QUICK HITS
More flexibility, fewer clauses: The new FAR Part 13 that could flip non-commercial contracting.
Senate gridlock: Cybersecurity programs face shutdown risk.
Using AI to fix federal rules: How to fix regulations without breaking the law.
Inside Broadcom’s brain: New ML tool could keep federal networks safe.
DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
DOD advances nuclear modernization initiatives.
The DOD is charging ahead with a full nuclear triad overhaul—rolling out the B-21 bomber, Columbia-class subs, and Sentinel ICBMs—while keeping decades-old systems like the Minuteman III and B-52s on life support. At the same time, it’s wiring nuclear command and control with AI, cybersecurity, and next-gen tech to keep deterrence credible in an era of digital threats.
NUWC releases strategic vision through 2035.
NUWC Division Newport has published its 2035 strategic vision, emphasizing digital modernization, workforce development, and mission readiness. The technical director outlines a long-term roadmap to strengthen undersea capabilities and align with evolving national security priorities.
Space Force chief: Prioritize speed in weapons acquisition.
General Saltzman says the USSF can’t afford to wait for perfect solutions in a rapidly evolving threat environment. He’s pushing for faster weapons buys, even if it means accepting “good enough” tech. In space, it seems, agility beats elegance—and bureaucracy may need a booster rocket.
ICYMI:
USSF strategy: New requirements aim for 2040 readiness.
Pentagon tightens cybersecurity rules after Microsoft oversight.
Pratt & Whitney unveils scalable engine family for munitions and CCA.
Anduril to test collaborative combat aircraft: Semi-autonomous flight ahead.
Defense Contract Awards
13 companies were awarded spots on $15B USAF construction IDIQ.
KBR inked a $58M USSF Space Situational Awareness deal.
Interactive Process Technology booked a $10M Cybersecurity Labor deal.
AeroVironment won a USSF Antenna contract.
Follow the Defense Leaders
ASRC Federal has a new Defense & Intel Business Devt. VP.
Hanwha selected a GCSO.
Defense Job Openings
OSD needs a Deputy General Counsel (Acquisition & Logistics).
DCA is looking for an Executive Director of IT.
COMPLIANCE CORNER
CMMC 2.0 Final Rule Lands
The Department of Defense has officially released the long-awaited final rule implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program into the DFARS. This marks the beginning of mandatory cyber compliance for defense contractors, setting clear expectations for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) across the supply chain.
For government contractors, this isn’t just another acronym; it represents a shift in how eligibility, competitiveness, and contract execution will be evaluated moving forward. Whether you’re a prime or a small business in the defense industrial base, now is the time to assess your compliance posture and understand how CMMC will affect your current and future contracts.
INTEL COMMUNITY
NRO advances ISR and SATCOM innovation.
The NRO is aggressively expanding its satellite constellation (over 200 new satellites in the last 30 months) to compress revisit times and deliver intelligence “at the speed of need.” Meanwhile, cybersecurity is being elevated as a top priority—because low-cost cyberattacks now pose outsized risks to space and ISR systems.
ICYMI:
NRO launched NROL 48.
ITC Federal named its FBI Client Relations VP.
Amentum’s Intelligence and Cyber Portfolio has a new Senior VP of Growth.
ATF is seeking a Supervisory Intelligence Research Specialist.
CHART
GAO Small Business Research Programs: Clearer Guidance Could Improve Award Data to More Effectively Measure Outcomes. GAO-25-107942. September 23, 2025.
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CIVILIAN
White House sets R&D priorities: AI, quantum, and security.
OSTP’s latest memo outlines the previous administration’s top research priorities for FY26, with AI, quantum tech, and cybersecurity leading the pack. Agencies are urged to align funding and proposals accordingly—because in this race, falling behind isn’t just inefficient, it’s a national risk.
Agencies remain silent as shutdown deadline approaches.
With a potential government shutdown days away, federal agencies have yet to release updated contingency plans, despite longstanding OMB guidance. The lack of public communication leaves over 700,000 employees uncertain about furloughs, operations, and continuity measures.
Emerging tech, energy, space among WH’s R&D priorities.
The WH’s FY27 R&D priorities, outlined in a joint memo from OMB and OSTP, double down on “emerging tech,” energy dominance (including fusion, advanced nuclear, geo/hydro power), and ambitious space goals like human missions to the Moon and Mars. It also places strong emphasis on bolstering national security capabilities, workforce development, and stripping away “unfocused” spending tied to DEI.
ICYMI:
DOS RFI: Multi-mission Aviation Support Services.
DOI RFI: BEA Statistical Modernization Support.
DOE launches ‘Speed to Power’ to accelerate energy innovation.
GSA inks deal with Meta: Llama AI cleared for federal use.
Civilian Contracts Awards
USCG secured a $700M Tech Lifecycle Pact contract.
New BPAs support Treasury’s push for IT transformation.
Ekin Solutions inked a $4M OIG IT and Cybersecurity Support Services deal.
VMSI booked a VA Acquisition and Program Manager Support Services deal.
Follow Civilian Leaders
Civilian Job Openings
USPS needs a Trial Attorney.
DOL needs a Chief, Division of Enforcement.
M&A CORNER
V2X acquires QinetiQ US intel unit to expand capabilities.
V2X has closed its $24M acquisition of QinetiQ’s U.S. intelligence business, absorbing 70 specialists in cyber and mission support. The move boosts V2X’s access to national security programs.
Voyager acquires BridgeComm to boost next-gen space comms.
Voyager Space has acquired BridgeComm Technologies to expand its optical communications capabilities for space and defense missions. The deal adds high-speed, secure data transfer to Voyager’s portfolio—because when it comes to orbital ops, bandwidth isn’t just nice to have, it’s mission-critical.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Ever wonder what $500B and a little AI ambition look like? Meet the five new Stargate data centers. SOURCE↗︎
Dehydration can fuel anxiety and health problems. Insufficient water intake can heighten physiological stress responses. SOURCE↗︎
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe breaks speed limits. 687,000 km/h and still not late for its date with the sun! SOURCE↗︎
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