February 28, 2025

QUICK HITS

• Federal Procurement AI Trends Report (Q1 2025): Who’s buying and selling AI in the federal government? Here’s how you can be in the game.

• Staying ahead in uncertain times: 7 critical steps you can take now to secure your future, supported by actionable insights and tools designed for you.

• DARPA’s AI Cyber Challenge: R&D competition prepares for final battle.

• Agency payment-tracking systems: E.O. pairs agency heads with DOGE team leaders to build internal IT systems to track contracts, grants, expenditures.

GOVBREW INSIDER

• Check out this week’s 70+ opportunities from defense, civilian, and intel agencies.

• Our team uncovered 50+ upcoming IT services opportunities at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) in this week's recompete report.

• See if your company qualifies for any of the latest grants & competitions.

• Stay up to date on the upcoming events.

• Keep track of the latest Agency Acquisition Forecasts.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

DARPA wants tougher quantum sensors for harsh environments.

DARPA is on the hunt for quantum sensors that can handle extreme conditions without losing their cool—literally. The Robust Quantum Operations (ROQs) program aims to develop resilient tech that functions in challenging field environments—far from cushy lab settings. If successful, these sensors could revolutionize military and scientific applications. Read more

DOD eyes major software acquisition reforms.

SecDef Hegseth has outlined an aggressive push to overhaul the Pentagon’s software acquisition process. Directing the DOD to adopt the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP), the initiative aims for faster, more efficient procurement with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. Read more

WH asks agencies to cull, review contracts with 10 “highest paid” companies.

GSA asked “agency senior procurement executive[s]” to review their consulting contracts with the 10 highest paid companies using procurement data—Deloitte, Accenture, BAH, General Dynamics, Leidos, Guidehouse, Hill Mission Technologies Corp., SAIC, CGI Federal, and IBM. Those 10 companies “are set to receive over $65 billion in fees in 2025 and future years. Read more

ICYMI:

• Navy RFI: NAWCAD WOLF Network Radio Gateways.

• Although USSAF is facing a potential 8% budget cut, one Maj. Gen. is hoping for additional funding for its top priorities.

• DOD’s new PCS moving contract faces bumps in the road.

• Proposed bill to block agencies from partnering with firms working with China.

• GAO: DIU needs more work to assess progress and enhance collaboration.

Defense Contract Awards

• Agustine Consulting booked a $276M Technical Services deal.

• AST SpaceMobile won a $43M SDA Support Services contract.

• CEWIT and RedShred inked a $1.8M USAF STTR Phase II contract.

• BlackSky secured a DIU Next-gen Imaging Satellite deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Edgewater welcomes former ICF BD pro as Health and DOD Sector President.

• SAIC named its Defense Space Senior VP.

Defense Job Openings

• USAF wants a Deputy Director of Staff.

• USPACFLT needs an Executive Director.

TRIVIA 🤔

Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. Scroll down to the bottom of this email for more information about the correct answer.

INTEL COMMUNITY

Special ops leaders warn U.S. falling behind in tech race.

Commanders of special operations forces are concerned about the rapid pace of technological advancements among adversaries and fear the U.S. is lagging behind. Maj. Gen. Peter Huntley pointed out that the U.S. advantage of sensing enemies first has diminished due to modern technologies adopted by great powers, terrorists, and criminals. He stressed the need for the U.S. to keep up with these upgrades. Read more

ICYMI:

• DHS RFI: Federal Financial Management System (FFMS) Infrastructure O&M Support Services.

• The rise of the fake tech workforce: State-sponsored infiltration of US technical supply chains.

• DHS’s CBP is interested in using Starlink.

• USSOCOM wants a Supervisory Program Manager.

CIVILIAN

VA budget cuts impact veteran-owned small businesses.

The VA is tightening its belt, cutting $2 billion in contracts, with veteran-owned small businesses feeling the squeeze first. While the agency says it's prioritizing efficiency, critics worry the cuts could sideline businesses that serve those who served. Read more

ICYMI:

• NASA RFP: Electronic Health Record (EHR).

• Treasury RFP: IT Operations and Modernization (ITOM) Support Services.

• Ex-Commerce official warns of hefty penalties for export violations.

• Why can’t anyone FOIA request records from DOGE?

• While CFPB is still functioning, it is open to continuing data-focused work.

• IBM’s USAID cyber assistance contract canned amid agency shutdown.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• ETSI won a $5M NASA Appian Support Services deal.

• Emerjence won a $7M IBC OCIO Enterprise Services Network Support contract.

• Phoenix Oversight Group booked a $2M USDA SURPASS Task Order 4 deal.

• Fedscale secured a $1.4M USDA IT Modernization Support contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Validek has a new DHS Accounts Director.

Civilian Job Openings

• TSA is hiring a Regional Security Director.

• DDC is seeking a Human Resources Director.

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M&A CORNER

IBM to acquire DataStax, boosting AI capabilities.

IBM is set to acquire DataStax, enhancing its watsonx AI portfolio and tapping into unstructured enterprise data. This move aims to streamline AI scalability and improve data management. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. North Korean hackers execute a major crypto heist, stealing a record $1.5B. It’s one of the largest cryptocurrency hacks to date. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. A worm that has been frozen for 46,000 years is still alive. Maybe eternal life does exist. Who wants to live foreverrrrr? SOURCE↗︎

3. The WH has a Bird Flu plan. We’ll see vaccine R&D, biosecurity measures, farmer financial relief and free consulting services, and importing eggs from overseas. Buying single eggs is the new, cool 2025 thing to do. SOURCE↗︎

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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️

D) Medicaid is responsible for 41% of births in the USA — It actually is responsible for 64% of the births in Louisiana and only 18% in Utah. (Source)