QUICK HITS
Golden Dome explained: Debunking myths around missile defense plans.
SBIR and STTR programs: Will there be another year of funding?
Navy CTO sets priorities: Faster tech acquisitions, smarter investments.
[Watch] Space racing: Congress & NASA must prevent China’s ambitions.
UPCOMING WEBINAR
🚀 GovBrew Launches Agency Connect Webinar Series
GovBrew is excited to launch Agency Connect, a new webinar series bringing government contractors face-to-face with the agencies shaping today’s federal landscape. Each session features government leaders sharing mission priorities, upcoming opportunities, and strategies for industry alignment.
Our first webinar spotlights the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC), which manages multi-billion-dollar programs that sustain and modernize the U.S. nuclear deterrent. From ICBM modernization to NC3 systems, small and mid-sized contractors play a vital role.
Join Rob Acosta (Director of Small Business Programs, AFNWC) and Oliver Taylor (COO, Govly) as they discuss:
The AFNWC mission and opportunities
Ways to posture your company for success
📅 September 24, 2025 | ⏰ 2:00 PM EST
DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
GAO flags DOD’s OTA prototype-to-production gaps.
The GAO is raising eyebrows over how the DOD transitions prototype projects to production under Other Transaction Authority (OTA). Oversight is thin, documentation is spotty, and some awards skipped competitive procedures. Congress may want receipts—and maybe a better playbook for future transitions.
SECNAV orders restructure: Robotic systems contracting on hold.
SECNAV Phelan is hitting pause on all robotic and autonomous systems contracting while the Navy reorganizes its unmanned portfolio. A new deputy assistant secretary, program executive office, and acquisition sprint are in motion.
F-35 modernization still off target.
The F-35 program’s Block 4 upgrade is $6B over budget and five years behind schedule, with aircraft deliveries averaging 238 days late in 2024. GAO says it’s time to rethink incentive fees and embrace digital design tools. The Pentagon’s most expensive jet might need a tune-up—and a new calendar.
ICYMI:
Army RFI: Software Defined Network (SDN) Enabled Transport Diversity.
NDAA negotiations face tight deadline; CR is likely to be needed.
Replicator moves forward: DOD drone deliveries raise new questions.
New strategy outlines Air Force’s future network plans.
Defense Contract Awards
59 companies awarded spots on WEXMAC, TITUS IDIQ worth $10B.
BryceTech secures $70M: Boosting CBRN defense for DOD.
USF booked an $85M Army Research contract.
Obsidian Solutions Group inked a deal to revolutionize Multi-Threat Detection.
Follow the Defense Leaders
Defense Job Openings
ANGU needs a Director of Staff.
NAVSEA wants a Manager.
GOVBREW INSIDER
Check out this week’s 100+ opportunities from defense, civilian, and intel agencies.
Our team uncovered 50+ upcoming IT service opportunities at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in this week's recompete report.
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Stay up-to-date on upcoming events.
Keep track of the latest Agency Acquisition Forecasts.
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INTEL COMMUNITY
NSA, CISA lead global push: SBOM guidance released.
NSA, CISA, and cybersecurity agencies from 15 allied nations have released joint guidance promoting Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs). The push aims to improve supply chain transparency, accelerate vulnerability response, and reduce surprises in federal software environments.
ICYMI:
DOD DCDC RFI: Google Threat Intelligence. (Small Biz Set Aside)
Telesat offers blocks of satellite bandwith to DOD for Golden Dome.
Cable threats surge: U.S. urges Quad-Plus to step up.
Second Front Systems’ board has new members.
TRIVIA 🤔
Which Cold War-era defense contract led to the development of the first operational stealth aircraft, fundamentally changing U.S. military aviation strategy?
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.
CIVILIAN
AI challenge: agencies and industry step up.
The W.H. is rallying federal agencies and tech giants to build a stronger AI workforce and education pipeline. With pledges from Alphabet, IBM, and others, the initiative includes toolkits, apprenticeships, and classroom guides.
HHS streamlines IT rules: clarity over complexity.
HHS is reviewing more than 40 outdated IT policies to improve transparency and reduce confusion for staff and contractors. The overhaul will eliminate conflicting guidance, streamline oversight, and make public-facing documents easier to navigate.
NSF launches center: expanding access to AI research tools.
The NSF is funding a new operations center to scale the National AI Research Resource. Backed by 14 federal agencies and 28 private partners, the initiative aims to give researchers nationwide access to computing, data, and models.
ICYMI:
FAA RFP: Brand New Air Traffic Control System.
NOAA RFI: Commercial Enterprise Operations and Ground System Service.
GSA partners with ServiceNow to advance federal AI capabilities.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
NASA has a new Associate Administrator.
GSA’s Deputy Administrator stepped down to become CEO of C3 AI.
Civilian Job Openings
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M&A CORNER
Safran DSI acquires Attollo to boost sensor tech.
Safran DSI has acquired Attollo Engineering, a firm known for compact infrared and laser sensing systems. The move expands Safran’s U.S. footprint in defense and aerospace imaging—think sharper sensors and a whole lot of SWIR and MWIR.
GovCIO acquires SoldierPoint: expands VA digital health reach.
GovCIO is deepening its footprint at the VA with the $2B acquisition of SoldierPoint Digital Health. The deal brings 300 new employees and control of the Connected Care Integrated Network, supporting telehealth for 4M+ veterans.
Cherokee Federal buys a majority stake in MSI.
Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in consulting firm Management Science and Innovation (MSI). The acquisition is the second investment made by Sovereign Capital, Cherokee Federal’s growth capital firm.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
NASA unfurls biggest satellite antenna in orbit. It will track shifts in glaciers, forests, and the Earth’s crust to support better disaster response. SOURCE↗︎
Google can keep its Chrome browser, but...it’s barred from exclusive deals and must share search data with competitors. SOURCE↗︎
Kim Jong Un’s daughter makes her first overseas appearance in Beijing. Is she going to be the North Korean leader’s successor? SOURCE↗︎
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TRIVIA ANSWER ⭐️
C) Lockheed Have Blue Contract — In the late 1970s, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded a secret contract to Lockheed’s Skunk Works division for Project Have Blue, the prototype that would evolve into the F-117 Nighthawk, the world’s first operational stealth aircraft.
