Charlie Eadie

Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor, presented the roadmap on the future of U.S. military-industrial development. What really stands out to me is his emphasis on the role of commercial technology, the importance of Silicon Valley, and the need to reform the acquisition process to ensure innovative technologies can be quickly acquired and deployed. This is a crucial step forward in bridging commercial innovation with defense needs. Key points from the roadmap: 1. Ramp Up Production of Key Capabilities: Prioritize long-range munitions, air defense systems, autonomous platforms, and critical stockpiles. A critical munitions acquisition fund could stabilize demand and stockpiling efforts. 2. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Increase production capacity, invest in workforce development, and expand DoD-owned facilities for greater resilience. 3. Accelerate Defense Acquisition Reforms: Rethink traditional processes to welcome nontraditional, innovative tech providers. Collaboration with Silicon Valley and securing new acquisition authorities will be game-changers. 4. Integrate Defense Industrial Bases with Allies: Partner with allies to boost readiness, production capacity, and supply chain resilience, reinforcing deterrence through unified capabilities. 5. Invest in Talent and Leadership: The focus on recruiting and retaining top talent ensures the U.S. military remains unmatched, with personnel who can translate advanced equipment into operational strength. #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryModernization #PublicPrivatePartnerships #SiliconValley #AcquisitionReform #DefenseTech #NationalSecurity #AI #MilitaryIndustrialComplex #InnovationEcosystem #TalentDevelopment

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🚨 Big Win in GovCon! G2Xchange has the latest on the 5-year, $2.4B SPRUCE IDIQ awarded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 🌟 With 10 top-tier companies named out of 33 bidders, this contract is designed to streamline agile product design and delivery services for the VA. 💼 What's SPRUCE? The Secure, Performant, Reliable, and User-Centered Experiences (SPRUCE) contract provides digital solutions that align with VA's mission. Each task order, capped at $50M, brings together expert teams across software development, data science, product support, and more. Check out the full details on how this contract will drive VA’s digital modernization goals by leveraging industry best practices and top professionals! 👉 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gav7kUFy G2Xchange | #govcon #VA #SPRUCE

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Boosting, because your time is valuable, & Pete & Matt get right to the point with what you need to know. #acquisition #contracting

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Michael W. MacKay, MBA announces the launch of Washington Office, a new DC-based strategy firm focused on championing frontier tech companies to advance U.S. security and prosperity. The firm aims to redefine government relations by focusing on emerging technologies and providing strategic support to startups and leading companies. • Innovation - Washington Office is launched to support startups and leading companies in harnessing emerging technologies for U.S. security and prosperity. • Security - The firm will co-host a micro-summit with NATO leaders to discuss the future of technology and its implications for national and international security. • Partnerships - Washington Office is in strategic partnership with Capital Factory, aiming to give 'Little Tech' a voice in the nation's capital. 💡You may want to consider exploring potential collaborations with Washington Office to leverage emerging technologies in defense innovation.

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Supply Chain Shifts Open New Market Opportunities 🚀 💡 The Big Picture: #Startups rely heavily on efficient and reliable supply chains. When disruptions occur, it can be life-changing—especially for those in #defensetech. ⚖️ Why It Matters: In defense tech, government regulation isn’t just critical—it’s a matter of life and death. When the government changes the rules, it can either create or break markets. 🔥 What’s Happening: On one hand, regulations concerning China are tightening. On the other, the United States Department of Defense Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) is offering new loans to help startups adapt their supply chains to meet market and government demands. This creates huge opportunities for the entire ecosystem, fostering innovation and competition. 🔍 Dive Deeper: Check out OSC Director Jason Rathje’s statement here: https://lnkd.in/dCcYMwiw For further insights, see the first comment for an interesting article by Courtney Albon from Defense News. #innovation #technology #supplychain

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💼 Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with the Boots to Business Reboot! This one-day course offers veterans, service members, and their spouses essential business skills, guidance on business planning, and access to invaluable SBA resources. 🚀 Join us during #NVSBW24 to gain insights and support for your business dreams. Register here: #VeteranEntrepreneur #SmallBusiness #BootsToBusiness

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Army Futures Command’s Gen. Rainey reflects on AI’s potential in modern warfare (DefenseScoop) The Defense Department must streamline data, requirements, procurement and more to prepare for rapidly developing, next-generation artificial intelligence and large language models that will likely transform global warfare and how the U.S. military fights in the years to come, according to the top general leading Army Futures Command

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🌟 A Veteran's Perspective: How Data-Driven Support Transforms My VA Experience 🌟 As a proud veteran and beneficiary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services, I am continually inspired by the transformative power of data-driven support in enhancing my total business experiences within the VA ecosystem. 🇺🇸💼 The personalized care and seamless journey I have experienced at the VA are a direct result of their strategic use of data analytics. From streamlined healthcare access to tailored educational benefits and career guidance, every interaction is optimized to meet my unique needs as a veteran. 📊💡 Through data-driven insights, the VA ensures that my benefits are processed efficiently, my appointments are scheduled promptly, and my overall well-being is prioritized. The commitment to leveraging data to improve services has not only made my experience as a veteran more convenient but also more meaningful and impactful. 🌟🤝 I am grateful for the VA's dedication to empowering veterans like myself through data-driven support. By continuously refining their services based on data analysis, the VA exemplifies a commitment to excellence and a deep respect for those who have served our country. 🙌🎖️ #VeteranVoices #DataTransforms #CustomerExperience #VAExcellence

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SBA Mentor Protégé Approval Update: September 2024 This report provides an in-depth look into the latest additions and trends within the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program. The U.S. Small Business Administration (#SBA) continues to shape the small business landscape significantly. Every month, they release an updated Active Mentor-Protégé Program Agreement List, a vital tool for market research that aids contracting officials in making strategic contract awards. 🔍We broke down this list, and provide the following insights: - Deep dive into the 45 New Protégés Approved in September. - NAICS Assessment. - Certification Breakdown. - Trends from 2018 to Present. 👀 Check out the report here: - Health: https://lnkd.in/g-ye4kXi - Fedciv: https://lnkd.in/gwpWe6EJ - Defense: https://lnkd.in/gYxuVU-Y 🔗 Access the Full SBA #MentorProtégé List here: https://lnkd.in/gAxzHXW3 (Last Updated October 8, 2024). 🎯 Why This Matters: Understanding the dynamics of the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program is crucial for anyone involved in government contracting. This report will help you identify potential partners, grasp market trends, and maintain a competitive edge. 👉 Don’t miss out on these insights! Stay informed, stay competitive with G2Xchange. #Govcon #SB #govcom

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Are you on your way to #DHITS this week? Check out my G2Xchange report! 👀👀

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If you're new to government contracting or even a seasoned vendor with the Federal Government, I highly recommend you follow Steven Koprince for easy-to-understand analysis of current legislation and other changes. This one discusses the possibility of more sole source opportunities for SDVOSB and VOSBs.

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Sneak peek at the next Hatch Report: The Mississippi Army National Guard (MSARNG) has a requirement for six sUASs due to divestment of the RQ-7 Shadow. 7 Jan response deadline. ..................................... Description: Category: Group 1 (non-weaponized, multirotor, under 20 lbs) Capabilities: ISR support, IR/thermal imaging, encrypted communications Compliance: DIU Blue UAS List, NDAA & TAA compliant; Advanced Encryption; Standard Tactical Open Government Architecture (TOGA) compatible. Performance: At least 30 minutes endurance with payload Durability: IP53 certified (dust and rain resistant) ..................................... Thoughts / Questions: Broader Coordination: I suspect other ARNG units are also replacing their RQ-7 Shadows. If so, is there a unified approach to addressing these needs, or is each ARNG unit handling this individually? Additionally, how well-coordinated are these efforts between the Guard and the Active Component? NOTE: There’s an important balance to strike between enabling units to rapidly acquire the capabilities they need and leveraging aggregate demand to drive down costs and simplify logistics. ISR Implications: Are there separate plans to replace the RQ-7 Shadow with a comparable Group-3 UAS? If not, what are the ISR implications? While it’s possible this solicitation is intended for testing and evaluation purposes, the wording strongly suggests these Group 1 sUASs are being positioned as a direct replacement for the Group 3 RQ-7. It’s worth noting that the Army recently selected Red Cat’s small Teal drone for its SSR Tranche II requirement, which closely aligns with the MSARNG’s UAS product description. Additionally, the Army also selected the Ghost X from Anduril Industries Industries and the C-100 from PDW for its Company-Level UAS program, which gets you more range/payload but is still not comparable to the RQ-7. ..................................... Context/Background: In February 2024, the Army announced plans to divest the RQ-7 Shadows by September 2024. This purportedly created an ISR capability gap until 2027, when the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) is scheduled to begin Brigade-level deployment. To address this, the Army turned to DIU’s Blue UAS list as a stopgap. However, as of October 2024, no Group-3 offerings appear on the Blue UAS list. Link to Solicitation: https://lnkd.in/ecX3imD2

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6th Annual IDGA Counter-UAS Summit:  AUG 27-28, 2024 | Arlington, VA Strategic Insights, Tactical Solutions: Exchange Ideas and Expertise at the Forefront of Counter-UAS Efforts The sixth annual IDGA Counter-UAS Summit provides a forum comprised of key decision-makers and senior military leaders for discussions on ways to collaboratively combat the threat of UAS to the United States military and civilians. At this year's event we will be returning to Arlington, Virginia at the Marriott Crystal Gateway hotel, August 27th and 28th, 2024. Across two days of learning and collaboration we will engage our audience with high level discussions surrounding kinetic and non-kinetic approaches for countering drones, including exploring case studies on specific incidents, insights into the latest innovative CUAS technologies, the impact of shifting legal authorities, and much more. This event is for anyone who wants to gain an advanced understanding of the evolving UAS threat and C-UAS technologies and work towards appropriate solutions for their own unique issues. Covering both the civilian and military threat, this event is for individuals who are looking to build vital connections and work collaboratively with the wide range of senior and experienced personnel attending from government administrations, the military, and the industry. This summit strives to be beneficial for solution providers, as well as attendees from the military and federal administrations alike. IDGA’s Counter-UAS Summit will provide you the unique opportunity to network, connect, and learn from the most influential thought leaders and practitioners, all tirelessly dedicated to mitigating this multi-domain challenge. #IDGA #CUAS #UAS #natsec #defensetech #defenseinnovation

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Important reporting by The Wall Street Journal about the economics of shipbuilding, and the people who perform this critical work for the Navy and the nation. We need to support shipbuilders in every way we can. At HII, we are proud to be at the forefront of building the next generation of nuclear submarines, a cornerstone of our national security strategy. Thanks to Greg Ip for your care with the subject, the people, and the facts.

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A great study on how the national defense #innovation ecosystem is growing rapidly with innovation efforts within and outside the #DepartmentofDefense, there still exist several internal barriers that prevent innovation from scaling at speed. This is a great study to help #military members and #industry understand where DoD stands.

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For today's Substack post, Matt and I propose an idea for driving Commercial Competition across the DoD. How can we leverage a process like Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) solution brief to enable commercial solutions to compete with current acquisition programs? Explore if there are solutions that can deliver faster, lower cost, and/or at increased performance. Interestingly, there is a Defense Acquisition Challenge Program that has been in statute for nearly 20 years that aligns with our idea. What do you think? https://lnkd.in/estDCyAU

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