December 2, 2024

QUICK HITS

• OFPP Memo: Recruitment and Retention of the Contracting Workforce.

• SB Opportunities: Here’s where to find grants, loans and programs for your small business’ benefit.

• Monthly Employment Utilization Report: The OFCCP just reinstated it.

• Upcycling software: How software reuse and extension can accelerate digital transformation for agencies.

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Army wants to move its pay system to the cloud by 2027.

The Army is moving its personnel and pay system to the cloud, an effort that has begun in earnest with the hiring of Oracle to host the HR records of more than 1 million soldiers. Plans are being drawn up by the IPPS-A product management team at Army PEO Enterprise. The work will be carried out under the Pentagon’s $9B Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability. Read more

Army is building a new expeditionary cyber battalion.

The Army is adding more expeditionary cyber teams and creating a new battalion focused on cyber—validating that the concept has proven its worth. In late February, the ARSTRUC plan directed the activation of two more so-called expeditionary cyber and electromagnetic activities teams (ECTs) in the 11th Cyber Battalion—a total of 90 authorizations—and an additional 390 authorizations for ECTs to begin building the 12th Cyber Battalion. Read more

Project Olympus forges critical digital pathways to enable interoperability.

Project Olympus is a U.S. Army initiative designed to enhance joint interoperability and technological integration across defense systems. By advancing capabilities in areas like sensing, targeting, and command and control, it aims to leverage artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and robust communication networks to support joint All-Domain Operations and maintain a strategic edge in modern warfare. Read more

ICYMI:

• Navy plying new tactics while pairing kamikaze drones with robo-ships.

• IronNet and Asterion Systems test the Hitchhiker interceptor drone in Ukraine.

• [Watch] “One Force Design” and the collaborative success of the Global Hydro-Intelligence.

• Opinion: Will Musk’s “algorithm” reduce military inefficiency—or increase risk?

• USMC approves design for autocannon recce vehicle.

Defense Contract Awards

• Dynetics got a $670M Common Hypersonic Glide Body deal.

• Blue Origin secured a DOD Nuclear-powered Spacecraft contract.

• Caelum Research Corp. inked a $16.1M Army Information Management Support deal.

• MVP Robotics awarded a $226M Navy IDIQ for TMIT knowledge-based services.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Navy names a new secretary.

• Tria Federal has chosen a new EVP.

Defense Job Openings

• DLA needs a Supervisory IT Program Manager.

• IMCOM wants an ASA Program Manager.

END OF THE YEAR RECAP

End of the Year Recap

What were the top dollar value contract winners from 2024? Just how big are we talking? Let’s just say these deals make "inflation" look like pocket change. Brace yourself for numbers so huge they might need their own (10-digit) zip code. See the top 10 here.

INTEL COMMUNITY

DHS I&A hosts Texas Corporate Security Symposium.

The Texas Corporate Security Symposium, hosted by DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, emphasized collaboration between public and private sectors to address security challenges like election integrity, AI risks, and global business threats. Participants shared actionable insights, case studies, and best practices to enhance resilience and preparedness across industries. Read more

ICYMI:

• RFI: USSOCOM SOF Global Services Delivery.

• U.S., U.K. jointly tracking mysterious drone incursions near England military bases.

• Opinion: The IC senses risk and reward under returning POTUS.

• DNI Haines receives NATO’s Women for Peace and Security award.

• New FBI Director named.

• ODNI is looking for an IT Operations Chief.

GET SEEN

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CIVILIAN

USDOT identifies priority areas, near-term applications for quantum.

The USDOT has identified 18 priority areas where quantum technologies could optimize transportation across all modes and has set a timeline for near-term quantum applications USDOT could implement in the next one to three years. In a new report, USDOT laid out seven “first steps” to leverage advancements in quantum technologies efficiently, including developing a quantum technology assessment framework. Read more

O’Malley: SSA’s 2024 progress refutes government doubters.

Under the commissioner’s tenure, SSA has seen marked improvements in customer service metrics despite continually mounting workloads and dwindling funding. Among other achievements, in the past year, SSA has implemented SecurityStat and solicited more than 16,000 suggestions from agency employees for process improvements through a new EngageSSA web portal. Read more

ICYMI:

• Human vs. AI: MIT expert issues warning about AI risks.

• DOJ OIG calls out a lack of an updated public AI strategy.

• DOE plans to tap AI to streamline interconnection project approvals.

• 2024 Presidential Rank Award Winners have been announced.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• IBM inked a $903M GSA Federal Travel and Expense Management Modernization contract.

• Ripple Effect Communication secured a $100M NIH Consulting and Training Services deal.

• Slingshot Aerospace bagged a $13.3M NOAA TraCSS Website and User Experience deal.

• FCN got a $2.7M IRS Criminal Investigation Nutanix Software and Hardware Support contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• SSA has a new Acting CISO.

• New leader tapped for OMB.

• DOE names a new Deputy CIO.

• HHS makes the CIO position permanent and official.

• CIGIE has elected a new Chair.

Civilian Job Openings

• FAA is seeking an ATSS Portfolio Manager.

• NSF is hiring a Program Manager.

M&A CORNER

Mobix Labs to acquire Spacecraft Components.

Mobix Labs is reaching for the stars with its decision to acquire of Spacecraft Components. The move will strengthen its position in the competitive space systems market, aligning with industry needs for more advanced and scalable solutions. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. A $10B underwater cable that will go around our planet could be on its way. Meta is reportedly building one, but what’s its purpose? SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Starlink’s direct to cell is now FCC-approved. For the first time, the agency allowed satellites and cell carriers to deliver coverage using spectrum bands traditionally used for terrestrial services. SOURCE↗︎

3. AI now has the ability to “feel” surfaces. It seems the matrimony between artificial intelligence and quantum led to this remarkable achievement. SOURCE↗︎

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