January 24, 2025

QUICK HITS

• Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Rules: FAR overhauls them.

• Federal RFPs in the data and AI age: Why energy efficiency should be taken into consideration.

• Stout report: Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services Industry Update.

• Never say “we understand that…” in your Understanding section: And other tips to ensure you convey that you actually understand the scope of work.

GOVBREW INSIDER

• Check out this week’s 95+ opportunities from defense, civilian, and intel agencies.

• Our team uncovered 50+ upcoming IT Service opportunities at the Department of Transportation (DOT) 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

DOD launches “Joint Production Accelerator Cell” policy for faster defense manufacturing.

The Pentagon's Joint Production Accelerator Cell aims to streamline defense manufacturing, scaling production to meet surging demands. By coordinating with private industry, the initiative tackles production bottlenecks for critical capabilities. Read more

New federal law shakes up rules for defense contractors.

A new federal law introduces significant changes for defense contractors and lobbying firms, including stricter compliance requirements and reporting standards. Contractors must prepare for tighter oversight and potentially increased costs of doing business. Read more

GAO report highlights modular weapon system challenges.

The GAO dives into modular weapon systems, revealing hurdles in the DOD's push for adaptable, scalable designs. Challenges include cost, integration, and keeping pace with evolving threats. Read more

ICYMI:

• Army RFI: Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) Next.

• USAF RFI: Logging and Monitoring as a Service (LMaaS).

• U.S. Space Force plans $2.3 billion in contracts for commercial satellite services.

• Here’s how Guardians stopped Iran’s second missile barrage.

• How is your company going to handle the new EO on DEI? Here’s how some defense contractors are responding.

Defense Contract Awards

• MTSI secured a $625M Air National Guard ARTEMIS deal.

• Lockheed won a $270M USAF Advanced Infrared Threat-Detection Sensors deal.

• Leidos inked a $120M Cybersecurity and Cryptographic Key Mgmt contract.

• Carahsoft booked a $45M Army Commercial OTS Technical software contract.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Defense Business Board and Defense Innovation Board sees member shakeup.

• DOD unveiled the list of officials who will temporarily run its key tech offices.

• USD Acquisition & Sustainment announced a bunch of leadership changes.

Defense Job Openings

• Army needs a Program Manager.

• OSD wants an Associate Director for Defense Wide Programs.

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.

VIDEO

Understanding the Stargate project.

Stargate is a $500 billion AI infrastructure project launched by POTUS, OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to build the largest AI data centers and supercomputers in the world. Designed to strengthen America's leadership in AI, Stargate aims to outpace China and revolutionize industries like healthcare, finance, and robotics.

INTEL COMMUNITY

ICYMI:

• DHS RFI: Information Technology Program Management Support (ITPMS).

• GCS Geospatial developed 3D Analytics Tools for the NGA.

• JFK, RFK, MLK assassination files ordered to be declassified within 15 days.

• CIA has a new Director. 

• The Secret Service has a new Director.

• ODNI is looking for a CFO.

CIVILIAN

Blue Ghost executes first burn, science ops underway.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost mission hits a major milestone with its first burn, kicking off science operations and capturing a solar eclipse along the way. As part of NASA’s Artemis program, the mission promises key insights into lunar conditions, advancing goals for sustainable exploration. Read more

SpaceX and Blue Origin under FAA scrutiny for launch delays.

The FAA has stepped in, prompting SpaceX and Blue Origin to face scrutiny over recent launch delays. Both companies are being asked to address safety and regulatory issues before proceeding with future missions. Read more

ICYMI:

• NSF grant: $12 million in funding is available for “Cybersecurity Innovation for Infrastructure.”

• EPA RFP: Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Services.

• HHS posts updates to the $185M OPTN Next Generation IT procurement.

• HHS pauses external communications, delays upcoming health summits.

• Executive order pauses offshore wind leasing, slated for federal review.

• 300,000 VA jobs are spared from the hiring freeze.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Oracle Health (Formerly CGS) booked a $149M VA EHRM deal.

• Affigent won an $18M DOI VMware support services contract.

• Chickasaw secured an $8M HHS Software Security contract.

• SemanticBits inked a $5M GSA CloudGov Supplemental Support Services deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• L3Harris named its new Aerojet Rocketdyne President.

• MindPetal has chosen a new CSO.

Civilian Job Openings

• DOS is hiring a Managing Director.

• DOE is seeking a Program Manager.

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M&A CORNER

Alpha Omega expands with Macro Solutions and SeKON Acquisitions.

Alpha Omega Integration is beefing up its federal IT game, acquiring Macro Solutions and SeKON LLC to broaden its health IT and modernization capabilities. The move positions the company as a bigger player in government contracting, adding expertise across sectors and contracts. Read more

Mobix Labs expands with SCP Defense Manufacturing acquisition.

Mobix Labs bolsters its capabilities by acquiring SCP Manufacturing, a defense and aerospace company specializing in advanced manufacturing solutions. This move supports Mobix Labs' growth in high-tech markets and positions it to address evolving demands in government contracting and aerospace. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Turning seawater into drinking water without using a ton of chemicals? It seems this new water purification tech can make it happen. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. DHS shakes things up: advisory committees terminated. The agency also wrapped up its probe into the Chinese-linked telecom hack. SOURCE↗︎

3. The power of the sun…in the palm of China’s hand? China’s artificial sun has generated a steady loop of plasma for 1000 seconds. Humanity is one step closer to near-limitless clean energy. SOURCE↗︎

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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️

D. 48.3 billion barrels (as of year end 2022) — Additionally, proved reserves of U.S. natural gas increased 10%, from 625.4 Tcf at year-end 2021 to 691.0 Tcf at year-end 2022, establishing a new record for natural gas proved reserves. The USA gets 60% of its imported oil products from Canada. (Source)