December 13, 2024

QUICK HITS

• An open letter to Elon Musk: The American Small Business League President begs to “quit giving” most gov’t contracts to biggies and give to smallzies.

• RICE: Will this ingredient pave the road to DOT’s modernization success?

• Enhancing quantum security for the financial sector: 4 guiding principles.

• NASA’s SEWP VI – Q&A Batch 5 has been released: Here are the agency’s answers to the industry’s questions.

GOVBREW INSIDER

• Check out this week’s 90+ opportunities from defense, civilian, and intel agencies.

• Our team uncovered 35+ upcoming IT Services opportunities at the Peace Corps in this week's recompete report.

• See if your company qualifies for any of the latest grants & competitions.

• Stay up to date on the upcoming events.

• Keep track of the latest Agency Acquisition Forecasts.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Report to Congress: F-35 Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter.

The latest Congressional report dives into the F-35 Lightning II program, spotlighting cost overruns, production delays, and operational challenges. As the cornerstone of joint strike fighter capabilities, the F-35’s development hurdles continue to prompt scrutiny from lawmakers seeking program reforms and accountability. Read more

Space Force’s commercial reserve faces funding and policy hurdles.

Companies supporting the Space Force’s commercial reserve initiative are pushing for clearer policies and sustained funding. The program aims to ensure private sector collaboration in space operations, but industry leaders say more structure and backing are needed to make it a success. Read more

SSC expands opportunities for small business collaboration.

Space Systems Command is strengthening its partnerships with small businesses, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the space sector. The initiative aims to leverage the expertise of smaller firms to support and accelerate SSC’s mission, paving the way for future growth and success in the space domain. Read more

ICYMI:

• RFI: Enhanced Technical Information Management Services.

• RFI: AFDTL IT Support Services.

• Lockheed has completed the assembly and power up of its Next-gen OPIR satellite: It’s now ready for testing.

• The USSF’s first-ever Silent Barker satellites are anticipated to go live in 2025.

Defense Contract Awards

• Leidos secured a $987M USAF FMS Sustainment Support deal to Taiwan.

• Redwire booked a $45.46M AFRL Advanced Space-based Defense Capabilities contract.

• BAE’s Fast Labs won a $12M DARPA High Operational Temperature contract.

• 3 Reasons Consulting inked a $12M USN Contractor RMF AVC QA Support deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Altamira welcomed a new President.

• Leidos has two new VPs.

Defense Job Openings

• BUPERS wants a Director of Institutional Effectiveness.

• ANGU needs a Director of Inspections.

END OF YEAR RECAP

GovBrew’s Crystal Ball: Top GovCon Industry Trends for 2025

Ready to peek into the future of government contracting? Our top industry predictions for 2025 include fewer extensions, faster approvals, and unicorns granting RFP wishes—just kidding, we’re not that optimistic. But we do foresee big shifts, bigger budgets, and the same old scramble to hit those deadlines. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride! See our best guesses here.

TRIVIA 🤔

Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. Scroll down for more information about the correct answer.

INTEL COMMUNITY

FBI and CISA’s new guidelines offers blueprint for network hardening.

The FBI and CISA’s latest network hardening guidance provides actionable tips for security engineers to bolster defenses against evolving threats. Key insights cover secure configurations, patch management, and threat monitoring. Read more

Military leans on industry for advanced space intel.

DOD is deepening its partnership with commercial space companies, leveraging their advanced technologies for intelligence gathering and operations. This shift highlights the growing role of private sector innovation in national security, ensuring cutting-edge capabilities in a rapidly evolving space domain. Read more

ICYMI:

• RFI: DIA Common Data Fabric.

• RFP: DARPA eX Virentia (eXVi) Phase 0.

• TacCom & TechOps III contract competition: DHS oogles who’s in the market.

• ODNI is looking for a Deputy National Intelligence Officer.

CIVILIAN

Gaps in federal agency compliance highlighted in GAO’s critical report.

The GAO has published a critical report identifying shortcomings in federal agencies' implementation of the IOT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020. The report highlights major deficiencies in IOT device inventories, waiver processing, and compliance with cybersecurity standards. Read more

DOC issues final rule to secure the ICTS supply chain.

The Commerce Department has finalized a rule that formalizes its process for assessing Information and Communications Technology and Services transactions. The Executive Order, titled Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain, aims to mitigate risks in ICTS transactions impacting national security. Read more

Dashboards, sharing threat intelligence help the USDA improve cybersecurity responses.

Technology has come a long way from the days of antivirus software installed on endpoints. Recently, the USDA migrated from a host-based security system to endpoint detection and response. The big difference, USDA Deputy Chief Information Security Officer Ingatius Liberto said, is that final word: response. Read more

ICYMI:

• RFI: IRS Contact Center Support Division (CCSD) Support.

• RFI: VA Data Quality (DQ) Technical Analysis and Functional Support.

• DOE funding opp: Advancing recycling in wind energy technologies.

• NOAA and UCAR expand their partnership to tackle extreme weather.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• ECS won a $96M HHS ARPA-H contract.

• ICF inked a $30M EPA Environmental Economics R&A Technical Support deal.

• Alpine Technology Group booked a $16M CMS ASPEN IV contract.

• Censeo won a $15M GSA ETS Shared Service PMO deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Swingtech has selected a new CGO.

• CGI has chosen a new Business Consulting VP.

Civilian Job Openings

• DHS is seeking a CDAIO.

• NSF is hiring a Deputy Division Director.

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SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Did Google’s Willow chip achieve a quantum leap? The company claims it has two notable improvements. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Scientists want the EU to stop geoengineering. There is insufficient evidence to prove that reflecting sunlight back into space effectively cools the Earth. SOURCE↗︎

3. The first 4D object has been printed. How is that even possible in our three dimensional world? SOURCE↗︎

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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️

D. The creation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s first militia regiments. On December 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony formed the North, South, and East Regiments to protect the colony's settlements. This act established a continuous militia tradition, later evolving into today’s National Guard. (Source)