January 24, 2024

Arcline buys Kama for 1.8B, DOD DIB Consortium OTA, J2 at DISA, Lasers in the Red Sea, IRS to clean up comms, AI swarm drones

Author

GovBrew
January 24, 2024

QUICK HITS

  • Companies are complaining again about CIO-SP4 self-scoring: Just like last year, the protests have started. Again.

  • Pay transparency: Rules on pay and salary history in Federal Contracting coming soon.

  • Deloitte Acquires Giant Machines: A leading software engineering and digital solutions company.

  • DOL is offering voluntary early retirement: The DOL OIG is looking to cut its staff by 20% using early retirement packages.

PRESENTED BY UNANET

Gazing into the Future of GovCon SMBs

Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) play a pivotal role in a sector that is as vast as it is complex. Our recent report shows that despite record federal contract awards to SMBs in 2022 amounting to a whopping $158.7 billion, the number of SMB GovCon firms is barely half of the 2010 total.

SMBs in GovCon are facing unique challenges but also have unique opportunities. They have the agility to adapt and pivot quicker than their larger counterparts. The key is to leverage their strengths, invest in the right tools, and focus on long-term strategic planning.

So, what's the way forward? Download this report that digs into some of the struggles and opportunities for SMB GovCons and recommends a five-step action plan.

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

AI-powered swarm drones are coming to cost-efficiently neutralize threats.

The Pentagon is testing autonomous swarm drones and ships to pave the way for low-cost attack drones and new tactics that feature AI in key roles. Navy and Air Force experiments have highlighted how the U.S. military might employ autonomous weapons differently than China or Russia. Read more

Space Force releases the white paper it's been talking about for a year and introduces a ‘theory of success.’

The chief of space operations has publicly released a white paper he has been talking about for the past year: "Competitive Endurance: A Proposed Theory of Success for the Space Force.” Among the many highlights of this six-page paper is the discussion of the competitive dilemma the US has by physically controlling the space domain. Read more

Booz Allen Hamilton makes a strategic investment for the development of Albedo’s VLEO Satellite Constellation.

Two firsts in one deal: Albedo is the first company to operate VLEO Satellites; this is Booz Allen Hamilton’s first space-specific investment. The product’s thermal infrared, and ultra-high-resolution imagery can benefit urban planning, pipeline monitoring, and allied military operations. Read more 

ICYMI:

  • DOD set up a DIB Consortium OTA. The DIBC will be managed by Advanced Technology Int’l, will have a 10-year period of performance.

  • The stealth bomber B-21 Raider enters a low-rate production phase.

  • The DOD is seeking innovative solutions for the Unleashing Data at Speed and Scale project. Applications are due Feb 22.

  • General Dynamics ARV prototype completes tests ahead of Marine Corps competition.

  • OpenAI drops ban on military tools to partner with Pentagon.

Defense Contract Awards

Follow the Defense Leaders

  • Northrop veteran appointed VP/GM of missile subsystems at General Dynamics OTS.

  • Ledios appoints new VP of strategic R&D for defense solutions.

  • Axient appoints its new VP of growth for its space segment.

Defense Job Openings

CHART

INTEL COMMUNITY

The bigger-picture-mission behind NGA's $290M Luno A RFP.

The NGA's Luno A effort, the focus of which is primarily on data gathered by commercial remote sensing satellites, ultimately aims to greatly expand intelligence and insights gleaned from unclassified sources. Read more | Get the RFP

DISA is establishing “J2” intelligence directorate amid workforce revamp.

The establishment of the “J2″ office is meant to provide DISA with a greater understanding of “what the adversary is trying to do” against the computing, sensitive networks, and lines of communication it stewards. The initiative aims to enhance the expertise of staff by making the department more competitive for tech talent. Read more

ICYMI:

  • Have intel to share with the CIA? This week a 3rd video has been released that invites dissatisfied Russians to narc on their leaders.

  • Register now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 5th Annual CIO Summit, to be held April 17.

  • Jennifer Ewbank stepped down as CIA’s Digital Innovations Deputy Director.

  • Leidos appoints senior VP and business area manager for defense, intelligence IT.

CIVILIAN

EVTOL Technology will be pioneered by NASA and Archer Aviation through their Space Act Agreement.

Archer Aviation Inc. and NASA have partnered to work on advanced battery technology for electric aircraft, and possibly—spacecraft! They will focus on the energy, performance, and safety testing of the battery cells. Read more

IRS launches push to clean up its communications.

The IRS is cleaning up the notices it sends to taxpayers as part of what the agency has dubbed the Simple Notice Initiative. By next year’s tax season, the IRS wants to redesign up to 200 of the most common notices for individual taxpayers, which make up about 90% of the total volume of notices sent to individuals. Read more

NTIA wants “the whole lifecycle of accountability” to assess AI systems.

The head of the NTIA said his agency is looking at how to create an auditing process to hold AI systems accountable, as part of an effort to promote safe and ethical uses of the emerging technologies. Administrator Alan Davidson teased the release of an AI report after receiving 1,400 comments in an April public feedback solicitation. Read more

ICYMI:

  • Watch: Federal leaders talk about new tools to enhance data efficiency and innovation workflows.

  • Watch: Energy CIO clarifies the role of AI in modernization agenda.

  • A bipartisan proposal seeks to simplify the federal contracting process, including reducing duplicate documentation and red tape.

  • GAO: Security clearances, vetting processes designated as “high-risk.”

  • JFrog Ltd. partners with Carahsoft to improve the security of the public sector’s supply chain.

Civilian Contracts Awards

  • FEMA chooses four vendors for follow-on public assistance contract vehicle.

Follow Civilian Leaders

Civilian Job Openings

M&A CORNER

Arcline Investment Management to buy Kaman for $1.8B.

Private equity firm Arcline Investment Management has agreed to acquire Kaman, an aerospace and defense contractor, for approximately $1.8 billion. Kaman produces and markets proprietary aircraft bearings and components. Read more

Sunoco LP to acquire NuStar Energy.

Sunoco LP, a motor fuel distributor across 40 states, has agreed to acquire pipeline and liquids terminal operator, NuStar Energy LP for $7.3B. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

Where is the ever-elusive laser amid the Red Sea clashes?

Naval Surface Forces have praised the work of Navy destroyers operating in the Red Sea, but other leaders are frustrated that warships are fighting without a potential key asset: the long-planned, ever-elusive laser. Read more

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