QUICK HITS
CISA expired on Oct 1: Could leave U.S. cybersecurity blind amid threats.
Bid protests: Expect delays and uncertainty protesting during a shutdown.
Breakdown of the shutdown: Here’s how agency IT operations will play out.
[Watch] Data modernization: Beyond infrastructure to strategy and impact.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Pentagon launches $60M orbital platform to support future missions.
The DOD has announced a $60 million initiative to develop an orbital platform designed to function as a modular, space-based launch and recovery system. Intended to enhance operational flexibility, the concept aims to support future military missions and strengthen U.S. space capabilities.
U.S. seeks to align future space programs with FMS goals.
To enhance international collaboration, the U.S. is refining its space acquisition strategy to better support Foreign Military Sales (FMS) efforts. Officials aim to incorporate exportability from the outset, reduce classification barriers, and streamline requirements, positioning future programs for broader allied participation.
Air Force memo: SaaS procurement now centralized, subscription-based.
The USAF has issued updated guidance reclassifying software-as-a-service (SaaS) as a subscription rather than a license. The memo outlines new requirements for centralized acquisition, enhanced usage tracking, and mandatory CIO-level approval, with custom code explicitly prohibited.
ICYMI:
USSF RPP: Space Based Interceptors.
Army moves ahead with future Howitzer search, plans demos with TiC 2.0.
Space RCO will put radars on sats for threat detection.
Industry races to develop small engines for drones, CCAs.
Event: The Com-In-Con (Compliance In Federal Contracting) Conference, 2025. Compliance issues covering CMMC, AI, EOs, and more.
Defense Contract Awards
AeroVironment secured a $499M USAF Advanced Materials contract.
CACI inked a $212M Space Force Network Modernization contract.
Private Tech won a $50M USAF Network Ops deal.
The Pentagon CIO and National Spectrum Consortium awarded five contracts for large-scale spectrum-sharing demos by industry and academic teams.
Follow the Defense Leaders
Guidehouse added new partners to its Defense and Security segment.
HII has chosen a VP of Contracts & Pricing.
The Senate confirms the new Undersecretary of the Navy.
Defense Job Openings
USSF needs a Budget Director.
USAF wants a Maintenance Deputy Director.
TRIVIA 🤔
Before the modern budget process was established in the 1970s, lapses in appropriations didn’t trigger shutdowns. Which year marked the first official government shutdown under the new rules?
Just click the choice you think is right & the correct answer will be shown. Scroll down to the bottom of this email for more information about the correct answer.
INTEL COMMUNITY
Cyber law expiration prompts legal guidance for private sector.
With the lapse of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, legal counsel is advising companies on how to navigate liability risks and data-sharing protocols. The absence of statutory protections is prompting a reassessment of contractual safeguards and operational procedures.
ICYMI:
FBI RFI: User Activity Monitoring and Behavioral Analytics Solution.
Army expedites Black Widow drone manufacturing for close-range surveillance.
Anduril named is Counterintelligence Deputy Director.
DCSA is looking for a Regional Director.
CIVILIAN
NOAA prepares for contractor impacts amid funding uncertainty.
With appropriations still pending, NOAA is assessing potential effects on contractor support. While essential operations will continue, some contracts may face delays or adjustments. The agency is prioritizing continuity of mission-critical services during the funding lapse.
VA plans gradual AI rollout in federal EHR.
VA intends to restart its EHR deployment in 2026 with a “wave-based” rollout, while simultaneously using early AI pilots to guide which capabilities get baked into the system. Some of the AI functions under consideration include: real-time transcription and clinical note generation, recommending billing codes and evidence-based treatments, document summarization, AI copilots, and much more.
W.H. shuts down at least 15 oversight websites, says IGs “lied to the public.”
The White House, through the OMB, cut funding to the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), causing at least 15 government oversight websites to go dark—shuttering access to watchdog reports and whistleblower hotlines. The move is not related to the government shutdown.
Related: Hegseth, Vought actions heighten fears about continued IG independence.
ICYMI:
HHS RFI: Lead Development & Open-Source Intelligence/Social Media.
VA Sources Sought: Large Database NextGen Project.
AI accountability: Senate bill proposes path for harm lawsuits.
NSF unveils $12M Safe-OSE program to support eight projects.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
GDIT appointed new AI, Growth executives.
HHS has chosen a CTO.
Civilian Job Openings
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M&A CORNER
Parsons acquires Applied Sciences to enhance analytics portfolio.
Parsons has acquired Applied Sciences Consulting to strengthen its capabilities in geospatial analytics, environmental modeling, and AI-enabled decision support. The acquisition supports Parsons’ strategic growth across defense, intelligence, and infrastructure sectors.
Intuitive Machines closes its KinetX purchase.
Intuitive Machines has finalized its acquisition of aerospace company KinetX. Intuitive Machines said it will combine its data service platform with KinetX’s deep space navigation technology to deliver secure communications and precision navigation capabilities in support of customers’ lunar and interplanetary missions.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Live updates on government shutdown: Impasse expected to continue for minimum of three days. SOURCE↗︎
CISA is working to modernize emergency communications. The agency will integrate advanced data capabilities, including real-time analytics and improved interoperability across agencies. SOURCE↗︎
Instant Checkout via ChatGPT: It currently targets Etsy sellers, with plans to extend the functionality to Shopify merchants in subsequent phases. SOURCE↗︎
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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️
C. 1980 — On May 1, 1980, the U.S. government enforced its first-ever shutdown when the Carter Administration, citing a new interpretation of the Antideficiency Act, shuttered the Federal Trade Commission for one day—furloughing 1,600 workers and costing $700,000 (about $2.2 million today).
