October 18, 2024

QUICK HITS

• SBA is in business again: New 8(a), SDVOSB/VOSB, WOSB/EDWOSB and HUBZone applications are ready to roll!

• SEWP VI Q&A: Take a look at Red Team’s take on NASA’s SEWP VI Q&A.

• Criminal civil liabilities: Raytheon will pay almost $1B to bribery, overcharging, and export control schemes.

• AI ‘game-changer’ for Customs and Border Protection: Agency's tech leaders say AI tools have complemented border agents’ jobs.

GOVBREW INSIDER

• Check out this week’s 70+ opportunities from defense, civilian, and intel agencies.

• In this week's recompete report, our team uncovered 50+ upcoming IT Service opportunities at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

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

• Stay up to date on the upcoming events.

• Keep track of the latest Agency Acquisition Forecasts.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Army aims for final draft of software mega-contract by Nov. 7.

The Army’s massive and much-debated “modern software development” contract is headed for a third and final revision due out next month. Officially called the Multiple Award IDIQ for Modern Software Development, the proposal is now on its second major revision. Comments are due Oct 25, and an industry day is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 7. Read more

Army modernizes aging industrial base for future readiness.

The Army is actively working to modernize its aging organic industrial base, focusing on enhancing production capabilities and addressing supply chain challenges. This effort includes updating facilities, investing in advanced technologies, and fostering partnerships with the private sector. Read more

Continuing resolutions disrupt defense innovation and planning.

Ongoing reliance on continuing resolutions (CR) for short-term funding and Congress’ failure to deliver timely budgets are hindering progress, according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. “[These] continuing resolutions, the inability to get a budget on time affects our ability to have new starts. You can’t innovate and do things differently if you can’t start in the first place,” Hicks said. Read more

ICYMI:

• Sources Sought: Army is seeking Multimodal Human-Machine Interface for XR and RAS Control. Responses are due Nov 15.

• Have you ever heard of aerobraking? The USSF has made an unusual announcement about its enigmatic X-37B spaceplane.

• JFHQ-DODIN prioritizes data in early stages of AI planning.

• Navy gears up for next phase in logistics modernization.

Defense Contract Awards

• Leidos inked a $248M USN Autonomous Systems Design and Engineering deal.

• Sev1Tech won a $188M USSF SSC meshONE-Terrestrial Network contract.

• BigBear.ai booked a $165M Army GFIM-OE contract.

• Galois was awarded a $12.6M DARPA COOP Program deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Tangram Flex welcomed a new CGO.

• Constellis has a new CHRO.

Defense Job Openings

• Army wants a Deputy Chief of Staff.

• DTIC needs a Deputy Program Manager.

TRIVIA 🤔

Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. Scroll down to the bottom for context.

INTEL COMMUNITY

NRO pushes innovation to protect US intelligence dominance.

In a recent discussion, an NRO official emphasized advancements in satellite technology, AI integration, and secure data-sharing as crucial to staying ahead. The NRO remains focused on modernizing the US' Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and the supporting ground infrastructure to stay ahead of the challenges. Read more

Army task force uses AI to boost intel analysis.

The Army's ISR Task Force is stepping up its use of AI to analyze massive data sets for intelligence missions. By integrating AI tools, they aim to streamline data processing, improve decision-making, and enhance battlefield awareness. This move marks a significant leap in the Army's commitment to leveraging AI for real-time operational insights. Read more

ICYMI:

• NV5 booked geospatial deals worth $26M.

• FBI leverages AI for enhanced threat reporting capabilities.

• ODNI is looking for a Deputy Group Chief.

VIDEO

The US Army has awarded a contract to begin designing a new M1E3 Abrams super Main Battle Tank. This new tank is totally different than any and expected to be lighter as well as equipped with high-tech capabilities, making it more survivable on the battlefield.

CIVILIAN

CISA targets software supply chain risks with new guidance.

CISA is tackling software supply chain security with its latest strategic plan, aiming to mitigate risks from vulnerabilities in widely used software components. With growing threats to federal infrastructure, the guidance encourages better collaboration, transparency, and risk management between developers and suppliers. Read more

Federal agencies unite to combat corporate fraud with new working group.

The DOJ and other federal agencies are forming a working group focused on corporate crime, signaling a strong push toward stricter enforcement of fraud, corruption, and misconduct. With companies under increased scrutiny, expect tighter controls and stiffer penalties on the horizon. Read more

Spyware contract with US Immigration agency raises privacy concerns.

CBP’s ICE has contracted with a controversial spyware company, drawing criticism from human rights groups. They warn that the surveillance technology from Israeli company Paragon poses serious risks to privacy, civil liberties, and the rights of vulnerable immigrant communities. Read more

ICYMI:

• Pre-RFP: NASA is seeking help organizing spaceflight mission operations (COSMOS).

• EVENT: DOI’s BSEE invites you to an Industry Day for its Technical Information Management System (TIMS). Learn more on October 28 via MS Teams.

• Vast plans to launch Haven-1 space station in 2025.

• Cyber officials: Legacy systems pose hurdles in quantum cybersecurity preparedness.

• OSC will be issuing its first loan awards of NatSec equipment by mid-2025.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• 4 contractors secured a spot on the $2.7B Uranium enrichment contract.

• Kaiva Strategies won a $100M FDA PACS contract.

• QCi booked a Climate Change Studies NASA Quantum-Powered LiDAR deal.

• Exovera inked a DOS Data Analysis deal to support the embassy in Iraq.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Acuity International has selected a new CGO for its federal division.

• Former Voyager Labs CEO was chosen to be Granicus’ US Federal and Strategic Partnerships SVP.

Civilian Job Openings

• NASA is hiring a Deputy Director Flight Projects Directorate.

• Development Finance Corporation is seeking a Deputy Vice President.

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M&A CORNER

NewSpring eyes federal expansion with Xpect acquisition.

NewSpring’s Xpect Solutions is making waves in the federal contracting world with a strategic acquisition aimed at expanding its market presence. This move boosts their IT services and federal contracting capabilities, aligning with NewSpring’s focus on growth in cybersecurity, cloud, and digital transformation solutions. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Designer spacesuits for moon missions? Axiom space and Prada just unveiled their Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Can “selfish DNA” help humans develop? Scientists say YES. SOURCE↗︎

3. FCC’s new robocall and robotext rules: Opt-out mechanisms—maybe soon? SOURCE↗︎

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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️

D) British Mark I: It was the first military tank to see action, debuting during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. It marked a significant innovation in warfare by providing armored mobility across difficult terrain and trenches.