October 2, 2024

QUICK HITS

• False Claim Act: Are the qui tam provisions unconstitutional?

• OSC loans: DOD launches strategic capital funding to secure industrial base.

• Government shutdown prevented through Dec 20: Let’s talk about FY25.

• VA SPRUCE IDIQ: 10 companies were awarded a spot on the $2.4B contract.

DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

Defense stocks surge amid Middle East tensions.

Defense stocks have hit record highs as the Middle East crisis escalates, with investors expecting increased defense spending and demand for military equipment. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are among the top gainers. It’s boom time for defense contractors! Read more

Shield AI pushes innovation for defense tech integration.

Shield AI’s co-founder, Brandon Tseng, told Congress that it's time for the DOD to field tech innovations faster. With threats evolving, Tseng emphasized autonomous systems and AI-driven capabilities as key solutions. His testimony highlights the gap between innovation and deployment timelines—and how to close it. Read more

Air Force faces crucial decisions on next-gen aircraft programs.

USAF is adopting a more strategic approach to planning, developing, and acquiring next-generation platforms. However, these actions have placed some future aircraft programs in limbo as the USAF seeks greater clarity in the coming months. Read more

ICYMI:

• DOD starts long-distance moves under the hotly debated GHC contract.

• Few DOD contractors are fully prepared for CMMC 2.0 before 2025 rollout.

• The Defense Security Cooperation Service has been launched.

• Replicator Initiative 2: Its focus is to counter the threat of lethal attack drones.

• The US is not withdrawing from Iraq, but an agreement could lead to troop reductions.

Defense Contract Awards

• Flatter bagged a $53M USAF OCIO IT Governance and Workforce Development Support contract.

• Deloitte won a $35M DHA contract for support related to Program Executive Office Medical Systems/CIO administrative functions.

• Virtualitics renewed its USSF SBIR III IRO Workforce Product contract.

• TriPoint Solutions inked a $1.7M USACE FY25 MPBI Data Analytics Support deal.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Guidehouse has selected a new CISO.

• Northrop Grumman welcomed their new CFO.

Defense Job Openings

• Navy needs an Operations Director.

• USAF is hiring a Budget Investment Director.

FROM THE CREW

Get ready. Kick-off FY 2025 with a competitive edge! Become a GovBrew Insider and gain exclusive access to weekly opportunity reports, recompete insights, agency forecasts, and market intelligence that will set you up for success all year long. Now's the perfect time to join—don’t miss out!

INTEL COMMUNITY

U.S. satellite remote sensing: Battling China for dominance.

The U.S. is grappling with intense competition from China in the satellite remote sensing arena, raising concerns about national security and intelligence capabilities. With China's rapid advancements in technology and a robust launch schedule, the U.S. must ramp up efforts to maintain its leadership position. As the clock ticks, it's clear that staying ahead in space tech is more crucial than ever. Read more

U.S. Special Ops' plan to retire key surveillance aircraft raises concerns.

The U.S. Special Operations Command's decision to retire the U-28A Draco and MC-12 surveillance planes to make way for new OA-1K light attack aircraft has critics worried about a potential intelligence gap. As the GAO examines this controversial move, the spotlight is on how SOCOM plans to address the loss of these vital reconnaissance assets. Read more

ICYMI:

• RFP: NGA released a solicitation for $708M Sequoia Data Labeling contract.

• The DOS seeks to build a cyber data automation tool by December.

• NGA wants a Legal Operations and Business Management Division Chief.

• ODNI is hiring a Deputy NIO.

CIVILIAN

Commerce Department begins beta testing for civil space tracking.

The Department of Commerce’s move is meant to provide commercial satellite operators with more accurate orbital data and reduce the risk of collisions in space. It’s the latest step toward enhancing space situational awareness. “Transitioning the spaceflight safety SSA responsibilities to DOC, a civil agency, will improve support to these users and allow DOD to focus its resources on core defense missions.” Read more

Federal procurement rule faces legal challenge in court.

The case that sparked the Supreme Court overturning the Chevron doctrine was known as “Loper.” Loper is the fishing boat operator that didn’t want to pay for a federal monitor it was forced to let aboard its boat. Now several parties are suing the NOAA, the agency that made the rule that sparked the Loper case. The takeaway? The focus of this case involves a recent rule requiring government contractors to disclose violations of labor and employment laws. Critics argue it’s too vague and burdensome, while supporters say it promotes accountability. Read more

FAR Council proposes rule to address contractor conflicts of interest.

The FAR Council just dropped a long-awaited rule proposal tackling contractor conflicts of interest. Aimed at increasing transparency, the rule requires contractors to disclose potential conflicts, which could shake things up in the world of government procurement. Read more

ICYMI:

• VA promises no more delays on Digital GI Bill project.

• NASA republished the Janus RFI document without the technical details.

• Cyber risk assessment tool for financial institutions set for retirement.

• [Podcast] The CBP’s technology and AI adoption: Learn more about the agency’s AI portfolio and what FY25 has in store from the CTO.

• The Bureau of Fiscal Service is leveraging intelligent automation to change federal workflows.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Deloitte won a $339M NITAAC Systems Integration and Hosting Administration Services contract.

• Tactis booked a $33M OLAO Support Services contract.

• AAC inked a $29M NLM OCCS IT Technical Support deal.

• B&M Consulting Group was awarded a $25M HACS Operations and Assessment Support Services deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• Reli has a new CIO.

• Dignari appointed a new Innovations VP.

Civilian Job Openings

• FAA wants a Program Manager.

• USDA is seeking a WRRC Center Director.

M&A CORNER

Mobix Labs to acquire EMCORE.

Mobix Labs just announced it’s acquiring EMCORE in an all-cash transaction, signaling a push to strengthen its portfolio in high-performance RF solutions. This deal could be a game-changer for Mobix Labs’ capabilities, especially in government contracting circles. Read more

Gogo buys Satcom Direct with the hope of nabbing DOD work.

Business aviation broadband connectivity provider Gogo has signed a definitive agreement to acquire in-flight connectivity company Satcom Direct for $375 million in cash. The transaction, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2024, will expand its footprint in the business aviation market and provide an entry into the fast-growing military and government mobility sector. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Evidence of “Negative Time” has popped out. Researchers said photons can exit a material without entering it. Is it science or sorcery? SOURCE↗︎ 

2. NASA “holoported” an astronaut. Does this “holoportation” technology function like the holoprojector in Star Wars? SOURCE↗︎

3. The Space Force’s first guardian has been blasted to the ISS. He will do experiments and save two astronauts in space. SOURCE↗︎

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 7,100 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