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QUICK HITS
SBA report: Shutdown slowed small business lending.
Contracting through the long haul: Maximizing recovery during a protracted government shutdown.
GSA’s RFP advance notice: MAS Refresh 30 will incorporate FAR overhaul.
Federal contracting basics: Navigating FAR, SBA programs, and SAM.gov.
DEFENSE & AEROSPACE
Strengthening defense production ties with Middle East allies.
A new JINSA report urges the U.S. to treat Middle East partners as contributors to global defense production, not just end users. With growing demand for munitions and missile defense systems, the authors argue that regional industrial collaboration could strengthen supply chains and strategic readiness.
Lockheed is considering modifying existing missiles into lower-cost designs.
Lockheed Martin is exploring slimming down missiles like the JASSM and LRASM by removing costly components and adopting modular, cheaper designs. With the Pentagon aiming to double production to 2,200 units a year by FY30, the move responds to rising demand and potential supply‑chain bottlenecks.
Army wants drones that understand “commander’s intent.”
The Army wants drones that don’t just follow orders but actually grasp a commander’s intent — acting with a kind of tactical intuition on the battlefield. To get there, it’s creating a new career field that merges drone pilots and maintainers into a single role, training soldiers to command fleets of smart, semi-autonomous machines.
ICYMI:
Shield AI’s drone fighter can fly alone or as a wingman.
US-Australia agreements: $3B boost for critical minerals and defense.
Georgia Tech Research Corp. to pay $875K in DARPA cyber fraud settlement.
Army will use AI to streamline NCO promotion boards.
Defense Contract Awards
Follow the Defense Leaders
POTUS nominates a new replacement as vice chief of staff of the Army.
Agile Defense has a new Personnel Security VP.
Peraton named its Growth VP.
Leidos announced its Defense Systems SVP, General Counsel.
Defense Job Openings
USSF is hiring a Chief HQ Operations Administration & Resources leader.
DLA is seeking a SRM and Environmental Division Chief.
INTEL COMMUNITY
ICYMI:
Hundreds of US national security officials urge Congress to examine “weaponization” working group.
NGA taps Planet Labs for $13M AI Maritime Surveillance contract.
NORTHCOM needs an Manpower & Personnel Executive Director.
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CIVILIAN
CMS signals interest in Palantir for national provider directory.
The CMS is exploring a collaboration with Palantir to develop a national provider directory aimed at centralizing healthcare provider information. This initiative, part of CMS's broader effort to address fragmented healthcare data, involves a prototype phase with Palantir and other contractors.
House bill seeks to equip small businesses with AI.
The AI for Mainstreet Act mandates that the SBA assist small U.S. enterprises in adopting AI solutions through its Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). The bill aims to provide qualifying businesses with information, guidance, and training on leveraging AI for various operational improvements, including data protection, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
The record-breaking government shutdown.
The 2025 government shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history. The impasse has halted federal operations, delayed paychecks, and raised concerns across agencies and industry. Contractors are bracing for extended disruptions.
ICYMI:
DOE RFP: AI Data Centers at Oak Ridge.
CBP RFI: Maritime Patrol Aircraft Maintenance, Logistical & Engineering Services 2.0.
NASA reconsiders SpaceX’s role in moon mission.
Artemis 3 update: NASA to reopen lunar lander contract to competition.
GSA revises FAR to expand innovative contracting options.
Civilian Contracts Awards
Follow Civilian Leaders
GDMS selected a Space Systems VP.
FTI has chosen a former FBI Deputy Director as their new Deputy Director.
Civilian Job Openings
LOC wants a Program Section Head.
DOE is looking for an HRSV Director.
M&A CORNER
Anduril acquires AIRS to expand infrared sensing capabilities.
Anduril just scooped up American Infrared Solutions, adding high-performance cooled infrared cameras to its sensor lineup. The move boosts Anduril’s day/night detection game across air, sea, land, and space—and yes, they’ll now sell those cameras too.
SHOWER THOUGHTS 🚿
Commerce eyes patent profits. The agency signaled its intent in a recent funding notice and warned it may seize Harvard’s patents. SOURCE↗︎
Pentagon restricts direct communications with Congress. Officials must now obtain approval before communicating directly with Congress. SOURCE↗︎
Massive HEIST! How the thieves outsmarted Paris’ most iconic museum to steal France’s crown jewels in just seven minutes. SOURCE↗︎
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