must exceed $500 million in value and demand a minimum of 100 megawatts of power. SOURCE↗︎
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