Anthony J. Tata

Pole Star Defense Joins Forces with U.S. Coast Guard in Strategic Partnership for Baltimore Bridge Collapse Response In the wake of the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD, Pole Star Defense is privileged to support the U.S. Coast Guard and the Unified Command through a strategic partnership. We are providing critical, live AIS data streaming to enhance operational clarity and safety for all emergency response activities at the scene. Our advanced capabilities and streaming technology services are being deployed to ensure that the area remains clear of unauthorized vessels, thereby safeguarding the rescue and recovery teams during their vital work. This partnership reflects Pole Star Defense’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions under the most demanding circumstances. Pole Star Defense is dedicated to supporting the brave individuals at the forefront of this tragedy. We are here not only as a provider of technological solutions, but as a partner in the collective effort to manage this crisis with precision and dignity. We encourage other government entities facing similar critical challenges to reach out to see how our advanced maritime data solutions can support your missions. For ongoing updates and more information about our services, find us on www.polestardefense.com. Alex Field Managing Director, Pole Star Defense Read more: https://lnkd.in/g-vRhJnS #MaritimeSafety, #DefenseContracting, #PublicSafety, #GovernmentCollaboration #MaritimeData, #EmergencyResponse, #InfrastructureSafety, #TechInGov, #InnovationInDefense, #BridgeCollapse, #FrancisScottKeyBridge

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Drones are changing the nature of warfare, but also changing the nature of the post-conflict clean up. SafePro (NASDAQ: SPAI) has artificial intelligence that can be used from any drone with a camera, and the films uploaded to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the AI identifies over 150 types of unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. This is being used real time to clear the area the size of Florida that has been contaminated by unexploded ordnance. What could have taken 800 years using traditional methods, and cost thousands of lives, can now be done in a fraction of the time, more safely and effectively. "To date, Safe Pro’s proprietary AI models have analyzed more than 921,471 drone images in Ukraine, pinpointing over 16,540 explosive remnants of war (ERW) across 4,219 hectares (over 10,424 acres). Operating at lightning speed on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud, SpotlightAI™ analyzes each drone image in less than 0.2 seconds. In contrast, traditional human analysis can take several minutes per image–a process that could span decades if done manually."

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Note: NGS - A Strategic Russian Asset in Central America The Nicaragua Ground Station, located near Managua, Nicaragua, is a key component of Russia's expanding network of satellite telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) facilities. Its strategic location in Central America allows Russia to extend its military and intelligence into the Western Hemisphere, far beyond its traditional sphere of influence. This ground station’s primary role is satellite telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C). It monitors and communicates with satellites to ensure their proper functioning, transmitting data, monitoring satellite health, and making necessary adjustments to satellite trajectories. As Russia's reliance on satellites for military and intelligence purposes grows, the TT&C capabilities of this facility likely support a wide range of satellite activities, including those related to communications, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Nicaragua Ground Station is believed to be a critical asset in Russia's military and intelligence operations in Central America. By establishing a presence in a region traditionally dominated by U.S. influence, Russia can monitor geopolitical activities in Central America and the Caribbean. This includes the ability to track military maneuvers, communications, and other activities of interest, especially given its proximity to the United States. The station’s strategic significance is heightened by its role in solidifying Russia's influence in a region close to the U.S. It potentially serves as a node for coordinating Russian activities in Latin America, contributing to Russia's broader geopolitical ambitions. This ground station also allows Russia to project power and influence in the Western Hemisphere, acting as a counterbalance to U.S. dominance in the area. The establishment and operation of this facility likely involve close cooperation with the Nicaraguan government, possibly extending to other areas of military and strategic partnership. Such collaboration enhances Russia's influence in Nicaragua and the broader region, reflecting a deepening relationship that has its roots in historical ties dating back to the Cold War. The presence of the Nicaragua Ground Station is part of a broader pattern of Russian engagement in Latin America. Together with other facilities in Brazil and Venezuela, the station forms a crucial part of Russia's strategy to expand its global reach. Its location in Nicaragua is particularly significant, considering the country's proximity to the United States and its long-standing ties with Russia. The Nicaragua Ground Station is a strategic asset for Russia, extending its military and intelligence capabilities into Central America. By enhancing its satellite operations and strategic influence in the region, Russia secures a significant geopolitical advantage.

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The Future of Warfare U.S. Military: Competition and Contestation | GSF Seth Jones with a panel of the U.S. vice chiefs https://lnkd.in/dB5kgj5z As #CSIS's flagship annual #securityconference, the Forum convenes leaders from the #defense and #nationalsecurity communities to discuss the top #security challenges facing the country and the world. This year's conference will feature keynote discussions with General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence. The theme of the #2024GlobalSecurityForum is "Gathering Strength in a Gathering Storm." Speakers will address how the #UnitedStates can muster its strengths to counter multiple global challenges, posture for uncertainty, and prepare U.S. forces to deter and defeat aggression. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) 🦉The theme of the conference alludes to Winston Churchill’s 1948 book ‘The Gathering Storm’ about the buildup towards WWII and the parallels with today - the denial and the difficulty in being heard as the alarm is sounded. A lot of learning post the full-scale invasion of #Ukraine and #Iran’s attack on #Israel. The vice-chief of the air force compares today with the Spanish Civil War. A lot of combined wisdom and experience (and medals) on show! ✌️🥇🥈🥉🏅🎖️ #usforces #strategy #competition #intelligence A2/AD #emergingtechnology #industrialbase #manoeuvre #landwardlittorals #airmissiledefense #informationwarfare #deterrence #iran #redsea #gaza #ukraine #israel #arctic #indopacific #russia #china

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Report to Congress on the Virginia Submarine Program, AUKUS Pillar 1 The following is the Oct. 10, 2024, Congressional Research Service report, Navy Virginia-Class Submarine Program and AUKUS Submarine (Pillar 1) Project: Background and Issues for Congress. From the report - An alternative to Pillar 1 as currently structured would be a U.S.-Australia military division of labor under which U.S. SSNs would perform both U.S. and Australian SSN missions while Australia invested in military capabilities for performing non-SSN missions for both Australia and the United States. Such a U.S.-Australia military division of labor might be broadly similar to military divisions of labor that exist between the United States and some or all of its NATO or other allies for naval capabilities such as aircraft carriers, SSNs, large surface combatants, and amphibious ships, and for non-naval capabilities such as (to name only some examples) nuclear weapons, space assets, and ISR capabilities. Under a U.S.-Australia military division of labor for performing SSN missions and non-SSN missions • the forward rotations of U.S. and UK SSNs to Australia planned under Pillar 1— SRF-West—would still be implemented; • up to eight additional Virginia-class SSNs would be built, and instead of three to five of them being sold to Australia, these additional boats would instead be retained in U.S. Navy service and operated out of Australia along with the five U.S. and UK SSNs that are already planned to be operated out of Australia under Pillar 1 as SRF-West; and • Australia, instead of using funds to purchase, build, operate, and maintain its own SSNs, would instead invest those funds in other military capabilities—such as, for example, long-range anti-ship missiles, drones, loitering munitions, B-21 long-range bombers, or other long-range strike aircraft—so as to create an Australian capacity for performing non-SSN military missions for both Australia and the United States. See https://lnkd.in/gH4st54T #AUKUS Michael Sharpe

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REMEMBER THAT PEER? Pentagon watchdog to review JLOTS system used for Gaza aid pier The inquiry is separate from another review of America's military pier to deliver aid into the Gaza strip. Read More

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🚨 Announcing the New Implementation Plan for Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base 🚨 I’m honored to be an integral part of executing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) new National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP). Today, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)) unveiled this critical plan, detailing the ongoing and future actions needed to modernize and secure our defense industrial base. This initiative outlines six cross-cutting programs designed to ensure a more resilient defense ecosystem. From collaboration across DoD components and Services to vital partnerships with industry, international allies, and stakeholders, this strategy underpins the effort required to reinforce our industrial base. 📈 The NDIS-IP addresses a unified commitment to strengthening industrial capacity, building resilience, and reducing risks across the board. This will involve: • Key partnerships with private industry, academia, and international allies, • New OTAs under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) for rapid research, including the recently announced request for white papers on “Critical Chemicals for Defense,” • Support from Congress as a cornerstone of sustainable security. For those interested, the unclassified NDIS-IP document is available here: NDIS-IP FY2025. https://lnkd.in/dUmSt7yd I’m inspired by the opportunity to help lead this strategic vision forward, ensuring our nation’s industrial base remains robust and capable. #NationalSecurity #IndustrialBase #DefenseStrategy #Innovation #DoD

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Great article coming out of coverage at Space Symposium last week discussing the recently released DoD Commercial Space Integration Strategy and the benefits and challenges of government and commercial space industry working together. #CyberSatSummit dives into this critical discussion in November and tackles the all important information sharing topic as well. Interested in learning more about CyberSat, find out here: https://lnkd.in/emfraRRn DM me if interested in speaking/sponsoring or if you'd like to learn more. #spaceindustry #cybersecurity #informationsharing https://lnkd.in/eNNvAbiP

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Heads Up...DoD News related to Architect - Engineering (AE) Services! (1) FINAL RULE Effective 8/26/2024 - DFARS Case 2024-D019 Architect and Engineering Service Fees. This rule changes DFARS to implement Section 2881 of the FY24 NDAA to increase the limitation of the contract price (i.e., "fee") for A-E services for the preparation and delivery of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications from 6% of the project's estimated construction cost to 10%. It is applicable to Army, Navy, and Air Force projects (references in 10 U.S.C. 7540,8612, and 9540). The new 10% limit replaces the 6% fee limitation on contract modifications for work not initially included in the contract and redesign, and applies only to that portion of the contract (or modification) price attributable to the preparation of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications. If a contract or modification also includes other services, the part of the price attributable to the other services is not subject to the fee limitation. (Personally, I've been waiting since the early 1990's for this percentage to change (and yes, I've been doing this THAT long). This makes it easier for small AE businesses to participate in the Federal space. So, YEA!) Permalink: https://lnkd.in/g7vF95R6 (2) PROPOSED RULE Comments due 9/27/2024 -- DFARS Case 2023-D007 Task Order and Delivery Order Contracting for Architectural and Engineering Services. This rules proposes a corresponding change to DFARS Subpart 216.5, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, to require DoD Contracting Officers (KOs) to use qualification-based selections when awarding task orders and delivery orders for AE services that was previously implemented procedurally under FAR Subparts 16.500, 16.505, and 36.6 procedures in 2005 under the final rule for FAR Case 2004-001 Improvements in Contracting for Architect-Engineer Services. This proposed rule adds DoD-specific statutory guidance (10 U.S.C. 3406(h)(2)) to DFARS directing KOs not to request additional info regarding qualifications unless necessary to determine qualifications for a particular task order or delivery order under a multiple-award contract. There should be little to no impact from this proposed rule since there are no procedural changes, new clauses or provisions, and no new applicability in terms of thresholds or types of contracts. Permalink: https://lnkd.in/gwh2_38J

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This War on the Rocks article provides a rigorous analysis of the composition of the #PLA, and breaks down why much confusion exists over the matter. More importantly, it highlights key differences that exist between the #PRC's armed forces and those of the #US. From the article : "The deeper one digs, the less the People’s Liberation Army looks like other militaries — opening the door for the Chinese to leverage these differences to their advantage and surprise us with their actions." This is a golden insight! In so many discussions, analyses, and wargames, #US analysts and planners tend to mirror image the #PLA against our own force structure. It's understandable why - it's an easy way to understand the enemy, by creating a comparison that fits into our own existing mental framework. But it's not correct, and it leads to flawed assumptions and unsound conclusions. As the authors note: "In order to fill in the many gaps in our knowledge about the Chinese armed forces, Western analysts and planners should not assume that Chinese solutions to personnel, organizational, and doctrinal challenges are the same that Western (or other) nations have adopted." Give this a read! #ReadFightWin #WriteFightWin #PME https://lnkd.in/eB6hW_Du

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Superb article in CIMSEC by R. Robinson Harris, containing the following quote by Dmitry Filipoff, “…no other service needs to be more invested in tactical superiority and solid warfighting doctrine than navies. If a carrier strike group falls prey to a single missile salvo, that’s about seven thousand lives and $20 billion dollars that is lost in a matter of minutes. By comparison, those numbers would get you about 2,000 tanks, but there is no plausible combat scenario where two thousand tanks are destroyed in a couple minutes. Modern naval warfare is an absolutely brutal form of combat, and because of that, nobody stands to lose so much so quickly from their tactical shortfalls than navies. In naval warfare especially, tactical shortfalls can rapidly escalate into strategic liabilities…” Solid thinking (very unusual in naval circles), cogently argued and well evidenced. Instead of regurgitating 19th and 20th Century naval fallacies, perhaps naval leaders should take heed and spend a little more time on their warfighting doctrine.

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DoD rule-makers have been busy with proposed rules for DFARS. Those of you with a NAICS code that begins with 5416--management, scientific, and technical consulting services NAICS--will want to pay attention to this first rule in particular... Preventing Conflicts of Interest for Certain Consulting Services (DFARS Case 2024-D007) - Proposes amending DFARS to-- ▶ implement Section 812 of the FY24 NDAA which prohibits DoD from awarding contracts assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning with 5416 to offerors who hold contracts that involve consulting services with certain covered foreign entities. ▶ add a new solicitation provision in which an offeror certifies whether the offeror, its subsidiaries, or affiliates hold a contract for consulting services with one or more covered foreign entities and whether the offeror maintains a conflict-of-interest mitigation plan that meets certain requirements. ▶ requires that if the offeror, its subsidiaries, or affiliates hold such a contract and the offeror is selected for award, the offeror may submit its existing conflict-of-interest mitigation plan, which will be incorporated into a contract resulting from the solicitation. The provision is prescribed for use in solicitations assigned a NAICS code beginning with 5416 that involve consulting services. (https://lnkd.in/gCdMD7D4) DoD Cost or Pricing Data Reporting Requirements (DFARS Case 2022-D004) - Would amend DFARS to-- ▶ require offerors to submit data other than certified cost or pricing data upon contracting officer request. ▶  establish a $2 million threshold for the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data statute requirements with respect to contract modifications, subcontracts, and modifications to subcontracts.  ▶ require that contract modifications to reflect the revised threshold be executed “as soon as practicable.” The proposed rule implements these changes via several proposed new clauses. (https://lnkd.in/gfNcW2rR) Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research (DFARS Case 2020-D028) - Proposes two new clauses that require contractors with contracts that include fundamental research to develop and maintain a data management plan and to submit final peer-reviewed manuscripts to the Defense Technical Information Center’s publicly accessible repository. (https://lnkd.in/g7bDcij6) Comments for all proposed rules are due on 11/25/2024. Instructions to comment are found at each permalink.

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Hezbollah is enhancing its ability to deploy UAVs and carry out strikes using suicide UAVs. Also, although this week there has been an increase in the number of Hezbollah attacks on Israel, most of them are framed as responding to IDF attacks in Lebanon. These are not consistent with a possible Iranian activation of Hezbollah to respond to an attack in Isfahan, Iran on April 19, 2024. https://lnkd.in/dCg9Zen4

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#BREAKINGNEWS #Yemen - U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) - CENTCOM Forces Strike Multiple Houthi Targets: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted multiple precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Sana’a and coastal locations within Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, Dec. 30 and 31. On Dec. 30 and 31, U.S. Navy ships and aircraft targeted a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV). These facilities were used in Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In addition, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft destroyed a Houthi coastal radar site and seven cruise missiles and one-way attack UAVs over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment in either incident. The strikes are a part of CENTCOM's effort to degrade Iran-backed Houthi efforts to threaten regional partners and military and merchant vessels in the region. https://lnkd.in/edQ3j4rt

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The US Army requires lightweight, low-profile transportation to navigate a variety of aquatic environments. Army leadership tasked U.S. Army TACOM LCMC to identify a cost-effective family of inflatable boats and motors (FOBAM) capable of fulfilling mission requirements. ADS worked with TACOM LCMC to create a cost-effective procurement and supply chain solution for fielding and long-term sustainment needs. We implemented processes to monitor the supply chain, ensure timely delivery, and verify U.S. manufacturing compliance. Additionally, we developed a training video to educate personnel on the proper operation and maintenance of FOBAM components. Learn more about ADS partnered with our marine equipment manufacturing partners to meet this challenge: https://brnw.ch/21wOoaE

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In 2024, the United States Department of Defense took decisive action to strengthen partnerships with allies and partners across the world while continuing to provide security assistance in response to global events. USD(A&S) LaPlante continued convening National Armaments Directors under the auspices of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, synchronizing international efforts across four areas: Production, Sustainment, Innovation, and Ukraine Industrial Base Support. Meeting 13 times since initially coming together in September 2022, learn more about the UDCG NADs' work here: https://lnkd.in/ehxBHxT5 Since Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine, the United States has committed more than $62 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including more than $21 billion obligated on contract to procure new capabilities directly from industry. DoD has also obligated more than $25 billion on contract to replace equipment drawn down from U.S. stocks. Learn more about U.S. security assistance to Ukraine here: https://lnkd.in/eBjgqBHZ 2024 also saw the launch of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience, or PIPIR. A multi-lateral forum aimed at strengthening regional security, economic security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, PIPIR serves as a platform to accelerate defense industrial base cooperation by reducing barriers to production, creating new sustainment hubs, and addressing supply chain constraints. The inaugural plenary meeting was chaired by USD(A&S) LaPlante in October. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gqtDW93c #SucceedThroughTeamwork #StrengtheningAlliances #SecurityAssistance

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#DYK that there are a variety of supply chain organizations across the interagency? The Department of Energy, Health & Human Services, Department of the Interior & the US Geological Survey, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, & the Department of Defense all have subordinate units focused on various aspects of #supplychains with different authorities. I think this reflects both how complex & foundational supply chains are to the #economy & national security in the 21st century. Photo below taken yesterday at the Advisory Council for Supply Chain Competitiveness (ACSCC) meeting, where this & other related topics were discussed. #logistics #manufacturing

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