June 2, 2025

QUICK HITS

• FAR Part 10 overhaul: Streamlined market research reshapes government contracting, small business language removed, risk of oversimplification.

• Federal hiring modernization: Shifting recruitment strategies to align with private-sector methodologies, including merit-based workforce.

• [Listen] Artificial intelligence: Accelerating DOD’s procurement timelines.

• Tariffs are likely here to stay: Courts reaffirmed that presidents have broad legal power under trade laws, ergo tariffs are an allowed economic tool.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Pentagon tightens rules on non-commercial procurements.

The Pentagon is cracking down on non-commercial tech acquisitions, requiring stricter oversight and justification for purchases above $250,000. The move aligns with an executive order pushing for more commercially available solutions. In the meantime, SecDef Hegseth gives DOGE more influence over contracting.

Army weaves robo-boats, drones, balloons, and C2 tech into multi-continent Arcane Thunder exercise.

The Army’s 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force ran Arcane Thunder 25, testing cool tech like robo-boats and drones across three countries. They showed they could spot and strike targets in minutes—not hours—by sharing data super fast with U.S. and allied forces.

• Related: INDOPACOM brings AI to Thunderforge wargaming exercise.

SecDef warns China poses “imminent” threat to Taiwan.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, SecDef Hegseth warned that China poses an "imminent" threat to Taiwan and urged Asian nations to bolster their defense spending and collaborate with the U.S. to deter potential conflict. China responded by accusing the U.S. of being the region's "biggest troublemaker," criticizing its military presence and actions in the South China Sea.

ICYMI:

• Army RFI: Problem Statement for MOSA in support of NGC2.

• USSF launches second “rapid-response” GPS mission via SpaceX Falcon 9.

• [Watch] F-35’s: new weapons and tech upgrades for stealth dominance.

Defense Contract Awards

• Lockheed Martin won a $1B Navy contract for Conventional Prompt Strike.

• KTH Services JV inked a Base Operations and Facility Maintenance deal.

• Avix-Bgi JV won a $60M USAF deal for aircrew training and courseware dev.

• Leidos won a $45M USAF deal for electromagnetic weapon sys transitions.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• SMX adds former AF Lt Colonel to drive BD.

Defense Job Openings

• ANGU is seeking an Inspections Director.

• DISA is hiring a Programs Vice Director.

FUNNY

INTEL COMMUNITY

PCLOB releases report on TSA’s use of facial recognition tech.

PCLOB says the tech should stay optional, be more transparent, and come with stronger privacy protections—especially since biometric data is sensitive and the system's accuracy across different demographics still needs work. PCLOB isn’t calling for a shutdown, but they want TSA to tighten its policies and get serious about public trust before expanding the program.

ICYMI:

• WHS Sources Sought: OUSDI&S R&E ERMD Support Services.

• How many satellites could fit in Earth orbit? And how many do we need?

• DCDC: CYBERCOM upgrades defensive unit to sub-unified command status.

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CIVILIAN

Treasury seeks public input on E.O regarding electronic payments.

TREAS is asking for public input on how to shift all federal payments—like tax refunds and benefits—from paper checks to digital formats by September 30, following a March E.O. They're especially keen on ideas to help unbanked and underbanked Americans make the switch, and they're open to suggestions on preferred electronic payment methods, outreach strategies, and partnerships to spread the word.

SSA pledges to get call wait times down to “single digits.”

The SSA is aiming to reduce call wait times to under 10 minutes by leveraging AI tools. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transform the SSA into a more digital-first organization, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. While AI will handle routine tasks, human agents will still be key for complex issues.

DOGE reorganization of nuclear regulator prompts concerns.

A new E.O. mandates a reorganization of the NRC, aiming to expedite nuclear energy production by streamlining operations and reducing regulatory staff. Critics express concern that these workforce reductions could compromise public health and safety, especially as the NRC struggles with an aging workforce and recruitment challenges.

ICYMI:

• DHA RFI: Domain & Directory Services (DDSB) IT Services.

• NASA RFI: Earth-Proximity Space-Relay Comms & Navigation Services.

• Inside the scramble to keep FEMA alive ahead of hurricane season.

• How no-code platforms can accelerate improvements to citizen services.

• ChatCBP— an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist CBP’s workforce.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• DSS won a $212M VA contract for HIBA VIRR Software Solution.

• C2C Solutions won a $28M CMS Part B North (PBN) QIC support task.

• ECS Federal won a $1M DHS OCIO TAASS contract.

• Manutek won a $330K NPS Linux contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality names an Acting Director.

• Viasat named its new President.

• ShorePoint hired a new CyberOps Modernization Director.

Civilian Job Openings

• US Agency for Global Media needs a Security Director.

• FAA is looking for a National Airspace System Operations Director.

M&A CORNER

Karman expands energetic propulsion portfolio with ISP acquisition.

Karman Space & Defense has acquired Industrial Solid Propulsion (ISP) to strengthen its energetic propulsion technology capabilities. The deal, valued at $50 million in cash, plus stock and earnouts, enhances Karman’s expertise in small-diameter solid propellant systems for UAS, missile defense, and space applications.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Just how many fake reviews are on TripAdvisor? A new study shows 8% of the 31.1 million reviews submitted in 2024 were fake. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. U.S. startup unveils machine to harvest helium-3. Hopefully, they won’t dig the moon dry. SOURCE↗︎

3. Parties behind 2024 Biden AI robocall reach deal in lawsuit. Two TX companies have agreed to implement stricter compliance measures. SOURCE↗︎

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