March 19, 2025

🧙 Google buys Wiz, drones for nuke facilities, JFK files released, Redhorse buys Mannakee, FCC goes nat’l security, Army Transformation Contract 2.0

QUICK HITS

  • [Watch] Reducing internet connectivity risks: Safeguarding digital transformation efforts.

  • The federal contractor minimum wage has been rescinded. The minimum salary for blue collar employees is now $13 USD per hour.

  • The industry wants a new national AI strategy: They want U.S. dominance, export controls, and federal adoption to be prioritized.

  • Future-proofing your GovCon biz: Compliance and adjusting to evolving contract requirements are more essential than ever for maintaining competitiveness.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

DOD eyes $100B+ windfall for warfighter needs.

According to a key lawmaker, the Pentagon may end up with more than $100 billion through budget reconciliation in Congress. He suggests these funds should focus on equipping globally stationed troops with urgently needed technologies, rather than being allocated solely to large-scale programs. Read more

Army seeks funds for transformation in “Contact 2.0.”

The Army is hunting for dollars to fuel its "Transformation in Contact 2.0" initiative, aiming to modernize equipment and strategies for future conflicts. With tight budgets and big ambitions, the challenge is balancing innovation with fiscal reality. Read more

Space Force prepares for orbital warfare with next-gen weapons.

The USSF is gearing up for space combat, developing cutting-edge orbital and electromagnetic weapons to counter global threats. To achieve “space superiority” in a conflict – which would be similar to air superiority over a contested battlespace – the USSF will need to employ “kinetic and non-kinetic means to affect adversary capabilities.” Read more

ICYMI:

  • USAF RFI: Wireless Systems Maintenance Services RFQ.

  • Army RFI: DEWESoft Sirius Data Acquisition System.

  • USAF marks progress with first flight of Boeing F-15EX Lot 2.

  • USAF sends validation teams to make sure bases are following EOs.

  • Navy deploys first operational LCS mine countermeasures packages.

Defense Contract Awards

  • USAF included 122 contractors in the $46B EWAAC Vehicle, 4th On-Ramp deal.

  • KBR inked a $176M AFRL Advanced Space Tech R&O contract.

  • Improve Group won a $10.3M USAF Vivarium Lab contract.

  • 3 contractors selected for the DOD’s Next-Gen Cyber Defense Kit program.

Follow the Defense Leaders

Defense Job Openings

INTEL COMMUNITY

ALL.SPACE delivers satellite terminals to Army and Navy.

The operational deployment signifies a step forward in defense SATCOM, providing enhanced resilience, connectivity, and security for mission-critical operations. The Hydra 2 terminal, also known as the Dual-link Ka Terminal, is specifically designed for maritime and land operations. Read more

FCC gets into the national security game.

The FCC recently announced the creation of a Council on National Security, with Adam Chan as Director. This new Council will “leverage the full range of the Commission’s regulatory, investigatory, and enforcement authorities to promote America’s national security and counter foreign adversaries. Read more

ICYMI:

  • DARPA RFI: Relevant System Nominations to Deliver Resilient Software Sys.

  • More JFK assassination files — about 31,000 pages — have been released.

  • SpaceX’s Transporter-13 will carry intelligence and dual-use commercial satellites into orbit.

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CIVILIAN

Legal stories making headlines:

  • Courts order 25,000 fed workers to be reinstated.

  • Judge rules USAID shutdown as unconstitutional.

  • Courts block WH from banning transgender people from military service.

  • Courts block WH from terminating $14B in “green bank” grants.

  • A DOGE lawyer defends their email blasts to the entire gov’t workforce in court.

Lawmakers seek drone-fighting abilities for federal nuclear facilities.

Lawmakers want to give the DOE component charged with managing the country’s nuclear stockpile more power to protect against unmanned aerial systems flying nearby. The Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense (NEDD) Act would expand the NNSA’s authority to build and develop counter-drone technology. Read more

Industry urges NRC for efficient nuclear licensing reforms.

Industry groups and utilities are pushing the NRC to streamline its Part 53 licensing framework for advanced nuclear reactors. They argue that reducing regulatory burdens is key to cutting carbon emissions and ensuring a reliable electric grid. Read more

ICYMI:

Civilian Contracts Awards

  • SAIC secured a $144M NOAA NESDIS Enterprise Cloud Services deal.

  • GDIT inked a $48M FDA OneNexus Program Support contract.

  • Universal Strategic Advisors got a $73M DHS ICE Critical Staffing Support deal.

  • CTAC won an $11M CFTC Content Management Solution Support contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

  • TTS director tapped to serve as Labor CIO.

  • SAIC has a new Partner, Mission Advisory Services CDO.

  • Deployed Services taps a Homeland Security pro for a new role.

Civilian Job Openings

M&A CORNER

Ridgeline expands security services with System High acquisition.

Ridgeline International has acquired System High Corporation to bolster its digital security and managed attribution capabilities. This move integrates System High’s expertise in protection and advisory services, enhancing Ridgeline’s ability to tackle evolving threats across government and commercial sectors. Read more

Redhorse Corporation acquires Mannakee Group.

Redhorse Corporation has acquired The Mannakee Group, merging Mannakee's software expertise with Redhorse's AI and data capabilities. This strategic move strengthens their national security offerings for federal clients. Read more

Google to buy Wiz for a staggering $32B.

Google is set to acquire Wiz, a leading cloud security platform, for $32 billion. This move aims to enhance cybersecurity, automate security operations, and support multicloud adoption in the AI era. Read more

ICYMI:

  • GDIT is partnering with AWS to drive digital modernization, deliver efficiencies and advance government missions.

  • NVIDIA and MITRE announce an AI-powered 6G project.

SHOWER THOUGHTS đźšż

  1. Mobley vs. Workday highlights AI recruiting issues. Should the vendor be held accountable for its software’s discrimination? SOURCE↗︎ 

  2. Families earning ≤ $200K will receive free tuition from Harvard. 86% of U.S. families will be eligible for Harvard financial aid…if you can get in. SOURCE↗︎ 

  3. HHS Secretary targets GRAS Rule loophole for safer food ingredients. Rule revisions may be on the way. SOURCE↗︎

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