Good morning. GovBrew is hitting pause for the holiday week to recharge (and maybe overindulge in cookies). Don’t worry—we’ll be back in your inbox on Friday, January 3, ready to kick off 2025 with all the snark and scoops you love. Enjoy the holidays, and may your out-of-office reply bring you joy! Seriously—make that out of office message really count.
—The GovBrew Crew
QUICK HITS
10 Christmas space facts to get you in the festive spirit: Santa UFOs, ban on astronauts drinking, cookies in space, and where Mrs Claus was first seen.
AARPA-I’s Summary of RFI Responses: Opportunities and Challenges of AI in Transportation (a report).
Small business struggles: The problem with federal micro-purchasing.
A new Gen-AI challenge: The USSF launched it to Revolutionize OPEX.
DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
USAF’s Next-Gen Fighter: Naughty or Nice?
A recent internal USAF analysis declared the development of a manned, next-generation fighter jet solidly on the “nice” list—a finding that comes amid a high-profile debate over the future of the multi-billion-dollar NGAD program. The USAF’s review’s recent results could strengthen the case to keep the program alive and award a contract for the future fighter. Read more
All aboard the Holiday Frigate Frenzy!
The Navy’s wish list this season includes a second Constellation-class frigate shipbuilder, and industry’s finest are gearing up for a sleigh ride into high-stakes competition. Following last month’s "Dear Santa" call to determine shipyard capabilities, the race is on to see which builder will make the Navy’s holiday dreams come true. Anchors aweigh, and may the best shipyard win! Read more
AFA calls for consistent funding in NDAA passage response.
The Air Force Association (AFA) praises the recent passage of the NDAA but urges Congress to prioritize sustained funding to ensure military readiness. Consistent support is seen as crucial for maintaining defense capabilities and preparing for future challenges. Read more
USAF RFI: Managed Attribution and Secure Remote Web Browsing.
Army RFI: Contracting and Facility Operations Strategies.
Army RFI: Professional Administrative Support Services.
Check out the Army’s concept for the NGC2.
Space Force celebrates 5 years, sets sights on expanding Force.
Defense Contract Awards
Lockheed Martin wins massive $12B F-35 contract.
CACI NSS secured a $22M USAF EITAAS Wave 1 - NIPR Mobile deal.
Raytheon won a $61M Navy contract for Phalanx Close-In Weapon services.
Microsoft won a $70M Army contract for JWCC, with 1 bid received.
Follow the Defense Leaders
Tyto Athene has chosen a new Army and Defense Group President.
Defense Job Openings
NAVFAC is hiring a Product Line Director.
Army is seeking a Borden Institute Director.
END OF YEAR RECAP
GovBrew Gold!
This year’s top GovBrew newsletter memes brought the snark, the sarcasm, and the all-too-relatable struggles of working in GovCon and beyond. From the absurdity of last-minute RFPs to the eternal hunt for an office fridge that’s not a biohazard, these gems captured the highs, lows, and coffee-fueled chaos of professional life. Laugh (or cry) your way through the best of 2024! Read more
INTEL COMMUNITY
FBI’s AI wishlist: Will Santa deliver?
The FBI’s plans to unwrap AI integration are hitting a few bumps in the sleigh ride, according to a new DOJ report. While the agency has been working to follow guidance from the ODNI, obstacles are slowing down their efforts faster than last-minute holiday shoppers. Looks like AI adoption might stay on the "needs improvement" list a little longer! Read more
ICYMI:
FBI RFI: Open-Source Intelligence Tools.
DHS report: “Priorities for DHS Engagement on Subsea Cable Security & Resilience.”
Chloeta inked a GSA intel, federal civilian and defense support services deal.
ODNI is looking for a Deputy NIM East Asia.
FUNNY
CIVILIAN
Bill would establish an AI safety office in Commerce.
The Preserving American Dominance in AI Act of 2024 (S.5616) would require the office to develop and issue a take-home test for model developers to evaluate their systems for “extreme risks” before development. The bill would also require the newly established office to collaborate with the NIST’s AI Safety Institute to provide best practices and technical assistance to industry. Read more
Comptroller of the Currency looks to level up its AI offerings.
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is seeking information on Gen-AI services to support the agency’s internally developed and contractor-provided AI tools. In an RFI published this week, the OCC said it has implemented “proprietary tools” in ML platforms and within Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI system. Santa may have elves, but the OCC is now looking for contractors to bring the tech sparkle. Read more | Get the RFI
ICYMI:
VHA RFI: Office of Finance Recovery Audit.
NSF RFI: Redesign of the nano.gov website.
Treasury’s AI report aims to tackle financial sector risks.
VA plans to resume EHR rollout in Michigan in mid-2026.
Civilian Contracts Awards
CNSP won a $164M DOS DS CASS contract.
Steampunk booked a $55M USTPO Customer Interaction Platform Support Services and Product Support (CIPSSAPS) contract.
Autonomic Integra JV inked a DOE OCIO IT Policy, Strategy, and Governance Support Services (PSGSS) deal.
Dobson DaVanzo secured a $2.6M CMS Medicare Part D Data Analysis deal.
Follow Civilian Leaders
DHS named its new Deputy CISO.
A new CBP leader has been nominated.
TSA has a new IT Operations Executive Director.
Civilian Job Openings
NSF wants a Division Director.
NIST needs a Lab Programs Deputy Associate Director.
GET SEEN
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M&A CORNER
Gladstone signed an agreement to acquire Ricardo Defense.
Gladstone Investment will expand its GovCon footprint by acquiring Ricardo Defense. Known for delivering high-tech military solutions, Ricardo Defense will add strategic capabilities to Gladstone's portfolio. Read more
Trace3 acquires Zivaro.
IT consulting firm Trace3 has acquired Zivaro for an undisclosed sum as part of a push to expand its government, public sector and critical infrastructure capabilities. The transaction will create a new business vertical called Trace3 Government, and it expects full integration to occur in the second quarter of 2025. Read more
ICYMI:
Here’s how you can prepare for the 2025 public company reporting season. (SEC rules about disclosures.)
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
The US is gearing up to ship hydrogen into space for the first time. They’ll use a rocket motor that’s partly made using 3D tech. SOURCE↗︎
Eight weeks from now, Google will start tracking all your devices. This decision was made because the government wants the company to sell Chrome. SOURCE↗︎
A predictive look at CES 2025. The CES in Las Vegas is one of the biggest, coolest conferences out there. What can we expect to see this year? SOURCE↗︎
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