January 29, 2025

QUICK HITS

• Legal consideration: Contractors need to pay attention to MOSA and IP.

• What’s the Small Disadvantaged Biz goal now? It’s reverted back to 5%.

• EO 13957 amended and reinstated: Ensuring accountability in policy-shaping roles within the federal workforce.

• Cryptocurrency EO: Bolsters the crypto market and creates a working group to develop a comprehensive plan.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

A US version of Israel’s Iron Dome would protect against small-scale dangers.

The new administration has suggested the U.S. should develop a missile defense system modeled on Israel's Iron Dome. While the US defense system has prioritized defending against large-scale threats like intercontinental ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads, an “iron dome” would protect against a wider range of threats. Some are asking, “Where would such a system actually go?” Read more

• Related: Here’s how the Space Force is key to making the “Iron Dome” happen.

Pentagon seeks to limit Chinese influence in commercial tech.

The Pentagon is planning changes to reduce Chinese influence in its commercial tech partnerships. The move aims to safeguard national security and critical supply chains by scrutinizing ties with foreign adversaries. DOD can balance innovation and security by adopting a revised approach to risk management. Read more

Space Force cuts in-space mobility funding from FY26 budget.

Sources report the Space Force’s FY26 budget request eliminates funding for in-space mobility programs, potentially pausing critical R&D. With deep space operations on hold, the move raises questions about strategic priorities in contested domains. Read more

ICYMI:

• Army RFI: Joint Analytic Real-time Virtual Information Sharing System.

• USAF RFI: ALR-56 program engineering support services.

• A super F-22 Raptor Fighter, soon? USAF invests over $1B on F-22 upgrades.

• USAF moves forward with next-gen engine work; raises GE, Pratt contracts to $3.5 billion each.

• US to order 40 big icebreaking ships…as Canada struggles to rescue its own.

• Confusion, uncertainty in the industry as Army contracts appear to be halted.

Defense Contract Awards

• NOBLE was awarded a $1.9B DLA MRO Northeast TLS Program contract.

• Lockheed Martin booked a $1B USN Anti-submarine Warfare Tech deal.

• DNI Emerging Technologies secured a $99M Cyberspace Ops contract.

• Supernova won a $2M DOD 3D-Print Military-Grade Energetics contract.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Exiger named its new Defense Programs & Public Sector Growth EVP.

• FTI has selected a Business Development VP.

Defense Job Openings

• Army needs an OTC Executive Director.

• ANGU wants a Deputy Logistics Management Officer.

CHART

Software vendors with the highest amounts paid reported by agencies for FY21. As found on: GAO, “HIGH RISK SERIES: Critical Actions Needed to Urgently Address IT Acquisition and Management Challenges.” GAO-25-107852. January 2025. Page 23.

INTEL COMMUNITY

NRO, in partnership with the USN and NZDF, launches OTTER program.

The NRO, alongside partners from the Naval Postgraduate School, New Zealand Defence Force, and SEOPS Space, successfully launched Otter, an R&D demonstrator. The mission, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, aims to advance technologies for navigating the increasingly complex space environment. Read more

DeepSeek is a mega data mining opportunity for China.

DeepSeek has rapidly become the top downloaded app on the Apple Store, raising significant security and privacy concerns. Due to Chinese cybersecurity and data security laws, DeepSeek is obligated to share collected user information with the Chinese government, potentially leading to data harvesting and censorship issues. Read more

ICYMI:

• USSOCOM Draft RFP: Targeted Requirement Execution (TREX).

• USSOCOM Sources Sought: Integrated Electronic Security System.

• NATO RFI: Capability Package CP149 Rev 1 “Dragonfly Increment 1”.

• Leidos wins $2.6B contract to support TSA security equipment.

• ODNI is looking for an EEO Compliance Director.

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CIVILIAN

GSA has paused all new contract awards and other procurement actions.

The GSA has issued a memo halting all new contract awards and procurement actions funded by the agency, including new awards, task and delivery orders, modifications, and options. This directive has led to confusion among industry stakeholders regarding its scope, particularly concerning whether procurements conducted by GSA on behalf of other agencies are affected. Read more

DOL pauses federal contractor discrimination case actions.

The DOL has suspended enforcement actions related to federal contractors' compliance with anti-discrimination laws and affirmative action requirements. This pause aligns with the administration's broader efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives within corporate America. Read more

Commerce Department moves to restrict global AI tech exports.

The Commerce Department is enforcing new global restrictions on AI technology exports to safeguard national security and prevent misuse. The measures aim to curb sensitive AI tech from being accessed by adversarial states. However, the move has sparked concerns about its potential impact on international collaborations. Read more

ICYMI:

• SSA RFI: IBM mainframe hardware.

• OPM, OMB sets deadline for agency leaders’ return-to-office plans.

• VA reinstates health care job offers amid hiring freeze uncertainty.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Kuva Systems was awarded a $5M DOE Methane Mitigation Simplification deal.

• I Tech AG won a $3M DOC DEC Automated Training Support contract.

• MetaPhase secured a $2M DHS CBP OF IT Financial Practice support contract

• GDIT inked a $3M DOS Logistics and Services deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• DMI has chosen a new President, General Manager.

• The U.S. government welcomes Palantir alum as new Federal CIO.

• OPM welcomes a new CIO.

• GSA names a Tesla alum as its new TTS Director, FAS Commissioner.

Civilian Job Openings

• CBP is seeking a Division Chief.

• FAA is hiring a Partial Program Manager (Power Plant).

M&A CORNER

OPEXUS and Casepoint merge with Thoma Bravo’s backing.

OPEXUS and Casepoint have announced their merger, supported by a majority investment from private equity firm Thoma Bravo. This strategic alliance combines strengths in legal tech and government workflow solutions, aiming to expand offerings and enhance efficiency in federal contracting. The merger reflects growing trends in tech-driven government services. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Let’s talk about DeepSeek. This Chinese AI startup has sent shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley. What’s special about it? SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Smartwatches can cause cancer? What health-damaging “forever chemicals” do they contain? SOURCE↗︎

3. Unsupervised full self-driving begins. Teslas now drive themselves from the factory to their designated loading dock lanes without human intervention. SOURCE↗︎

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