November 20, 2024

AeroVironment buys BlueHalo, NASA new Space Tech leader, NRO shielding satellites, Navy EIPB RFI, Ligado lawsuit proceeds, DFARS Final Rule

QUICK HITS

  • DFARS Final Rule: COs are to consider relevant past performance of affiliate companies of small business concerns during evaluations.

  • SAM registration lapses: Not a deadly blow to awards anymore, it seems.

  • Says the folks at Red Hat: Feds are poised to tackle highly consequential AI decisions over the next year.

  • Executive Summaries: They shouldn’t actually be summaries. Are you crafting them correctly?

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

CMMC 2.0: Time for DOD contractors to get serious.

With CMMC 2.0 fully rolling out, DOD contractors face compliance deadlines to secure sensitive data. It's no longer optional—defense firms must prove cybersecurity readiness to win contracts. This is your reminder to lock in plans, training, and systems now. Read on for key compliance tips and timelines. Read more

  • Related: Last week a Congressperson proposed a joint resolution of disapproval for last month’s CMMC program rule.

Space Force fuels rapid-response projects with “Fight Tonight” funds.

Space Systems Command has selected three innovative space projects to receive funding under the “Fight Tonight” initiative. These projects focus on enhancing readiness and operational speed for near-term defense challenges. Read more

Navy urges industry to ramp up 3D printing for submarines.

The Navy is pressing industry to fully embrace 3D printing for submarine components—or risk supply chain bottlenecks. With increased demands on undersea forces, additive manufacturing could be the key to keeping vessels mission-ready. Read more

ICYMI:

  • Sources sought: R&D Subsistence Network Program Support for the DLA.

  • RFI: USAF United Platform Appgate SDP Software Solutions.

  • DOD strengthens military tech ties with Japan, Australia in IndoPac region.

  • Ruling: Ligado may progress with its $39B lawsuit against the federal government for its “improper seizure” of its L-band spectrum.

Defense Contract Awards

  • Lockheed Martin RMS inked an $83M Logistics Requirements, Supply deal.

  • Deloitte won a $22M DOD USN COMNAVAIRLANT CDM Initiative contract.

  • Areli booked a $3.9M Army Geospatial Center G-9 Real Property contract.

  • Silent Arrow secured a $1.8M Logistics Drone Development deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

  • US Navy names a former DHA Program Manager as new CIO.

  • Raft selected a new Data VP.

  • ManTech welcomed new Business Development and Program Operations VPs.

Defense Job Openings

CHART

DOD’s Private 5G Deployment Strategy. October 21, 2024. (Source)

INTEL COMMUNITY

NRO aims to amplify satellite cyber defense amid growing threats.

The NRO is ramping up efforts to shield satellites from cyberattacks. As adversaries become more sophisticated, the agency is collaborating with industry to enhance satellite resilience and ensure secure space operations. Read more

ICYMI:

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CIVILIAN

TSA cyber rules seek balance between security and industry needs.

The new TSA cybersecurity regulations aim to bolster infrastructure protections while finding a "happy medium" that avoids overburdening industries. With lawmakers and industry leaders cautiously optimistic, the debate centers on ensuring robust defenses without stifling innovation or imposing excessive costs. Read more

ONCD works to strengthen cybersecurity for Space Systems.

The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) is focused on operationalizing cybersecurity guidance to protect U.S. space systems. This aims to establish a comprehensive framework that ensures secure space operations amid growing threats. The push includes developing effective policies and strategies for cybersecurity resilience across the space sector. Read more

NASA is using AI to streamline data analysis, speed space innovation.

NASA is looking to adopt automated data analysis as it moves forward in its technology modernization efforts. A systems architect for the Operations Support Center said that NASA is working to use AI to improve the efficiency and scalability of data analysis and output to entities relying on that data. “One of the things that we, specifically at Marshall, are doing is completely making it to where any customer can come in and get there as fast as possible.” Read more

ICYMI:

Civilian Contracts Awards

  • SRC-led consortium booked a $285M DOC Manufacturing USA Institute deal.

  • RIVA inked TOs under $76M HHS PSC Financial Management Portfolio BPA.

  • CACI awarded $14M USDA Forest Service National Telephone Maintenance Combined Structures contract.

  • GenTech secured a $12M U.S. Marshals Service Management Services deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

Civilian Job Openings

M&A CORNER

BlueHalo grows big, joining forces with AeroVironment.

BlueHalo's growth trajectory soars, with $900M in projected 2024 revenue and a robust backlog. Its acquisition by AeroVironment promises gains in revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and EPS. Post-merger, AeroVironment's CEO Wahid Nawabi will lead the combined company, while BlueHalo's Jonathan Moneymaker takes a strategic advisor role. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

  1. Digital twin “metaversities”? Meta is collaborating with U.S. and U.K. universities to make VR a bit more mainstream. SOURCE↗︎ 

  2. “Mind blowing” dark energy (DESI) instrument experiment: Shows that Einstein was right about gravity…again. Oh, Einstein. SOURCE↗︎

  3. Everything has a cost: High-tech products and the new era of mineral mining. SOURCE↗︎

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