February 5, 2024

QUICK HITS

• Small Business Technological Advancement Act: It could help small businesses adopt digital tools to streamline operations.

• DEIA update: DOD issues guidance to CO’s regarding solicitations and contracts with DEIA requirements.

• Small business goal reset: SBA’s reverts back to the original 5% target.

• “Key personnel” defense is trending in protests: Protests are based on the winner’s “not-so-availability-of-key-personnel” and GAO’s duty to notify.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Marine Corps shifts F-35B funds to more F-35Cs.

The USMC is trimming its F-35B order to free up funds for additional F-35Cs, prioritizing carrier-based operations over vertical landings. The Marines plan to buy a total of 280 F-35Bs rather than their previous objective of 353 aircraft. In turn, the service will purchase 140 F-35Cs rather than the previous objective of 67 F-35Cs. Read more

USN’s ship maintenance woes persist despite $1B funding boost.

The GAO reports that despite an extra $1 billion, the Navy still can’t keep its combat ships in top shape. Maintenance backlogs, workforce shortages, and shipyard constraints continue to plague readiness. Read more

Air Force, Northrop Grumman eye faster B-21 bomber production.

With six aircraft already in testing, officials are weighing cost, workforce, and supply chain factors to speed up deployment. As USAF Chief of Staff Allvin said, “…by the time the B-21 program reaches its planned total of 100 aircraft—by the mid-2030s—it is likely that new technologies will emerge that the service will want to incorporate instead.” Read more

ICYMI:

• Army RFI: Radiological Defense System (RDS).

• Army RFI: Tactical Data In Use Security.

• USAF RFI: Logistics Readiness Capabilities.

• Star Wars technology? Let’s take a peek at the USN’s HELIOS laser.

• The coming wave of wartime drone expertise.

Defense Contract Awards

• Aptima won a spot on the $20B USN SeaPort-NxG contract.

• Leidos was awarded a $148M USAF Project Night Owl contract.

• BAE Systems booked a $123M USN Trident D5LE2 Systems Engineering deal.

• VIASAT won a $3.5M USSF PLEO deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• RTX elected a new Board of Directors Chairman.

• J&J has chosen a new Business Development Executive Director.

Defense Job Openings

• ANGU needs a Director of Inspections.

• USAF wants a Force Support Squadron Deputy Director.

CHART

Figure 3: Maturity of Quantum Sensors. “Quantum Technologies in Transportation.” US Dept of Transportation, HASS, and ARPA-I. November 2024. Page 14.

INTEL COMMUNITY

ICYMI:

• USSOCOM RFI: Tactical Forensics Event 2025.

• ODNI scrutinized for workforce cuts: Senate may put “size caps” on ODNI staff.

• NSA has three new reports focusing on mitigation strategies for edge devices.

• CISA has released the AI Cybersecurity Collaboration Playbook.

• CIA has a new Deputy Director.

• CenCore appointed a former CIA Security Chief as its CSO.

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CIVILIAN

OPM asks agencies to redesignate CIO roles to SES roles that can be filled with appointees.

OPM is asking agencies to convert the government’s top tech positions from titles reserved for career feds to roles that political appointees can occupy. “No longer the station of impartial and apolitical technocrats, the modern agency CIO role demands policy-making and policy-determining capabilities across a range of controversial political topics,” the memo reads. Read more

NASA urged to reassess Artemis goals amid safety concerns.

NASA’s safety advisory panel is calling for a reassessment of Artemis mission objectives, warning that current plans may introduce unnecessary risks. They say that the mission is “packing too many objectives into each mission.” With ambitious timelines and complex logistics, experts suggest prioritizing crew safety over schedule pressures. Read more

A bunch of groups are battling DOGE’s access to Treasury systems.

Concerns have been raised about DOGE's access to the Treasury's payment systems, which handle disbursements such as Social Security and federal salaries, potentially compromising personal data and financial security. Unions have filed lawsuits alleging illegal access, and some political figures have questioned the legality and oversight of DOGE's actions. Read more

• Related: Identifying the actual names of DOGE employees: Doxing or a case of free speech?

ICYMI:

• VA RFI: Radiology AI Software.

• NASA AFPP: Lunar Volatiles Science Partnership (LVSP).

• NASA’s SPHEREx telescope will launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

• DOI begins implementing the new administration’s energy plans.

• GSA seeks 50% spending cuts, involuntary RIF after “fork in the road” offer.

• DOGE says it has “deleted” GSA’s 18F tech group.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Cyberdata Technologies won a $17M HHS OLAO IT Services deal.

• Financial & Realty Services booked a $3M NIH DLS Logistics Support contract.

• FCN secured a $3M NIAID NetApp Maintenance and Support deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Easy Dynamics has a new Business Development VP.

• ARA named its new Operations VP.

Civilian Job Openings

• TSA is hiring a Federal Security Director.

• GAO is seeking an Assistant Director - Auditing.

M&A CORNER

Teledyne expands with Excelitas acquisition.

Teledyne is making moves, acquiring Excelitas’ aerospace and defense electronics businesses to boost its high-tech offerings. The deal strengthens Teledyne’s position in sensors, imaging, and electronic systems—key areas for defense contracts. Read more

Peerless strengthens defense portfolio with latest acquisition.

Peerless Technologies snaps up Statheros, a Knoxville-based defense firm. This acquisition boosts Peerless' capabilities in electromagnetic spectrum operations and digital systems engineering. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. What will happen to the USAID? The WH is planning to move it under the DOS, with a promise of overhauling the distribution of foreign aid. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. POTUS plans to create a Sovereign Wealth Fund. An E.O. was signed directing the TREAS and DOC to make it happen. SOURCE↗︎

3. The DOD’s social media suspension has been revoked. More of the agency’s plans are expected to be unveiled in the next few months. SOURCE↗︎

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