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SBA launches MARC loan program: $5M boost for small manufacturers.
Interagency contracting: Navigating procurement shifts in today’s market.
AI at war: Why trusted autonomy and transparency are mission-critical.
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DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Pentagon finalizes CMMC rule for defense contractors.
Pentagon has issued its final DFARS rule, making Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0 a requirement for all defense contracts beginning November 8. Contractors must meet one of three security levels based on the sensitivity of data handled, with conditional certifications permitted under specific circumstances.
Cyber director outlines unified strategy.
National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross has called for a coordinated, whole-of-nation approach to cybersecurity, identifying China as the foremost threat. His agenda includes reauthorizing CISA 2015, modernizing federal systems, and harmonizing cyber regulations to enable the private sector to focus on operational resilience over administrative burden.
SDA readies for prime time with first operational satellite launch.
The SDA will launch 21 data transport satellites today aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, kicking off Tranche 1 of its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. This marks the start of monthly launches to build a constellation supporting beyond-line-of-sight communications and future missile-tracking capabilities.
ICYMI:
USN RFI: Machine Learning Combat Assistants on Submarines.
Army RFI: SKL New General Engineering.
Everfox has announced a strategic collaboration with Anduril.
HII unveils Romulus unmanned surface vehicle.
SpaceX’s $17B EchoStar deal won’t work without its mega-rocket Starship.
Defense Contract Awards
Oceus Networks booked an $88M PCEO WHS Platform contract.
Army chose Lockheed Martin to develop next-gen command tech.
WWT inked a $14M DISA OTA Prototype contract.
Integration Innovation won a $7.7M USN Techniques and Technologies deal.
Follow the Defense Leaders
SDA has a new Acting Director.
SAIC promotes an existing SVP as its CGO.
Defense Job Openings
CHART
GAO, National Nuclear Security Administration: Additional Steps Needed to Improve Estimates for Fixed Price Subcontracts. GAO-25-107258. September 9, 2025.
INTEL COMMUNITY
Strategic Command overview: Nuclear deterrence and leadership transition.
The Congressional Research Service has released a comprehensive primer on U.S. Strategic Command, detailing its role in deterring strategic attacks and managing the nuclear triad. The report also notes the nomination of Vice Adm. Richard Correll to lead STRATCOM, pending Senate confirmation, marking a key leadership transition.
ICYMI:
NATO RFI: Cumulonimbus Clouds (CB) Global Application.
The AFMEDCOM commander has stepped down.
DHS Chief Enterprise Architect & AI Engineer exits and joins Peraton.
OSD is looking for a Space and Intelligence Division Director.
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CIVILIAN
GSA establishes centralized office to streamline federal acquisitions.
The GSA has launched the Office of Centralized Acquisition Services to enhance efficiency across federal procurement operations. Tasked with overseeing nearly $500 billion in annual acquisitions, the new office aims to reduce duplication, improve coordination, and strengthen strategic sourcing across government.
House advances FY26 spending bill: Cybersecurity gains, IT funding cut.
The House Appropriations Committee has approved the FY26 spending bill, prioritizing cybersecurity investments while significantly reducing IT modernization funding. TREAS’ cyber budget increases to $99 million, but the TMF receives no allocation for the third consecutive year—signaling a shift in federal tech priorities.
DHS HRIT modernization still stalled after $262M and 20 years.
After two decades and $262 million, DHS’s HR IT modernization effort remains stuck in neutral. GAO found over 80 fragmented systems still in use, no finalized goals, and missing cost data for more than half of the projects. GAO recommends basic project management to move things along.
ICYMI:
HHS deploys ChatGPT departmentwide to support AI-driven operations.
NASA’s Dragonfly mission: Rotorcraft passes major tests.
Global R&D group joins Starfire Energy project.
Court halts IRS-ICE data sharing pact. Privacy concerns take center stage.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
Civilian Job Openings
DHS is seeking an Office of Budget Director.
DOJ is hiring an Office Manager.
M&A CORNER
AMERICAN SYSTEMS acquires epsilon to expand cyber, IT reach.
American Systems just made its biggest move in 50 years, acquiring Epsilon Inc. and its 400+ employees to boost managed IT and cybersecurity capabilities. The deal adds geographic reach, federal and commercial expertise, and a culture match that execs say will make integration smoother than your average merger.
Summit 7 acquires GRC Academy to enhance CMMC education.
Summit 7 has acquired GRC Academy to strengthen its cybersecurity training offerings for the Defense Industrial Base. The acquisition expands access to CMMC and NIST 800-171 education, with a focus on practical instruction tailored to small and mid-sized contractors navigating federal compliance requirements.
Accenture acquires IAMConcepts.
Accenture has acquired IAMConcepts, a Canadian company specializing in identity and access management (IAM) services. The acquisition will bolster Accenture’s ability to deliver advanced IAM solutions across key critical infrastructure industries such as financial services, power utilities, mining, and transportation.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Fake job postings and websites? A suspected Chinese operation is using them to target former U.S. federal employees and policy experts. SOURCE↗︎
An FTC database now includes roughly 200 consumer complaints against major AI companies. Issues range from deceptive marketing and poor customer service to disturbing and inappropriate outputs. SOURCE↗︎
Enteromix: Russia’s cancer vaccine: It’s said to have shown 100% efficacy and safety in clinical trials, marking a major breakthrough in oncology. SOURCE↗︎
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