March 5, 2025

QUICK HITS

• Rising costs and supply shortages for government contractors: Tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, and China.

• AI's role in national security: AI “hallucinations” highlight the importance of data quality and validation.

• Unlocking government efficiency: The crucial role of a well-resourced and modernized cloud authorizing entity.

• VA aims to cancel 585 contracts: Officials say the $900M in savings won’t impact health care, benefits, or services, but SDVOSBs are getting hit hard.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Air Force focuses on key priorities amid strategic shifts.

The USAF is doubling down on major priorities, including readiness, modernization, and strategic deterrence. Leaders, like Gen. Allvin, are emphasizing the importance of maintaining air dominance while balancing budget constraints. “America needs more Air Force.” Read more

Air Force assigns collaborative combat aircraft for first time.

The USAF is officially designating Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) prototypes for the first time, marking a major step in autonomous warfare. These AI-driven wingmen, put forward by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril, will support piloted fighters, enhancing capability and survivability. Read more

Space Force pushes for faster tech innovation.

The USSF wants to speed up innovation, urging industry to develop cutting-edge tech faster to keep up with evolving threats. Additionally, Chief of Space Ops Saltzman said that guardians in the field must innovate, since additional resources are not on the horizon. Read more

ICYMI:

• Army RFI: Stryker Sustainment Services.

• USN RFI: SURFLANT HQ IT Support.

• F-35B performs first flight with Lockheed Martin anti-ship missiles.

• USAF aims to instill warrior ethos, increase lethality, and “kick butt.”

• DOGE cuts $80 million DOD programs.

Defense Contract Awards

• Corvid Tech secured a $268M USN Sub-Orbital Vehicles deal.

• IBM booked a $15M DOD Defense Integrated Finance System contract.

• Georgia Tech Applied Research inked a $9.8M DISA Secure Integrated Cloud Development and Deployment deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• DOD has chosen a new CIO.

• ASG welcomed a new Capture Director.

Defense Job Openings

• USPACFLT needs an Executive Director.

• DOD POW/MIA Agency wants a Policy and Plans Deputy Director.

CHART

DOGE has provided a chart of how many words and sections exist in the Code of Federal Regulations. (Source: DOGE) Also: View the changes made recently to the Code of Federal Regulations.

INTEL COMMUNITY

Intelligence community AI cybersecurity program achieves “massive scientific impact.”

The intelligence community is getting a major cybersecurity boost thanks to IARPA’s TrojAI program, which hunts down sneaky backdoors hidden in AI systems. With over 150 research papers and even outside groups like the Alan Turing Institute jumping on board, the program is making AI safer for everything from analyzing data to spotting threats. Read more

ICYMI:

• NGA RFI: Organizational Messaging Services.

• NGA RFI: NSES Follow-on Indefinite Quantity Contract Requirements.

• NATO RFI: Establish the Alliance Federation Network as a managed service.

• CIA to offer tips on “creative problem solving” at SXSW festival.

• Magnet Forensics won a $3M FBI GrayKey Premier Solution contract.

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CIVILIAN

Nokia and NASA launch first lunar mobile network.

Nokia’s former motto, “connecting people” has turned into “connecting martians!” NASA and Nokia are bringing 4G to the Moon—because astronauts need strong signals too. The new network will support future lunar missions, enabling real-time communication and remote operations. Read more

Floppy disks and aging software: FAA is being held back by tech woes.

At a hearing before the House Transportation Committee, aviation experts discussed issues such as ongoing efforts to slash the federal workforce, a desire to privatize aspects of air traffic control, and really old tech and software that need to be updated. Read more

Does ICE need increased data access? Some officials aren’t so sure.

In a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, former ICE officials debated the agency's data needs amid stricter immigration policies. While some argued for expanded access to external data sources like DMV records to enhance enforcement, others contended that ICE already possesses ample information and should focus on modernizing its data analysis capabilities. Read more

ICYMI:

• IHS RFI: FBES Construction Cost Data Special Location Factors Requirements.

• Stranded NASA Astronauts: Return to Earth update.

• GSA launches Space Match to help employees locate agency workspace.

• DHS pushes for more secure OT devices in new guidance.

• Treasury hits pause on CTA beneficial ownership reporting.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Network Specialty Group booked a $19M USDA eCollections Retail System deal.

• SAIC won a $10M USDA ALERT Operation and Maintenance contract.

• BAH secured a $5.7M NIAID BPIMSS BRIDGE deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• DXC named its new CPO.

• Agile Defense has a new Federal Civilian Sector Growth and Capture SVP.

• The 13th Secretary of Education has been announced.

Civilian Job Openings

• DHS is seeking a Deputy Assistant Director.

• CBP is hiring a Program Manager.

M&A CORNER

General Atomics acquires North Point Defense: Expanding SIGINT capabilities.

General Atomics has acquired North Point Defense, enhancing its SIGINT capabilities. This strategic move aims to deliver advanced ISR solutions across air, sea, ground, and space platforms. NPD's AI/ML-based autonomous signal processing and data dissemination solutions will now support GA's mission priorities. Read more

Riverside Research acquires Cog Systems.

Riverside Research has acquired Cog Systems to enhance its cyber resilience and secure virtualization capabilities. This acquisition aims to integrate Cog Systems' secure hardware and virtualization technologies with Riverside Research's cyber resilience and AI-driven security solutions, providing defense-grade platforms to counter emerging threats in mobile and IoT environments. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. FLOTUS pushes for the “Take It Down Act.” The proposed bill would classify the publication or threat of publishing nonconsensual intimate imagery—including AI-generated "digital forgeries"—as a federal offense. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. The end of an era? TSMC and Broadcom could tear apart Intel's legendary business after 57 years by separating its foundry and chip design. SOURCE↗︎

3. The AI race intensifies. Google's Sergey Brin wants DeepMind team to work 60-hour weeks. SOURCE↗︎

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