November 6, 2024

BWXT to buy AOT, USSF SATCOM RFP, Maximus HHS lawsuit, EPA modernizations, SpaceX satellites, defense tech trends

QUICK HITS

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Meta opens Llama AI to defense agencies and contractors.

With an open-source approach, Llama will assist government bodies and contractors in advancing defense-focused tech. Oracle, Lockheed Martin, and Deloitte are all using Llama models in their businesses. Read more

Army aids small businesses in CMMC compliance journey.

The Army is stepping up to support small businesses in meeting CMMC standards. Recognizing the strain on resources, the Army plans to provide guidance and assistance, helping these businesses secure contracts and meet crucial cybersecurity benchmarks. Here’s how the Army’s efforts aim to keep small contractors compliant and competitive. Read more

Replicator initiative: A bold new strategy for defense innovation.

The Navy's Replicator initiative seeks to transform military capabilities by utilizing mass-produced, cost-effective, autonomous systems to enhance defense operations. A recent report to Congress outlines how this ambitious plan could reshape the future of military technology, offering both strategic advantages and challenges. Read more

ICYMI:

  • RFP: USSF will be awarding four Protected Tactical SATCOM contracts.

  • Aerospace parts market set to soar, reaching $1.94T by 2031.

  • The Pentagon is planning to invest in a new round of RDER.

Defense Contract Awards

  • Odyssey Systems booked a $531M USAF Advisory and Assistance Services deal.

  • FTI won a $53M USN SEAPORT-NXG NAWCAD SAIL Support contract.

  • Kongsberg secures $329M award to build USMC gun turrets.

  • Red Six wins $21M USAF contract increase for augmented reality.

  • Astranis inked a USSF SSC NG Resilient GPS Satellite Development deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

Defense Job Openings

CHART

Election 2024 advertising spending is projected to hit a record $10.2 billion. Advertisements on broadcast TV still dominate the advertising landscape. (Bloomberg) Related: Online political spending in 2024. (Brennan Center)

INTEL COMMUNITY

Top defense, intelligence priorities for 2025.

At DODIIS 2024, defense and intelligence leaders highlighted four critical priorities for the next year: secure data sharing, cloud adoption, modernized AI, and stronger cyber defenses. With new tech investments and evolving threat landscapes, these initiatives aim to keep national security a step ahead. Read more

ICYMI:

GET SEEN

Elevate your brand and expand your reach with GovBrew, the industry’s most reliable source for GovCon pros. Reach top figures and decision-makers across the government contracting industry. When you advertise with GovBrew, you can really make an impact. Get started here.

CIVILIAN

Treasury issues final rule on outbound investments.

The Treasury’s new rule introduces measures for regulating U.S. outbound investments in sectors related to national security. With a focus on AI, quantum tech, and semiconductors, the rule outlines reporting requirements for companies investing abroad. This move aims to protect national interests by ensuring sensitive tech doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. For contractors in tech and finance, it’s time to review compliance strategies and prepare for enhanced reporting obligations. Article Review

EPA outlines new modernization efforts.

The EPA is undertaking an array of new modernization efforts that include projects digitizing historical records, automating workflows and using a ChatGPT-like generative AI tool. Additionally, EPA has implemented an automated telework tool released at the beginning of October that routes telework schedules from an employee to their supervisor. Read more

ICYMI:

  • Maximus has filed a lawsuit against HHS for the Medicare and Federal Marketplace contract rebid.

  • Government agencies are ramping up on its OpenAI tech acquisitions.

  • FCC steps up undersea cable security, targets foreign tech risks.

  • NNSA releases its 2025 Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan.

Civilian Contracts Awards

  • Adams and Associates secured a $127M DOL OJC Atterbury Job Corps Center Support deal.

  • Merlin International booked a $55M VA Bull NovaScale Mainframe Hardware and Software Maintenance Support deal.

  • Volpara Health inked a $7.3M DHA contract.

  • NORC won a $3.1M USAID R&D for DM contract.

Follow Civilian Leaders

Civilian Job Openings

M&A CORNER

BWXT to purchase Aeroject Ordnance Tennessee.

BWXT will be acquiring L3 Harris’ Aerojet Ordnance Tennessee (AOT). This strategic purchase will bolster BWXT’s standing with the DOD and amplifies U.S. munitions capabilities. AOT provides metal components used in defense, aerospace and commercial technologies. According to L3Harris, the subsidiary is the sole supplier of uranium to the U.S. government. Read more

H.I.G. Capital, Thoma Bravo to buy CompTIA.

Private equity firms H.I.G. Capital and Thoma Bravo have agreed to acquire CompTIA‘s brand, IT certification and training business and products. H.I.G. and Thoma Bravo will own and operate CompTIA as a for-profit company. The trade group’s membership-based nonprofit organization will continue to support the IT industry as a separate entity from CompTIA. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

  1. Are you ready to say goodbye to our “mini moon?” It will drift away in a few weeks. “Oh behave, you cheeky celestial body!” SOURCE↗︎ 

  2. Let’s talk about Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. The New York state authorities seized and euthanized the rescued animals—but was it a good decision? (Bomb threats subsequently shut the office building down.) SOURCE↗︎

  3. The Boeing worker strike is coming to an end. The workers voted to accept the company’s contract offer. SOURCE↗︎

Did you learn something new from today's newsletter?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

GROW WITH GOVBREW

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help you:

1. Become a GovBrew Insider to keep your pipeline full. Weekly opportunities, recompete reports, agency forecasts, and much more. Learn more

2. Promote your brand to over 7,200 GovCon professionals by sponsoring this newsletter. Apply here

3. Follow us on LinkedIn for more GovCon coverage.

Share GovBrew → Earn Rewards

Have colleagues who'd like our newsletter too? Click to share or give them your unique referral link (below) and get rewarded when they subscribe.

Or copy and paste this link to others: https://govbrew.co/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

PS: You have referred 0 people so far