Legislative proposal would eliminate contracting preferences for minority, women-owned businesses
The bill would codify and expand on Trump’s executive order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in federal contracting. A bill introduced in the House and Senate in late April would effectively wipe out many of the contracting preferences for minority and women owned businesses. The Ending Discrimination in Government Contracting Act was introduced by Sen. […]
The data accountability trap: Why federal AI success hinges on stewardship over software
Agencies won’t unlock AI’s potential until they treat their existing data as a strategic asset, not an administrative burden, writes Tyler Morris of Iron Mountain Government Solutions. The federal government race for artificial intelligence will not be won by those who move first, but by those who start from the right place. For agencies in 2026 […]
Astranis, Scout Space lay out next steps following capital rounds
Satellites and the technologies that help them safely maneuver in space feature in this summary of new venture capital activity. Astranis The communications satellite operator has collected $455 million in new capital to accelerate production of its spacecraft for commercial customers and pursue opportunities in the U.S. military market. Snowpoint Ventures and Franklin Templeton co-led a […]
Army’s NCODE pilot takes shape with eight-company cyber pool
The $49 million contract gives defense small businesses a secure, Pentagon-funded cloud environment to work on CMMC and other security requirements. A group of eight companies have won spots on a pilot program that the Army will use to help its small business contractors mitigate cybersecurity threats. The eight companies will compete for task orders under […]
NextPoint Group acquires fellow software development provider
This represents NextPoint Group’s first purchase with the backing of its private equity owner Godspeed Capital Management. NextPoint Group, a software development provider for national security agencies, has acquired a fellow specialist in the same line of work that concentrates on cybersecurity and data analysis requirements. UScontracting opened for business in 2002 and also touts signals […]
Army’s $50B MAPS vehicle hit with second protest
Complaints about the Army’s handling of the tech and professional services vehicle center on ambiguities and alleged poor quality of responses to industry questions. More complaints about perceived ambiguities surrounding the Army’s massive MAPS contract have led a second company to file a protest challenging the procurement. Intelligence Consulting Enterprise Solutions has joined MetroStar Systems with objections to […]
DHS preps industry for communications equipment recompete
The Homeland Security Department has obligated $1.8 billion in order volume in the current iteration and is preparing a final solicitation for the next one. The Homeland Security Department has provided industry a rough timeline for its plan to conduct the recompete of a contract for commodity communications equipment and services. DHS awarded the current Tactical […]
Air Force eyes OTAs, agile acquisition for next-gen air operations command and control system
Kessel Run is managing the modernization effort, which calls for a systems integrator as the prime. The Air Force is in the early stages of a modernization effort for its command-and-control system for air operations. Postings on Sam.gov signal that the service wants a faster and more flexible acquisition plan, including other transaction agreements to get […]
Trump admin floats policy language limiting contractor say on agency uses of technology
Ongoing drafts of policy documents feature language that would limit the private sector’s ability to dictate how their artificial intelligence models are used in government missions, according to sources familiar with their development. The federal government is circulating draft policy documents that contain language clarifying the government’s ability to use private sector technology without outside stipulations […]
Quantum Space, RealmOne detail CEO transitions
In both instances, a founder of the company is stepping back as a new leader takes the helm to shape the next phase of the strategy. Quantum Space Jim Bridenstine, NASA’s director from 2018 to 2021 and an architect of the Artemis program, has joined this highly-maneuverable spacecraft developer as CEO to lead its push for […]