February 19, 2025

DIS buys Vital Edge, General Atomics area sensor, IRS Cloud RFI, GSA pauses gov’t-wide cloud collab, new Nat’l Cyber Director, SDA faces USAF IG inquiry

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GovBrew
February 19, 2025

QUICK HITS

  • GSA announcement: FAR class deviations, contracting officer guidance.

  • Got fraud? DOGE wants to know! Message them to tattle or share your ideas!

  • If you have a security clearance, you need to report any small claims actions.

  • Reset your GovCon strategy: 7 actions to do now to protect your business.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Space Development Agency faces scrutiny amid IG investigation.

The USAF Inspector General is set to probe the SDA, raising concerns about its future as it transitions under USSF. With questions swirling around oversight and acquisition processes, the uncertainty could impact defense industry partnerships. Read more

General Atomics says, “This Iron Dome is perfect timing for us!” as they unveil a new “super wide area” sensor.

General Atomics is ready to step into the ring to compete for contracts to build the “Iron Dome for America” with a new technology the company believes can radically contain the costs of the project. The special sauce is a long-range, high-resolution sensor that has been under development for about a decade, has a “super wide area” of coverage, and is ready for production. Read more

Pentagon braces for cuts.

The Pentagon is preparing for potential budget cuts as DOGE ramps up inspections. With spending under the microscope, some programs could face reductions or even elimination. The Army is considering reducing its surplus drones and ground vehicles, and the Navy is reassessing the future of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. Read more

ICYMI:

Defense Contract Awards

  • Anduril inked a $99M USAF Thunderdome Project contract.

  • DCS Corporation won a $44M NAVAIR CMPC Software Development deal.

  • Firefly Aerospace was awarded a $22M USSF VICTUS SOL Launch deal.

  • Apogee Engineering secured a $13M MARS Bridge contract.

Follow the Defense Leaders

Defense Job Openings

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that military dolphins protect around a quarter of the U.S.’s nuclear arsenal? Read more about the program here.

INTEL COMMUNITY

The superpower has left the building: Munich 2025.

National security’s Burning Man took place this weekend, as foreign policy types from around the world gathered once again in Bavaria. The new administration team showed up in force this year: VP Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, DNI Gabbard, and CIA Director Ratcliffe were all there, as was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs C.Q. Brown and a bipartisan delegation from Congress. Read more

ICYMI:

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CIVILIAN

GSA tech modernization office pauses gov’t-wide cloud collab groups.

The GSA’s IT Modernization Division paused regularly-held meetings run by its cloud computing-focused governmentwide collaboration group that helps federal workers receive training and support on topics, such as IT systems security and cloud infrastructure. The six affected subcommunities of practice focus on areas including cybersecurity and Internet Protocol Version 6. Read more

NASA’s X-59 brings supersonic flights closer to reality.

Working alongside Lockheed Martin, NASA tested the enhanced F414-GE-100 engine, emphasizing smooth airflow, reduced vibrations, and effective cooling. The X-59 boasts a cutting-edge design with a top-mounted engine and a slender, needle-like shape, which aims to transform loud sonic booms into a softer "sonic thump." Watch here

USDA ends DEI programs, cancels contracts amid policy shift.

The USDA is the next government agency that is pulling the plug on DEI programs and terminating related contracts, signaling a shift in policy. While supporters call it a cost-cutting move, critics argue it undermines progress. Either way, contractors in this space may need to recalibrate. Read more

  • Related: Companies are cutting DEI, such as Deloitte, Amazon, and Google.

  • Related: DEI programs were often flawed. Here’s how we could fix them.

ICYMI:

  • IRS RFI: Pega Platform Support COTS BPA.

  • IRS RFI: Cloud Architecture & Design Support.

  • ED terminated “woke” contracts and grants totaling nearly $1B.

  • WH does an “oopsie” and reverses most NNSA employee terminations, including warhead assemblers.

Civilian Contracts Awards

  • AIR booked a $626M NSF NCSES Technical & Analytical Support Services deal.

  • PHASE inked a $4M DOL Operations and Maintenance Support contract.

  • AP Ventures secured a $3M CMS MPPG IMS Support contract.

  • INNOVIM won a $2M NOAA Logistics Management Support Services deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

Civilian Job Openings

M&A CORNER

DIS expands capabilities with Vital Edge Solutions acquisition.

DIS is growing, acquiring Vital Edge Solutions to strengthen its IT and mission support services. The move enhances its proficiency in IT modernization, strategic communications, and management consulting, positioning the company for greater influence and expansion. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

  1. Neil deGrasse Tyson says a “city killer” asteroid could hit Earth. He warned that Asteroid 2024-YR4 has a one-in-fifty chance of hitting our planet in the next eight years. SOURCE↗︎ 

  2. Can for-profit companies easily replace NOAA’s weather forecasting tech? No, it would take too much time and money and expose biz to risk. SOURCE↗︎

  3. Egg prices are soaring, and the WH has a plan to fight bird flu. [Ironically] Vaccinations and tighter biosecurity are strategies that will replace the current plan of killing off infected flocks. SOURCE↗︎

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