February 21, 2024

QUICK HITS

• Unlocking AI Potential in Your GovCon Business: 9 Essential Steps.

• Living in Mars, a simulation: NASA is looking for volunteers.

• AI proposal writing: Just how good is it? Survey results are in…

• Contractor qualifications: What does “responsible” mean, exactly?

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Budget shortfall hampers Department’s modernization efforts.

The FY25 national defense budget is anticipated to be unveiled as part of the presidential budget request. However, the budget for FY24 has not yet been passed, and a continuing resolution is still being operated on by the DOD. Read more

Millennium Space Systems successfully completes the VICTUS NOX Tactically Responsive Space mission.

Boeing’s subsidiary, Millennium Space Systems, has concluded the VICTUS NOX Tactically Responsive Space mission for the U.S. Space Force. This mission showcased a capability for rapid response to a national security threat in orbit. Read more

High-quality data—that is DOD’s AI strategy.

The CDAO aims to balance immediate operational needs with long-term goals of integrating interoperable technologies and automated solutions across the DOD. While DOD is still working to fully implement its CJADC2 initiative, the Department aims to properly use high-quality data — data that are “discoverable, accessible and available.” Read more

ICYMI:

• SeaPort NxG: Where’s the action? NAVWAR and NAVSEA top the task orders from the last round.

• DOD ready to start implementing $17.9 billion dollar moving contract with Global Household Goods after solving latest tech hurdle.

• Scale AI to evaluate large language models for the Pentagon.

• Navy develops blueprint for information environment systems.

• Pentagon wants to be approachable for small businesses.

• Merida Aerospace developing cost-effective solar cells for space.

Defense Contract Awards

• Pentagon will award Ursa Major a $15.5B Rocket Engine contract.

• Salient CRTG Inc. bags an $865M USCENTCOM Communications Technical Support Services IDIQ from the U.S. Army.

• Leidos was selected for a $249M U.S. Army AIE-Next contract.

• The SDA awards a $1.6M a Hypersonic Missile Tracking System contract to EpiSci.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Raytheon’s VP of Strategic Engagement systems is now the new Operations, Supply Chain VP for Land & Air Defense Systems.

• Retired Air Force Lt. appointed to Auterion Gov’t Solutions’ BOD.

• DEFCON AI has a new CTO & CRO.

• FTI has selects 7 to be the new executives for its naval, space, and cyber security ops department.

Defense Job Openings

• The USAASC is looking for an Acquisition Director.

• The ANG Unit needs a Program Manager.

• The ONR is hiring a Country Director.

• DOD is seeking a Chief Human Capital/HRD Director.

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INTEL COMMUNITY

SpaceX gets $1.8B contract—strengthens ties with U.S. intelligence and military agencies.

From rocket launcher to national-security contractor: SpaceX strengthens connections with U.S. intelligence and military agencies, securing a major classified contract and expanding the "Starshield Satellite Program" for national security clients. Read more 

Lockbit Ransomware disrupted by FBI and international allies.

Global law enforcement agencies have apprehended two members of the infamous LockBit ransomware gang. They were able to take hold of the group’s web infrastructure in a comprehensive takedown operation. This action followed after LockBit’s dark-web leak site was replaced by the authorities. Read more

ICYMI:

• DOJ removes Russian malware from US routers.

• CIA’s Associate Deputy Director is now the Deputy Director for Digital Innovation.

• NSA cyber director is stepping down after 34 years.

• ODNI needs an Assistant Director for Global Partnerships.

• ODNI is looking for an AI Technical Director.

CIVILIAN

USDA introduces fellows program for digital service delivery roles and customer service.

The USDA Digital Service is collaborating with the department’s Office of Customer Experience to launch a new fellowship program aimed at recruiting workers for procurement, digital service delivery, and customer experience strategy jobs. The fellows program, which is set to launch this month, will follow a “tour-of-service model,” with selected participants on a two-year minimum employment track. Read more

OPM launches survey to assess AI in government jobs.

The OPM AI job analysis survey's goal is to validate the AI competencies identified by technical and human resources for performing AI work across the government. Targeted for the survey are federal employees doing AI work at the Office of Science and Technology Policy, CIO and CDOs, along with other technical and subject matter experts across government. Read more

USCIS offers a “sneak peak” at software development recompete.

The USCIS has initiated the preview of its plan for the recompete of a software development services contract vehicle to bolster case management systems. USCIS describes the key lines of work as including adaptive follow-on maintenance, development of secure high-performing updates, and delivery of IT tools with cloud and site reliability engineering best practices and principles. Read more | Get the SAM notice

ICYMI:

• Lawmakers: VA should be cautious in adopting AI.

• A $1.5B grant was awarded to Global Foundries for semiconductor production.

• DHS aims to recruit 50 AI experts with aggressive strategy.

• AI starts to reshape federal weather forecasting for the NSF.

• RFI: Also, NSF is looking for feedback on new spectrum R&D plan.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• CMS has awarded GDIT a $45.4M MATS contract.

• Accenture Federal Services bags a $17.7 MCFO FITT FSOS and Hosting Services contract from FERC.

• Chenega receives a $1.4M HRO IT Services IDIQ from CDC.

• Quzara receives a DCFO FARS IT Security Specialists (ISSO) contract from the IRS.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• RELI Group has announced a new CFO.

• A professor of biomedical informatics and medical education is now NIH’s Director of CIT.

• Accounting firm Frazier & Deeter appoints 4 new leaders.

• ReSourcePro has chosen its new Carrier Practice VP.

Civilian Job Openings

• The IRS is hiring an HQ Operations Director.

• Treasury is looking for a Contract Specialist.

• A Cybersecurity Planning & Operations Director is needed by the ONCD.

• FAA is seeking a Division Director.

M&A CORNER

Leonid Capital powers $7MM private credit financing for the acquisition of 55 industries.

Private credit firm, Leonid Capital Partners, has provided $7 million in financing to support private equity firm Teedup’s acquisition of 55 Industries—a company that provides inspection services for the aerospace and defense industries. Read more

CAE sells health care business to Madison Industries.

CAE has sold its health care business unit to Madison Industries for approximately $230.2 million as part of efforts to advance its focus on the training, simulation and aviation software markets. Read more

ICYMI:

• Backcast Partners invests in Renegade Group LLC.

• Rebranding: Robotic Research Autonomous Industries (RRAI) is now Forterra.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

Should Apple users worry about the first iOS trojan?

Some individuals opt for iPhones over Android phones due to the perception of better security. However, recent developments suggest that this may no longer be the case. Can users protect their personal information from GoldDigger—the virus that can steal facial recognition and bank account data? Read more

Are humanoid robots about to replace us in the workforce?

Musk envisions Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot, as something versatile and capable of handling a variety of tasks, from mundane ones to intricate and perilous missions. When the company fully develops this technology, how much change will it bring to our lives? Read more

Real or fake: Which one is AI generated?

In a video, YouTuber Mr. Beast appeared to be giving away iPhones for just two dollars each. However, there was a problem: it wasn’t actually him. It was made by AI. In a world where deepfakes are a growing concern, how do companies intend to address the challenges associated with this technology? Moreover, how can internet users distinguish between what’s authentic and what’s not? Read more

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