May 12, 2025

QUICK HITS

• Trusted Workforce 2.0: New program has improved screening processes, but agencies have incompatable IT systems, making compliance difficult.

• SBA update for HUBZone protégés and large biz mentors: SBA has removed the HUBZone price preference.

• Non-attorney representative used AI to draft GAO bid protest filings: Here’s how it backfired.

• Evergreen MAS contracts: Is now a timely opportunity to revisit this concept?

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

USSF narrows the field in $100M space laser terminal program.

USSF has advanced CACI, General Atomics, and Viasat to the next phase of its $100M Enterprise Space Terminal (EST) program. These terminals are designed to enable secure, high-speed data links across satellites in various orbits. The EST initiative focuses on adapting commercial laser technologies for defense use, with the goal of creating a unified, low-latency space data network.

Army secretary says it will be “success” if prime contractor fails in the next two years.

Army Secretary Driscoll has made waves with his comment, indicating that watching a big company fail would push the rest of the industry to become more efficient and competitive. Furthermore, he said that the Army will no longer "bail out" underperforming primes. Driscoll's remarks align with the WH’s push to integrate venture capital-backed tech firms like Anduril and Palantir into the defense sector.

“Lower Three” GHz spectrum critical for Golden Dome.

DOD’s acting CIO emphasized that access to the "lower three" GHz spectrum (3.1–3.45 GHz) is essential for Golden Dome. Currently, this portion of the spectrum is under DOD control. She urged lawmakers to support policies that ensure the DOD maintains access to this spectrum, underscoring its importance for national security.

ICYMI:

• SOCOM’s gear wishlist: Make big things small and small things big.

• USAF, Boeing may modify Air Force One requirements for delivery by 2027.

• DOGE now has its sights on the DOD.

• Boeing urged to adopt CMMC, zero trust to protect F-47 plans.

• [Listen] A proposal to reorganize the DOD — all of it, all at once.

Defense Contract Awards

• Three contractors were chosen to develop the Enterprise Space Terminal Phase 2 prototypes.

• Odyssey Systems won a $46M USAF Space Domain Awareness contract.

• NOC won a $26M MDA contract for targets for IRBMs and ICMBs.

• General Atomics inked a USSF Enterprise Space Terminal Phase 2 contract.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Army names its next Acquisition Chief.

• Northrop Grumman has chosen a new Advanced Weapons VP.

• NSTXL named its CFO.

Defense Job Openings

• NAVSEA wants a Supervisory Program Manager.

• ANGU is hiring a Program Manager.

FUNNY

INTEL COMMUNITY

ICYMI:

• NGA RFI: Image Manipulator Software Requirement.

• Uncovering Chinese academic espionage at Stanford.

• A decade after its biggest intelligence disasters, the U.S. initiates a new drive to keep an eye on China.

• FBI’s Counterterrorism Division has a new Assistant Director.

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CIVILIAN

DOE secretary: Gov’t should “get out of the way” to fuel AI race.

The DOE secretary is drawing parallels between the AI revolution and the Manhattan Project, emphasizing the urgent need for the U.S. to lead in AI development by expanding energy infrastructure. He wants gov’t to "get out of the way," allowing private enterprises to invest in and build the necessary capacity, including leveraging nuclear and coal power to meet the soaring energy demands of AI and data centers.

New platform to modernize national fire data and intelligence.

DHS has launched the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), a cloud-based platform to modernize fire and emergency data collection. Replacing the outdated NFIRS, NERIS provides real-time data and analytics to help fire and EMS departments respond to threats like battery fires and extreme weather. Developed with input from over 60 pilot departments, it’s set for nationwide rollout by early 2026.

White House pushes for air traffic control overhaul.

The administration is rolling out a multi-billion-dollar plan to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system. Transportation Secretary Duffy says the initiative will replace outdated tech with fiber optics, new flight management systems, and upgraded radar. With a four-year timeline, the plan hinges on congressional support.

ICYMI:

• Did OPM cancel the Cloud HR System contract it awarded last week?

• Billion dollar airport projects face inflation cost boosts.

• OMB is revamping A-123, removing many enterprise risk concepts.

• NSF announces RIF plans, in-person policy, and equity division elimination.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Compass Arora JV won a spot on the $43B DHA MQS2-NG contract.

• DLA awards a whopping $30.3B DLA Pharmaceutical Supply deal to a secretive list of selected vendors.

• Sohum Systems secured a $137M USDA Software Delivery, Development, and Modernization Support Services contract.

• Index Analytics won a $14M CMS Office of Hearings Case and Document Management System contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• FEMA has a new Administrator after POTUS fires the last one.

• USPS confirms waste management executive & FEDEX board member will serve as its postmaster general.

• Palantir alum appointed to top tech role at HHS.

• Quantum Computing, Inc. welcomed its new executives.

Civilian Job Openings

• Pretrial Services Agency is seeking a Chief of Staff.

• FAA needs a Strategic Operations Director.

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Senators urge the TSA to reduce the use of facial recognition technology at airports. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. The “Gold Card” visa is already showing up in immigration forms. Foreigners are welcome to reside in the USA….for $5 million. DOGE has rolled out technology already to enable the program. SOURCE↗︎

3. DOGE software engineer falls victim to info-stealing malware. Leaked "stealer logs" indicate his devices have been compromised. SOURCE↗︎

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