October 23, 2024

QUICK HITS

• NASA’s deep space mission recycling challenge: With $3M in prizes.

• Federal progress on Zero Trust: Here’s how outsiders track it.

• OTA vs. FAR-based contracts: What’s the difference, and what’s best for you?

• Fair and reasonable pricing: How do you prove in your proposal that your price is “fair and reasonable?” Don’t make it hard for your customers to guess.

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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE

DOD and SBA’s critical technologies funding has been approved.

The DOD and SBA have launched their first authorized funds for the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technologies Initiative. This initiative supports investments in early-stage companies, especially in critical tech areas such as defense, AI, and cybersecurity. It's designed to accelerate innovation by offering more flexible financing options to small businesses. Read more

AI-powered GigEagle matches defense talent to temp roles.

The DIU has scaled its AI-powered application, GigEagle, to connect military personnel to temporary job opportunities across the DOD. GigEagle aims to address workforce gaps by using AI to match available talent with defense-related, short-term work, enhancing flexibility and speed in addressing mission-critical needs. Read more

Pentagon defines AI's role in shaping future warfare strategy.

The Pentagon is exploring how AI will shape the future of warfare, with discussions focused on operational, ethical, and strategic aspects. The DOD is working to integrate AI technologies across military functions while balancing its use with international security concerns and rules of engagement. Read more

ICYMI:

• RFI: USMC wants information on MARA Cryptographic Card.

• Lockheed faces financial strain due to F-35 upgrade contract delays.

• USSF makes a better commercial backup strategy for military satellites.

• Univeristy teams match AI to “blisk” in DARPA-funded collaboration.

Defense Contract Awards

• CACI won an $805M NavalX Engineering Support, Technology contract.

• Leidos booked a $331M Army Global Unified Network Modernization deal.

• Teledyne FLIR Defense inked a $91M U.S. Army Drone deal.

• Envisioneering won an $85M USN SEWE and Technical Services R&D Support contract.

Follow the Defense Leaders

• Xcelerate appointed a new COO.

• Lawelawe has chosen a new CEO.

Defense Job Openings

• Fleet Forces Command is hiring a Deputy Commander.

• USAF is seeking a Deputy Director.

CHART

Largest aircraft makers in 2024. (Source: VisualCapitalist)

INTEL COMMUNITY

NCSC Expands Counterintelligence Outreach to Tackle Emerging Threats.

The National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) is ramping up efforts to broaden its outreach, aiming to strengthen public and private sector partnerships. With a focus on emerging threats like cyber espionage and supply chain vulnerabilities, NCSC seeks to enhance collaboration across industries. Read more

ICYMI:

• Umbra won a $2M SDA Satellite Integration Study contract.

• DoD's Bitcoin book review sheds light on cryptocurrency and national security.

• Northrop demonstrates sensor for space-based intelligence data collection.

• SMX booked a $3.2B SOCPAC task order called “LEIA” on AAS ASTRO contract.

• ODNI is looking for a Deputy Director.

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CIVILIAN

Government intensifies monitoring of contractor compliance and performance.

Contractors are facing increased government oversight, driven by enhanced regulations and compliance requirements. Federal agencies are monitoring performance, cybersecurity practices, and ethical standards closely, putting pressure on contractors to adhere to strict guidelines in areas such as data security and supply chain transparency. Read more

NRC has eliminated all legacy systems.

The NRC does not use any legacy IT, having either decommissioned or modernized all of its systems, says NRC’s CIO Scott Flanders. That being said, he added that there is still work to be done for modernization and evaluation of the agency’s technology stack. The NRC is approaching those efforts in the most cost-effective way. Read more

Chevron's legal ruling: Confusion reigns in Congress and agencies.

Chevron's recent legal ruling is shaking things up. Now, courts will only defer to agencies when laws clearly state they can interpret them. This raises questions about future regulations, especially for AI, where the ruling may lead to multiple interpretations on how to regulate the technology. Read more

ICYMI:

• [LISTEN] NASA: Transforming missions through innovative digital services.

• USDOT announced $4.2 billion for 44 specific infrastructure projects.

• Agencies prep for the next phase of “zero trust” cyber upgrades.

• Nuclear rocket trip to Mars by 2027? NASA and DARPA are developing NTP technology to make it happen.

Civilian Contracts Awards

• Hemlock Semiconductor was awarded a $325M DOC CHIPS contract.

• Maximus won an IRS Taxpayer Services BPA.

• Quadient inked a $1M Mail Modernization Project deal.

Follow Civilian Leaders

• CGI welcomed a new SVP, Business Unit Leader.

• Technatomy has a new Application Modernization SVP.

Civilian Job Openings

• USDA needs an Assistant Deputy Administrator.

• DOI wants a Deputy Realty Officer.

M&A CORNER

Thales to acquire Boeing's Digital Receiver Technology Division.

Thales has agreed to purchase Boeing’s Digital Receiver Technology (DRT) business to enhance Thales' defense and surveillance capabilities. The acquisition of this specialized division, which focuses on advanced signal collection and processing technology, will significantly strengthen Thales’ portfolio in the defense and intelligence sectors. Read more

SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿

1. Pentagon-operated personas—coming soon to your social media? DOD is interested in creating fake netizens using AI. SOURCE↗︎ 

2. Researchers engineered trees to replace biofuels. Scientists are using lignin found in trees to replace industrial chemicals. SOURCE↗︎

3. Can facial recognition technology help combat scams? Meta is testing out new tools for cracking down on fraud. SOURCE↗︎

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