January 15, 2024

QUICK HITS

• Controlled Unclassified Information: DOD, GSA, and NASA want to amend FAR to implement the program.

• Scaling nontraditional defense innovation: DIB’s report addresses navigating the “Valley of Death” and access for non-traditional contractors.

• FAR CUI proposed rule: It’s now available for you to check out.

• Process automation to bolster government and business efficiency: How do you maximize efficiency and deliver value at a fair price?

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Deputy Defense Secretary's priorities in China competition.

DepSecDef Hicks outlines a U.S. strategy to counter China through resilience, advanced tech, stronger alliances, and efficient defense initiatives. With strategic competition heating up, the Pentagon is focused on bolstering deterrence and innovation to stay ahead. Read more

Kendall envisions future Air and Space Force for 2050.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall outlines a bold 2050 vision for the USAF and USSF, emphasizing innovation, readiness, and deterrence. With a focus on evolving threats and emerging technologies, Kendall highlights the roadmap to ensure strategic dominance for decades to come. Read more

USAF's next-gen fighter development could cost $20 billion.

The U.S. Air Force's next-generation fighter program is facing a hefty $20 billion price tag to complete development. While the project promises advanced capabilities, defense officials are carefully monitoring costs as the program moves forward. Read more

ICYMI:

• DOD RFI: Douglas A-1 Skyraider Aircraft Services.

• Pentagon's Replicator Drone Program faces a cloudy future.

• DOD AI hub tackles budget and integration challenges.

• False Claim Act Allegation Settlement: BAH to pay $16M for fraudulent claims related to supplying computer military training simulators to DOD agencies.

• Army released its 2025 acquisition forecasts. They can be found under “Small Business Resources.”

Defense Contract Awards

• Northrop Grumman was tasked to produce the NGI Target Vehicle for MDA.

• Link Solutions won a $20M DOD Fort Stewart IT Services contract.

• N2IA inked a $15M DOD Enterprise Management Consulting deal.

• Lockheed Martin won a $83M contract mod for AEGIS development.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• General Dynamics has a new Ordnance and Tactical Systems President.

• NSTXL named five new leaders.

Defense Job Openings

• USFFC needs a Program Manager.

• NAVSEA wants a Program Manager.

CHART

Dedicated Capital. From Defense Innovation Board. “Scaling Nontraditional Defense Innovation.” January 8, 2025. Page 24.

INTEL COMMUNITY

Congressional pushback on Space Force’s NRO support shortcomings.

Congress is questioning the Space Force's ability to adequately support the NRO. The lack of personnel and resources has drawn sharp criticism, raising concerns over the Space Force’s readiness and impact on national security. Read more

ICYMI:

• How the CIA director helps the US navigate a world of spies, threats, and geopolitical turbulence.

• Nominations are open for the NGA’s 2025 GEOINT Hall of Fame.

• Seaplane advancements: U.S. Navy, Marines, DARPA, and USSOCOM update.

• FBI welcomed its new Deputy Assistant Director.

• ODNI is looking for a CIO.

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CIVILIAN

Blue Ghost lander to unlock earth’s magnetic field secrets.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander will provide the first-ever detailed view of Earth's magnetic field in action. By sending back data on the planet's magnetosphere, this mission promises to enhance our understanding of space weather and its effects on technology and life on Earth. Read more

New AI and chip rules from the Department of Commerce.

The Department of Commerce has introduced new regulations around AI and advanced semiconductor technology aimed at strengthening national security. These rules focus on curbing China's access to cutting-edge technologies while ensuring U.S. innovation remains competitive. A balancing act, indeed. Read more

GAO questions DOE’s plan for fusion energy commercialization.

The GAO highlights the DOE’s lack of a clear commercialization plan for fusion energy, raising doubts about the future of this potential power source. Despite scientific progress, the report urges DOE to provide a roadmap for private sector collaboration and a defined commercialization strategy. Read more

ICYMI:

• NIST Sources Sought: Evaluation and benchmark development for assessing the cyber capabilities of AI models.

• VA RFI: FPDS-NG Data Quality Improvement.

• POTUS orders federal land to be leased for AI data center development.

• Argonne National Lab is managing two microelectronics research projects.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Ameresco booked a $140M GSA Energy Savings Performance deal.

• Teledyne FLIR won a $74M USCG Surveillance Systems Modernization deal.

• Accenture inked a $54M CDC Multiple Services contract.

• VSee Health secured a $6M Rapid Configurable Telehealth contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• HHS restocks top tech ranks with new CTO, CDO, and AI Chief.

• HII has chosen a new CGO.

• IBM named its new VP, Data & AI Platform Leader for US Federal.

Civilian Job Openings

• IRS is seeking a Program Manager.

• TSA is hiring an IT Project Manager.

M&A CORNER

Red Hat acquires Neural Magic for AI optimization.

Red Hat has finalized its acquisition of Neural Magic, aiming to revolutionize generative AI across hybrid cloud environments. By integrating Neural Magic’s expertise in machine learning optimizations, Red Hat plans to enhance AI performance and scalability, particularly for edge computing and cloud-native applications. Read more

Data Machines acquires GoForth Scientific to enhance offerings.

Data Machines recently announced the acquisition of GoForth Scientific, aiming to expand its capabilities in scientific research and analytics. This strategic move is expected to strengthen Data Machines' presence in the government contracting space, offering enhanced solutions to support complex scientific missions. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Zuckerberg: Meta’s AI has the same skills as mid-tier software engineers. Should developers be worried for their jobs? SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Solar panels can change the ecosystem. Can using this as a source of energy make the desert thrive? SOURCE↗︎

3. DOC export control announcement: Licensing requirements for AI products are one of many things that will be changing in the coming months. SOURCE↗︎

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