💰 DOD’s billion-dollar buying spree

The Pentagon has initiated a $1 billion buying spree to expand domestic reserves of critical minerals, including cobalt and antimony. Framed as part of a broader $150 trillion strategic vision, the move aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources and strengthen national security supply chains.

Army has published the formal requirements for its next self-propelled howitzer competition, mandating domestic production, firing U.S. ammunition, high armor survivability, and rapid emplacement/displacement capabilities. The document outlines key parameters including up to 58 km range for mass fires and up to 70 km for precision fires, while signaling that foreign contenders will need to show U.S. manufacturing capability to compete.

The DOD Entrepreneurial Innovation Act has been reintroduced to bolster funding for small businesses through SBIR and STTR programs. With $1.6 billion in defense-related tech investments at stake, the legislation aims to sustain innovation and strengthen the industrial base.

Federal AI memo raises the bar for contractors

Earlier this year, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released M-25-21, which urges agencies to modernize their AI use and demands innovation, governance, and public trust. For government contractors, this means stricter AI governance and new vendor expectations. Each agency must appoint a Chief AI Officer, form an AI governance board, and adopt standardized risk frameworks. “High-impact AI” (systems affecting legal, financial, or safety outcomes) must include human oversight, testing, and accountability measures. Contractors supplying or managing AI systems should prepare for increased reporting, data-sharing, and transparency clauses in RFPs. The memo signals that future awards will hinge on AI ethics, security, and provenance, as well as performance. (Read M-25-21)

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The USSF is launching a $905 million initiative to develop maneuverable satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Designed to enhance SATCOM resilience and operational flexibility, the program will leverage commercial capabilities to support national security and space domain awareness.

A forthcoming update to the U.S. national security strategy is expected to broaden the scope of homeland defense, incorporating activities such as border security, counter-drug operations and domestic law-enforcement support alongside traditional deterrence of foreign adversaries.

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DOGE has eliminated hundreds of EPA grants, halting research on air quality, chemical safety, and pollution monitoring. Scientists and public health advocates warn the cuts could undermine environmental protections and delay critical advancements in community health.

The WH’s nominee to lead the GSA said he intends to make GSA a “multiplier of efficiency and modernization” for federal agencies. He highlighted priorities including improving IT systems, expanding shared services, and strengthening cybersecurity while reducing waste.

The DOC has launched an initiative to promote full-stack AI exports—including hardware, models, software, and standards—as part of the current administration’s AI Action Plan. Positioned against growing global competition, particularly from China, the effort seeks to engage U.S. industry in shaping the international AI ecosystem.

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Hughes Network Systems is expanding its aviation, space, and defense portfolio with the acquisition of Anderson Connectivity. The move adds FAA-certified facilities, engineering talent, and a new VP founder, Brian Anderson, to accelerate innovation and product development in Melbourne, Florida.

Spokespersons from Venus said the funding will accelerate the development and production of Venus’ flight-proven rotating detonation rocket engine, or RDRE, for defense, space, and commercial aviation applications. Lockheed intends to integrate Venus’ propulsion systems into future defense and space platforms.

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D) DARPA — DARPA’s Robust Optical Clock Network program is developing chip-scale atomic clocks to give autonomous systems ultra-precise timing and navigation capabilities even when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable. (Source)