QUICK HITS
Small business funding: grants and programs to fuel growth.
Department of Defense: shutdown guidance issued amid budget standoff.
Insider threat reform: modernizing security requirements for trusted access.
Space contracting: adapting to a shifting acquisition landscape.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Department of Defense: class deviation issued for FY26 contracts.
The Department of Defense has released a class deviation permitting contracting officers to obligate funds for FY26 requirements in advance of appropriations. The guidance applies to services and supplies supporting excepted activities and requires bilateral agreements and senior-level authorization.
Missile Defense Agency: Golden Dome proposal deadline extended.
The Missile Defense Agency has extended the submission deadline for Golden Dome proposals to October 16, following significant industry engagement and over 1,500 questions. The SHIELD program may award up to $151 billion over a decade to advance homeland missile defense technologies.
Next-gen tankers: KC-46 gains momentum through strategic prioritization
The Air Force’s push for next-gen aerial refueling helped clear the runway for more KC-46s—despite past hiccups. By prioritizing future capabilities, the service made a compelling case for Boeing’s tanker, securing $2.3B for 15 new aircraft and nudging the program toward long-term relevance.
ICYMI:
DN Sources Sought: NEXCOM A-E Services.
Space Force integrates AI and autonomy to boost edge operations
$151B SHIELD contract deadline extended by MDA.
DARPA insights: addressing critical gaps in AI security.
Defense Contract Awards
Follow the Defense Leaders
HII welcomed a new NNS Contracts and Pricing VP.
LMI will have a new CEO and Board Chairman.
Defense Job Openings
ANGU needs a Force Support Director.
DN wants a Manpower and Personnel Director.
INTEL COMMUNITY
NGA repurposes unused PCs to support AI and cybersecurity.
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is converting idle desktop computers into a distributed computing network to support artificial intelligence training and cybersecurity operations. The initiative offers a cost-effective model that could be replicated across the intelligence community to enhance mission capabilities.
ICYMI:
GD booked a $1.25B Army IT contract.
Patrius JV booked an IC customer IT Systems Modernization deal.
The USSOCOM head has retired.
NORTHCOM needs a Joint Training and Exercise Director.
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You're Invited: Com-In-Con 2025 - the must-attend Compliance In Contracting event. Deep dive into The FAR Overhaul, audit readiness, AI in proposal writing, CMMC regulations & more. Come early (12pm-1pm for COMPLIMENTARY food, drink, and networking) and stay late (5pm-6pm) for COMPLIMENTARY food, cocktails, and networking. A content-packed agenda runs from 1pm-5pm. Free parking. Find us at Carahsoft, 2nd Floor, on Wednesday, October 08.
CIVILIAN
Energy Department supports legislation to evaluate AI system risks.
The Department of Energy has endorsed a bipartisan bill requiring federal agencies to assess the risks of artificial intelligence systems prior to deployment. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen oversight and ensure responsible use of AI technologies across government operations.
USDA agencies reduce services during government shutdown.
The government shutdown has significantly impacted USDA agencies, resulting in widespread furloughs and suspension of key services. Programs related to food safety, rural development, and forest management are among those affected.
NASA reduces operations.
Due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, NASA has limited its activities to essential functions, including astronaut safety and planetary defense. Most civilian personnel have been furloughed, and non-critical programs are paused until funding is restored.
ICYMI:
DOJ RFI: Executive, Administrative and Professional Support Services.
OPM RFI: Federal HRIT Modernization.
Commerce Department: public input sought on robotics import risks.
Carahsoft will bring “Axiad Conductor” to the public sector.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
Civilian Job Openings
DOE is seeking a Cyber Intelligence Deputy Director.
SEC is hiring a Contracts General Attorney.
M&A CORNER
Founder shares M&A insights from defense tech company sale.
Mike Frantzen offers a candid account of selling his defense tech firm, outlining key lessons in deal preparation, stakeholder management, and post-acquisition integration. From navigating leaks to evaluating buyer credibility, his guide provides practical insights for founders pursuing M&A in the national security space.
Maxar rebrands as Vantor and Lanteris following corporate split.
Maxar Technologies has officially rebranded following its division into two entities: Vantor, focused on satellite manufacturing, and Lanteris, dedicated to space-based intelligence. The restructuring aims to streamline operations and sharpen strategic focus across distinct mission areas.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
PQXDH: Signal has introduced a new cryptographic defense. Will its protection be enough against future threats? SOURCE↗︎
Obesity: Can it cause Alzheimer’s? Extracellular vesicles released by fat tissues may directly contribute to this disease. SOURCE↗︎
Apple has removed the ICEblock app from its App Store. The app’s creators argue it supported community safety, while critics raised concerns about its potential to obstruct law enforcement operations. SOURCE↗︎
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