Byron Bright

Yoooo....This is a lot for something that is less than 20lbs. Who is stepping up to the plate? Some key attributes they are looking for: MGTOW (with payload): < 20 lbs. Total Payload Capacity: > 3.75 lbs. Payload Operation: Ability to support simultaneous operation of multi-INT payloads. Airspeed: > 25 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). Endurance (takeoff to landing): ≥ 2.5 hours. Line-of-Sight (LOS) Range: ≥ 40 kilometers. Air Vehicle Guidance: Capable of operation within Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) denied environments, utilizing M-Code GPS, inertial navigation units (INU), computer vision, and/or visual-inertial odometry (VIO). Wind Limits: Operation in winds up to 25 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS). Rain Limits: Operation in rainfall up to 0.75 inches per hour. Launch and Recovery: Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL). Technology Readiness Level: TRL 8 or higher - Adequate maturity for immediate production, delivery, fielding and deployment.

29

8 Comments

I was asked here to describe the strategy of Ajax Defense. Ajax invests in industrial companies for the long term—helping them grow into stronger organizations that form the backbone of America’s defense and aerospace supply chains.

39

2 Comments

Great summary by Maj Gen Stephen Purdy of the speed advantages of using the SSC Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) OTA and the benefits it provides to United States Space Force mission needs.

19

Securing our GSA Schedule is a strategic win for IDS, giving us a path to put our team on contract and satisfy both immediate and future customer demand at speed, thanks to GSA’s streamlined acquisition and partnership.

15

Strong progress on U.S.–ROK naval shipbuilding cooperation! https://lnkd.in/dfQuE_TA HD Hyundai and Huntington Ingalls’ new agreement to jointly explore U.S. Navy auxiliary ship construction is the kind of industrial collaboration that can help restore U.S. shipbuilding capacity and deepen allied maritime integration. I discuss the need for this type of collaboration—as well as potential additional steps here: https://lnkd.in/deVihzWa

11

SAIC CEO Toni Townes-Whitley discusses the role of mission integrators in today’s defense industrial base and the future of the US defense ecosystem.

3

Sources Sought - Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the United States Army The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Aviation, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office released a Sources Sought Notification on SAM.gov to identify commercially available low-cost Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS). The Army is looking to field thousands of low-cost UAS immediately. https://lnkd.in/eJScecgJ

15

ICYMI, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions continues to grow their direct and adjacent Golden Dome portfolio with a major OTA win supporting early warning systems. #GoldenDome #GD4A #govcon #USSF #OTA #SSC

3

🇺🇸✈️💨 The United States Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center launched a new acquisition pathway called “Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Commercial Solutions Opening” or SPEED CSO. Details: 👉 Creates a competitive process to buy innovative products, technologies, and services that has potential to “fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements” 👉 Cuts timelines and gives teams more control in shaping solutions tied to the organization’s core responsibilities, including force protection, civil engineering, as well as warfighter and family assistance 👉 Allows authorized individuals to define specific problems while promoting refinement through direct engagement with industry, unlike conventional acquisition methods 👉 Can move concepts to contracts in as little as 10 days

3

The Booth Is Not the Strategy: Rethinking Defense Industry Shows Every year, defense companies pour significant resources into trade shows—bigger booths, better placement, more visibility—assuming that presence drives outcomes. It doesn’t. Trade shows like Quad A and AUSA have value, but they are consistently misunderstood. They are information venues, not decision venues. The people who matter—the ones shaping requirements and funding—aren’t wandering the exhibit hall. They’re operating on pre-set schedules, in meetings you’re either already in�� or you’re not. Visibility doesn’t get you access. Alignment does. The companies that win aren’t the most visible—they’re the most prepared. They show up with pre-coordinated meetings, a clear understanding of Army requirements, and a strategy tied to how programs are actually resourced through Congress. Meanwhile, many firms—especially small and mid-sized—are overinvesting in presence while underinvesting in positioning. That’s the gap. Trade shows should support your strategy—not be your strategy. Because in this space, success isn’t driven by who sees you in the exhibit hall. It’s driven by whether you’re aligned to validated requirements and connected to a real funding path. The defense industry doesn’t need more presence—it needs better positioning: Read more here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eks4AQ-k Heritage is listed for identification purposes only. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect any institutional position for Heritage or its Board of Trustees.

14

1 Comment

Workforce Development is a critical component in building the Navy's industrial base; this discussion shares insights on how to make this happen.

11

RFI-Competency Modeling for Mission Critical Occupations The purpose of the attached DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW) is to procure the services of entities who can assist in recruiting personnel to fill Mission Critical Occupations (MCOs) and other DOT positions involved in overseeing the safety of automated technologies and ensure that they have the competencies required to support the DOT mission. Although the DOT has competency models for many of its MCOs, the models were created nearly 10 years ago. The DOT is seeking to update existing competency models and build new ones that can be used by DOT for gap assessment and personnel selection. The DOT is seeking to create a comprehensive competency library that will enable the Department to assess its workforce and identify competency gaps and subsequently close the competency gaps. https://lnkd.in/eEXAVPqV

1

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗜 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 — a shift that captures the federal government’s accelerating push for speed, efficiency, and automation. DOE’s inventory shows the agency is using Dataminr’s NLP tools to surface incident information around NNSA and other sites, replacing work that previously required a sizable human team. But experts are urging caution: emergency response is high-stakes, and 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿-𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗮𝘀, 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀. The concern is about the absence of transparency around 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀-𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 before being trusted with mission-critical workflows. As agencies scale AI adoption, the balance becomes clear: efficiency gains matter, but 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲. #AIinGovernment #EmergencyManagement #AIGovernance #PublicSectorAI #ResponsibleAI #DOE #CriticalInfrastructure #AIAutomation https://vist.ly/4rfvx

1

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson AFB is forecasting a $17.3 million multi-year IDIQ for Information Technology Services Support (ITSS). This effort will provide comprehensive IT, cybersecurity, and platform integration services across AFRL HQ’s research and operational missions. With a deep scope that spans everything from help desk support to advanced data analytics and DevSecOps, this is a prime opportunity for small and mid-sized businesses with defense IT experience. #airforce #businessdevelopment #coaching #contractproposal #dod #govcon #ostglobal #ostglobalsoutions #procurement #proposals #sba #sbir #sttr #usairforce #webinar #webinars #winmorebd

10

Fort Worth Defense Firms Secure Over $1 Billion in New Military Contracts Introduction Defense contractors based in Fort Worth, Texas have secured more than $1 billion in new U.S. military contracts in early March, reflecting continued demand for advanced aerospace systems and battlefield technologies. The largest share of these awards supports production and testing for the F-35 Lightning II fighter program. Key Developments Major contract for F-35 production Lockheed Martin Aeronautics received a $700 million contract modification tied to Denmark’s purchase of F-35 fighter jets. Nearly 60 percent of the manufacturing work will occur at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth. The contract covers components and materials for aircraft in Lots 20 and 21 of the Joint Strike Fighter program. Additional F-35 program contracts Lockheed Martin was also awarded a $132 million modification to support flight testing of new F-35 capabilities. The work will benefit the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and partner nations. Most of the testing work will occur in Fort Worth with additional activity in California and Maryland. Specialized tooling and manufacturing support A separate $83.6 million contract modification funds special tooling and testing equipment for F-35 canopy production. This effort supports the Joint Strike Fighter program and is scheduled to continue through early 2027. Advanced soldier systems contract Elbit America secured a $120.5 million contract from the U.S. Army for the Soldier Borne Mission Command system. The technology integrates see-through displays, night-vision capabilities, and battlefield data systems. The system is designed to accelerate decision-making and improve situational awareness for frontline soldiers. Growing defense technology ecosystem Elbit America previously received a $49.9 million contract for advanced head-up display systems used in military aircraft. The company has deployed more than 5,000 display systems across multiple aircraft platforms. Conclusion: Why This Matters The new contracts highlight Fort Worth’s role as one of the United States’ key defense manufacturing hubs. With rising global tensions and expanding international defense partnerships, programs like the F-35 and advanced battlefield systems continue to drive large investments in aerospace technology and military modernization.

8

Congress just rewrote defense procurement. The FY 2026 NDAA's SPEED Act kills decades of acquisition orthodoxy. $900.6B says the Pentagon's buying spree gets a complete overhaul. The procurement revolution crystallizes around three shifts. 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆. Innovative solutions get expedited pathways through Sections 1801-1807. COTS products prioritized over custom builds. Small businesses shed regulatory burdens. Subscription services finally allowed. Portfolio acquisition executives replace program silos under Section 1802. When China fields systems while we debate requirements, speed becomes survival. 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀. UH-60 Blackhawks, munitions, and shipyard barges get long-term commitments. Ford-class carriers and Columbia-class submarines unlock incremental funding. DDG-1000 destroyer maintenance gets stability. Production lines hum. Unit costs drop. Industry invests when contracts guarantee volume. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. China, Russia, Iran, North Korea banned from critical supply chains. Advanced batteries, rare earths, photovoltaics, and biotech all require domestic sourcing. BIOSECURE provisions exclude companies with Chinese military ties. Berry Amendment extends to seafood, killing small purchase exceptions. When adversaries control your inputs, sovereignty becomes fiction. The compliance burden hits immediately. Section 875 introduces payment withholdings for frivolous bid protests. Incumbents risk 5% cash flow disruption during GAO reviews. Weak challenges become expensive. BIOSECURE demands supply chain audits. OMB manages lists of companies of concern. DoD's 1260H list leveraged for biotech exclusions. Contractors with Chinese nexus face elimination. Diversification becomes mandatory. Technical data reforms multiply. Digital tracking through data-as-a-service models. AI integration across logistics and modular systems. DoD assessments of data rights gaps under Section 1833. Enhanced reporting requirements everywhere. But opportunities emerge for the agile. Streamlined processes accelerate awards. COTS priorities benefit commercial providers. Small businesses gain from Section 1841 modifications. Multiyear contracts provide stability. BOOST Program connects DIU prototypes to production. Defense Industrial Base Fund opens new markets. Reality check for contractors. Old model: Cost-plus cushions, decade-long development, sole-source comfort. New model: Fixed-price pressure, iterative development, commercial competition. Procurement velocity determines victory. Congress just handed speed to those ready to move. Legacy contractors married to traditional acquisition face disruption. Is your pipeline aligned with COTS-first mandates or chasing custom contracts? ---------- Like this content? Join our newsletter. Link located below my name 👆

158

8 Comments

SOFGSD Draft RFP Released: Is This the Right Vehicle for You? USSOCOM’s SOF Global Services Delivery (SOFGSD) draft RFP is now on the street, and it’s signaling a very specific profile of bidder the government intends to reward. SOFGSD scope spans nine key capability areas, including: • Program & Project Management Support • Intelligence & Intelligence-Related Services • Training, Education, and Exercise Support • Logistics & Supply Chain Support • Engineering & Technical Services • Information Technology & Cyber Support • Knowledge Management & Administrative Services • Operational Planning & Analysis • Business & Professional Services supporting SOF missions This vehicle is well-suited for companies that: • Can credibly align to one or more of these capability areas with recent, relevant performance • Are prepared to compete under a self-scoring, qualification-driven model • Have audit-ready systems, controls, and delivery maturity • Understand SOF mission environments and can scale responsibly Teams that should think carefully before bidding: • Firms relying on future teaming to close foundational gaps • Companies with thin or loosely related past performance • Organizations unprepared for rigorous qualification and ongoing scrutiny The bottom line: SOFGSD is not about persuasive writing, it’s about provable readiness and sustained performance. At Strategic Growth Partners, we help companies assess fit, map performance to evaluation reality, and make confident bid/no-bid decisions early, before the final RFP locks requirements in place. If SOFGSD is on your radar, now is the time for an honest readiness check. Message me for details.

122

5 Comments

GlobalFoundries is expanding upon this foundation to implement technology features such as rad hard by process (in addition to rad hard by design)

5