QUICK HITS
OASIS+ success: It starts before the award.
FPDS is being phased out on Feb 24: You should train your systems to collect data from Sam.gov before the cutoff date.
Modernizing fed networks: How agencies can adopt NaaS for scale, security.
Accelerating national security: How defense accelerators reshape innovation.
DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Pentagon issues formal vendor threat mitigation guidance
The Pentagon has released updated vendor threat‑mitigation guidance, establishing standardized procedures to identify and address risks posed by commercial suppliers. The policy directs DOD components to evaluate vendor threat profiles and coordinate across contracting, intelligence, and security functions to safeguard U.S. missions and personnel.
New “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to create a list of priority weapons to sell.
A new "America First" arms transfer strategy is set to overhaul international sales by creating a tiered priority list of weapons specifically optimized for rapid export to key allies. By streamlining approvals for these "pre-vetted" systems, the administration aims to bypass traditional bureaucratic hurdles and ensure U.S. defense contractors can outpace global competitors in the race to arm strategic partners.
Pentagon and services need to get on the same page when it comes to tech priorities.
The GAO is urging Congress to give the Pentagon’s tech chief budget authority to prevent redundant service-specific R&D projects. Military branches are already pushing back, calling the proposal a burdensome layer of bureaucracy that stifled their autonomy.
ICYMI:
USAF prohibits Meta AI glasses amid rising OPSEC concerns.
Army looks to lease out land on 4 military installations for new commercial data centers.
DOD severs academic ties with Harvard.
Can emerging military tech firms provide a better defense for less?
Defense Contract Awards
DARPA selects RTX, Charles River, Leidos, and Saronic for Pulling Guard.
Serco, Inc. was awarded a $16M USAF OptionY2 for planning, program mgmt.
Lockheed Martin lands $249M Navy contract for Surface Electronic Warfare.
Omni chosen by MDA to accelerate efforts to build AI-enabled procurement software.
Follow the Defense Leaders
Seekr has a new CPO.
BWXT promotes from within to fill SVP, Chief Digital Officer.
Defense Job Openings
FUNNY
INTEL COMMUNITY
“We helped usher in the modern era of AI in NGA.”
NGA is pulling back the curtain on how it helped kick off the modern era of AI in intelligence, moving the technology from lab experiments into day-to-day mission use. Agency leaders say AI is now woven into geospatial analysis, helping analysts move faster through massive data streams while keeping humans in control of final judgments.
SOCOM exploring how AI can make it easier to survey key overseas facilities.
SOCOM is taking stock of how AI is being used across its facilities, launching a survey to identify where automation and ML are already delivering mission value—and where gaps remain. The effort signals SOCOM wants a clearer, enterprise-wide picture before scaling AI tools that can speed analysis, logistics, and operational planning.
ICYMI:
GET SEEN
Elevate your brand and expand your reach with GovBrew, the industry’s most reliable source for GovCon pros. Reach top figures and decision-makers across the government contracting industry. When you advertise with GovBrew, you can really make an impact. Get started here.
CIVILIAN
USPS posts $1.3B quarterly loss, as officials clash over fixes.
The USPS reported a $1.3B quarterly loss, reigniting debate among postal leaders and lawmakers over how to stabilize the agency’s finances. Officials are split on solutions, with disputes over pricing, service changes, and long-term reform underscoring the challenges of fixing USPS’s business model.
VA’s latest AI inventory includes new suicide, EHR-focused use cases.
The update shows the VA is steadily expanding how it applies AI across clinical and administrative operations, with a growing emphasis on decision support rather than automation. Agency officials stress the focus remains on responsible deployment, transparency, and integrating AI in ways that complement—not replace—human judgment.
Treasury is pushing for “robust” use of AI in banking, but in a “gradual way.”
The TREAS is signaling a more active role in shaping how AI is used across the banking industry, with an eye toward managing risk while encouraging innovation. Officials say AI could strengthen fraud detection and financial stability—but only if guardrails, transparency, and oversight keep pace with rapid adoption.
ICYMI:
CISA orders agencies to rip and replace unsupported edge devices.
OpenAI expands its work with the DOE.
Cracks are emerging as IRS moves back staff to filing season jobs.
Decision to cancel CIO-SP4 had nothing to do with protests.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
SimIS named its NCR Director, CSO.
DOC’s National AI Center has a new Founder & Executive Director.
Civilian Job Openings
M&A CORNER
Karman Space & Defense buys Seemann Composites & MSC.
Karman Space & Defense has acquired Seemann Composites and MSC, expanding its footprint in space and defense with a new Maritime Defense Systems segment. The move adds capabilities spanning submarines, autonomous undersea vehicles, and tactical surface vessels, broadening Karman’s multi-domain portfolio.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
GROW WITH GOVBREW
Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help you:
1. Become a GovBrew Insider to keep your pipeline full. Weekly opportunities, recompete reports, agency forecasts, and much more. Learn more
2. Promote your brand to over 10,000+ GovCon professionals by sponsoring this newsletter. Apply here
3. Follow us on LinkedIn for more GovCon coverage.
SHARE GOVBREW
Share GovBrew with your GovCon colleagues, acquire free swag, and then tell them where you got it.
We’re saying we’ll give you free stuff and bragging rights if you share a link. One link.
Your referral count: {{ rp_num_referrals }}
Or copy and paste your referral link to others:
{{ rp_refer_url }}
