November 22, 2024

QUICK HITS

• [Watch] Becoming a gov’t contractor: Five lessons learned along the way.

• Artificial Intelligence: Here’s how contractors are getting ready for it.

• DHS virtual event: Learn more about the DHS’ procurement and contracting opportunities.

• Leveraging intellectual property: Insights for government contractors.

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• Check out this week’s 75+ opportunities from defense, civilian, and intel agencies.

• Our team uncovered 50+ upcoming IT services opportunities at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in this week's recompete report.

• See if your company qualifies for any of the latest grants & competitions.

• Stay up to date on the upcoming events.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Tax relief proposed to ease CMMC burden for small businesses.

Draft legislation is proposing tax credits for small businesses to offset the costs of complying with the DOD’s CMMC program. This aims to address concerns that high compliance costs might push smaller companies out of the defense sector. The “Small Business Cybersecurity Act of 2024” offers companies with 50 or fewer employees up to $50,000 in tax credits for CMMC expenses. Read more

USSF talks openly (for the first time) about the contractor blacklist.

The Contractor Responsibility Watch List, or CRWL, was created in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act to give Space Systems Command the power to stop underperforming contractors from getting new contracts. Until today, the service has never confirmed if it has used the list. Some company just ended up on it, but they aren’t saying who it is. Read more

ICYMI:

• Lockheed's LM 400 satellite set for tech demo in 2025.

• DOD, MBDA partner to boost minority-owned business participation.

• DOD eyes AI potential, flags costs and ethical risks.

• False Claim Act violations: Dell Technologies and Iron Bow will pay fines.

• DOD comptroller highlights progress and future financial goals.

Defense Contract Awards

• Seven winners grabbed Pentagon’s Replicator Software contracts.

• Five companies secured a spot on the $751M USAF Aerial Weapons and Support Systems contract.

• Anduril inked a $100M Space Surveillance Network Upgrade deal.

• WWT booked a $38.2M DARPA IT Equipment deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• SOSi has a new CHRO.

• Lockheed Martin appointed two new VPs.

Defense Job Openings

• OSD is seeking a Deputy General Counsel.

• Defense Technical Info Center wants a Chief Deputy Program Manager.

TRIVIA 🤔

Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. For more information about the correct answer, scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter.

INTEL COMMUNITY

NGA and NASA aim to deploy AI and data centers in space.

NGA and NASA officials revealed plans to deploy AI systems and data centers in orbit. This shift is part of a broader effort to improve mission capabilities in space. By placing AI systems at the edge of space – such as on satellites, rovers, or lunar systems – more efficient uses of resources can be enabled. Read more

Safeguarding infrastructure from foreign threats: CISA and ODNI step up.

CISA and ODNI have issued new guidance to shield critical infrastructure from foreign threats. The focus is identifying vulnerabilities, improving risk assessments, and ensuring a united front against potential espionage and sabotage. Read more

ICYMI:

• [Webinar Replay] Transforming Geospatial Intelligence: Data Labeling for AI.

• ODNI is looking for a Deputy National Intelligence Officer.

VIDEO

If Gov't Business Ethics Were a Shark Movie 🦈 

CIVILIAN

FTC to investigate Microsoft’s cloud business over competition concerns.

The FTC is preparing an investigation into Microsoft’s cloud business practices. This scrutiny centers around possible anti-competitive behaviors in the cloud services market, which could impact rivals and customers alike. The move signals a more aggressive stance on tech giants. Read more

Watchdog urges ONCD to lead quantum cyber strategy.

The GAO cautions that the federal government’s transition to post-quantum cryptography is at risk due to the absence of centralized oversight. The agency recommends that the Office of the National Cyber Director should lead efforts in establishing a national quantum cybersecurity strategy. Read more

New bill strengthens federal efforts to secure supply chains.

The House passed a bill targeting federal supply chain security, aiming to reduce risks of foreign adversary infiltration. The legislation outlines guidelines for agencies to assess supply chain vulnerabilities and bolster oversight. Read more

ICYMI:

• Pre-RFP: NOAA emergency response and restoration support services.

• SpaceX and NASA illustrate how Starship might ferry Artemis astronauts across the moon.

• NASA and IBM use AI to tackle climate challenges.

• IRS’ AI chatbots: They could be better. They needed a survey to discover that the bots don’t provide taxpayers direct answers to their questions.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Cadmus secured a $150M USAID Asia Futures Activity deal.

• Serco won a $33M Navy BUMED Psychological Health Outreach Program support deal.

• Gunnison inked a $27M DOS Cybersecurity Support contract.

• Skylight booked a NARA EOP 46 Transition Discovery Phase contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Comtech welcomed a new Satellite & Space Communications Segment President.

• Reli Group has chosen a new Health VP.

Civilian Job Openings

• Federal Reserve needs an Associate Director.

• The US Courts wants a Chief Deputy Clerk.

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M&A CORNER

CoreStack expands federal reach with Karthik Consulting acquisition.

CoreStack is making moves in the federal market, acquiring Karthik Consulting to strengthen its government presence. The deal combines CoreStack’s AI-powered cloud management tools with Karthik’s federal expertise in cybersecurity and IT services. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Will Google be forced to sell Chrome? The company is livid. It has expressed its opposition to DOJ’s divestment proposal. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. OCONUS Cloud: DISA is enhancing cloud services for warfighters deployed beyond the continental United States. SOURCE↗︎

3. Astronauts age faster in space. Living in space may sound cool, but what are its adverse effects to the human body? SOURCE↗︎

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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️

Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station — The National Science Foundation (NSF) runs the US Antarctic Program (USAP), which is an organization that is responsible for representing the United States in Antarctica. Situated at the geographic South Pole, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is built on a thick layer of moving ice, which causes the station to slowly drift about 33 feet yearly. As a result, the structures are designed to be periodically raised to avoid being buried by accumulating snow and ice.