Nathaniel Fick

Missile Technology Control Regime (#MTCR) news… Key phrase: “The NSM directs the interagency to provide increased flexibility for case-by-case review and facilitate support for certain MTCR Category I military missiles, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) systems to certain partners with strong export control systems.” If you’re a space company, this interests you: “In support of the U.S. Space Priorities Framework (USSPF) and the promotion of international cooperation in space, and in accordance with the MTCR Guidelines, transfers of MTCR Category I SLV related commodities, software, and technology will be considered on a case-by-case basis for select and vetted partner space programs and participation in international space programs, whether such programs are governmental or commercial in nature.” ****** Not sure I can assess much from the fact sheet, as the results are always seen in the implemention. #MTCR issues are tough, especially given the technologies involved. But what is true is that the strategic environment is very different now than when the #MTCR was originally introduced. That means we need to adjust our regulatory systems - including the #MTCR - at the speed of the threat. There’s much more work to do on #MTCR issues, especially for America’s closest allies. #MTCR #exportcontrols #AUKUS https://lnkd.in/eC9Qg52N

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A few things to digest here: 1. Thank you Robert Metzger for volunteering all of your time to help make things happen. 2. A tax rebate or reduction is only available AFTER the fact, so that's not going to help much at all. Small businesses live or die on cash flow. 3. Any kind of loan - with interest - doesn't help the business, it just puts it further in debt. 4. Even if a business goes through with all of this, there is NO GUARANTEE they will ever win or renew a DiB contract. Ideas: Why not just have the government front the cost, and then deduct it from the payment? This would incentivize the government and prime contractors to use many different sub-contractors. Why not just use DIBCAC assessors to do the third party attestations? There is no training necessary.

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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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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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Defense Tech and Acquisition: Pivot or Perish Edition Many executives across Washington are 🚨 sounding the alarm 🚨 that bold change is needed to address the critical national security threats. This week Matt MacGregor and I cover top stories like: • CNAS Defense Task Force Report by Michael A. Brown, Ellen Lord, Andrew Metrick, and Robert Work • Op-eds by Robert Gates, David Petraeus and Andy Yakulis • DoD scales production of munitions • Hudson Institute panels on Defense Innovation • Army Awards Robot Contracts • Marines get new C-UAS systems by Epirus • Navy needs to shipyards • Air Force reoptimizes and disaggregates • Space Force gets more software vendors • Congress punts on a defense budget with a CR https://lnkd.in/ePag2XE8

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DoD Weapon System Production and Sustainment at Risk: National Security Implications of Port Disruptions The recent U.S. port strike resolution may seem like a temporary reprieve, but it highlights significant vulnerabilities for the Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain—particularly in the context of weapon system production and sustainment. As labor costs rise and U.S. ports struggle with automation adoption, increased shipping fees and delays could severely impact the delivery of critical components needed for military platforms, from aircraft to precision-guided munitions. In a time of rising tensions with near-peer adversaries like China, these disruptions pose a real national security risk. The U.S. is already facing a $19 billion backlog in weapon transfers, including to key allies like Taiwan, and studies have shown that the U.S. could run out of long-range precision munitions in less than a week in the event of a major conflict. Supply chain vulnerabilities like these will only be exacerbated by rising costs and port inefficiencies. Furthermore, reliance on alternative foreign ports, particularly those in Mexico, where China has significant influence and investments, could introduce additional risks. Supply chain visibility in these ports is less robust, increasing the potential for foreign adversaries to exploit weaknesses in the defense industrial base. The DoD has already acknowledged its limited visibility into the lower tiers of its supply chain. This is a critical oversight that needs urgent attention, especially when many critical materials and electronic components are sourced from regions vulnerable to adversary control. The inability to track these vulnerabilities across the supply chain means delays and disruptions could cascade, undermining weapon system production and sustainment. To mitigate these risks, the DoD must accelerate its supply chain risk management efforts, modernize its industrial base, and reduce reliance on foreign ports by investing in domestic production capabilities. The development of “ever-warm” production lines for critical materials, as well as increased automation at U.S. ports, are key strategies that can enhance resilience and ensure the U.S. is prepared for any conflict scenario. Now more than ever, a robust, resilient, and secure supply chain is essential to maintaining military readiness and safeguarding national security. Govini #SupplyChainRisk #SupplyChainRiskManagenent #NationalSecurity #DoDLogistics #DefenseLogistics #WeaponSustainment #DefenseIndustrialBase #DefenseReadiness

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In a move to streamline technology transitions, Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, has inaugurated the Transition Tracking Action Group (TTAG). This advisory body, established March 13, is set to harness advanced data analytics to track how the Department of Defense (DoD) delivers capabilities to the field. Chaired by the R&E's chief data officer, Cyrus Jabbari, and comprising senior representatives from the military services and offices under the Secretary of Defense, TTAG aims to improve the visibility and management of the DoD's technology transition processes. The goal of this initiative seeks to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of state-of-the-art systems and equipment to military personnel. To do this, the department will seek understand what the primary obstacles to transition are and if the measures it undertakes to improve outcomes are yielding desired effects. The TTAG will create a department-wide method to track technology transition and determine the reasons capability-enhancing technologies do or do not transition, to enable the Joint Force to deter and, if necessary, prevail in contested environments.

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#ObsessivelyEnthusiasticInvestor #UnreasonablyEnthusiasticInvestor #IrrationallyEnthusiasticInvestor at REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund. We look for the people we believe are doing the best work in Industrial Transformation & Supply Chain Technology; Attempting the impossible. Then we go all-in on them. With obsessive and unreasonable enthusiasm. Join us. #IndustrialTransformation #SupplyChain #Innovation #Technology #Startups #VentureCapital #DemandTheImpossible #UnreasonableEnthusiasm #ObsessiveEnthusiasm #IrrationalEnthusiasm

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Hwa Yu is CEO of Delta One LLC, a U.S. consulting firm on industrial cooperation and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Brian Hobbs is a PhD candidate at Virginia Tech. "Discussions about an RDP-A between the U.S. and South Korea have been on and off since the late 1980s. Unsurprisingly, in Korea, the main reasons for not signing the RDP-A remain unchanged for almost four decades, even though its defense industry has become globally competitive and mature — exceeding 15 billion dollars in average annual defense industry exports and aiming to be among top four defense exporters globally by 2027. The greatest concern for Korean defense industries revolves around full and open mutual access to each other’s defense market. RDP-A opponents in Korea fear that the technologically advanced U.S. defense industry could dominate the market, weakening the local industrial base, if U.S. companies gain unrestricted access. Additionally, they argue that Korean companies would face stiff competition from 28 other RDP-A countries and that the DoD market open to foreign companies is actually not that big due to numerous restrictions designed to protect domestic companies, such as small businesses, despite the Buy American waivers. However, understanding how the RDP-A benefits both countries mitigates these concerns. First, the RDP-A is on one hand a framework for communicating about industrial cooperation and market access. Second, the RDP-A is meant to remove discriminatory barriers to procurement, to the extent mutually beneficial and consistent with national laws, regulations, policies, and international obligations. Third, any country can terminate the RDP-A. If the Korean government should find the RDP relationship to be detrimental, it can withdraw. Fourth, although historical data does not provide any consistent patterns of exports or imports, trends suggest that RDP-As tend to strengthen industrial cooperation overall, benefiting both sides of the partnership. Finally, all RDP-As have expiration dates, but none of the 28 countries with RDP-As have walked away from their RDP relationships. All have renewed their agreements, some which have remained in effect for several decades. The longevity of the agreements strongly suggests that membership in the U.S.-centered RDP-A network does not produce negative results among partner country defense industries. "

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I recently sat down with Steven Fisher for Episode 111 of The Think Forward Show to discuss the Future of Defense—a topic at the intersection of national security, advanced technology, and strategic foresight. In this conversation, we dive into critical questions shaping tomorrow’s defense landscape: 🌐 How will emerging technologies like AI and automation reshape military strategies? 🛡️ What role will defense innovation play in maintaining global stability? 💡 How can leaders prepare for the evolving challenges in the 21st century? 🛡️ Whether you're in the defense industry, a policymaker, or a forward-thinking entrepreneur, this discussion offers actionable insights on how we must prepare for the challenges ahead. Check out the episode via the link in the comments section. #strategicforesight #nationalsecurity #intelligence #education

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As promised, I can now share the interview with SAIC 's Jay Meil and Joshua Conine . Thanks to Air & Space Forces Association for the great interview. Listen in if you are curious about data, ai and ml for national defense. https://lnkd.in/eeQ28sJd

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Come see us at the SIA Government Summit (Main Auditorium of the National Housing Center) in DC next week! We will be discussing the path forward to modernization, proliferation of OT/IoT devices in the security space, and the convergence of technologies in an interconnected world. We are honored to have distinguished members of the Federal community on the panel, contributing their experiences and views on a range of topics resonating in the field of physical security today. Hope to see you there! #physicalsecurity, #homelandsecurity, #departmentofdefense, #accesscontrol, #CCTV,

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VC investors are more interested than ever in the defense industry and defense technology. It could mark a proper sea change moment for investing in global security. Jason Rathje from Office of Strategic Capital leads the DoD's focus "on strategic capital needs where public support is required to attract private investment..." and "we hope to license our first funds ... where we provide loans to investors to increase early-stage investment in these very difficult technology areas." Katherine Boyle general partner at Andreessen Horowitz has said, "I don't think I've ever seen such excitement, enthusiasm for investing in defense tech across a wide variety of investment firms. I think it's something that pretty much every serious … traditional Silicon Valley investment firm has at least one partner who's focused on aerospace or defense." Not that there aren't challenges. Nick Beim , partner at Venrock: "You'll have to deal with an existing set of economic players who kind of don't want a lot of competition and may be more interested in doing something themselves and partnering with a company that's got a ready solution. So, there are a lot of risks." #defensindustry #defensetech Tholus Capital Ajax Defense https://lnkd.in/eqN68VKV 

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📰 🥁 Today's #CrossingTheValley features David Brown, the CEO of CounterCraft​​ ! In our conversation, we delve into the world of digital security, deception, and scaling a successful tech company in the defense industry. Here are three takeaways from my conversation with David 🚀🚀🚀: 1. Making Deception Easy Imagine WANTING to make it easy for organizations to deceive. When is that a good thing? David harkens back to World War II to emphasize how deception - in the physical and digital realms - is a crucial part of national (and corporate) defense. Countercraft's platform, aptly named "The Platform," simplifies the deployment of deception environments, enabling organizations to protect their valuable assets from cyber threats. 2. Don't Go Direct! CounterCraft's success was propelled by strategic partnerships. By focusing on developing a great product and educating users on its benefits, CounterCraft leverages partners for installation, support, and delivery services. This approach allows the company to scale efficiently and meet the diverse needs of its customers, both in the commercial and government sectors. 3. Iterate, Iterate, Iterate A key theme throughout the conversation was the importance of listening to the voice of the customer. David emphasized the need to understand and fulfill customer requirements, ultimately making it easy for them to consume the technology. By prioritizing customer feedback and adapting to their needs, CounterCraft has been able to build credibility, drive growth, and ensure long-term success. Check out the full episode at ValleyCrossers (dot) com or at frontdoordefense (dot) substack (dot) com #Cybersecurity #Partnerships #PodcastEpisode

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Congratulations to The White House for issuing a ground-breaking National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence (AI) today. The #AI NSM lays out a comprehensive strategy for advancing U.S. leadership in AI in the national security realm. The NSM calls for an urgent collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society to develop, deploy, and protect AI technologies, ensuring that the U.S. maintains a competitive edge while mitigating risks from adversaries. Key steps include: (1) Ensuring that the United States leads the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, including by improving the security and diversity of #semiconductor supply chains and maintianing the global lead on #supercomputers; and designating National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s AI Safety Institute as US industry's primary port of contact in the USG; (2) Harnessing cutting-edge AI technologies to advance the USG's national security mission, including by publishing a "Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security" (see link in comments), and directing USG agencies to propose streamlined #procurement practices and ways to ease collaboration with non-traditional vendors. (3) Advancing international consensus and #governance around AI, directing USG agencies to work with allies and partners to establish a stable, responsible, and rights-respecting AI governance framework to to ensure the technology is developed and used in ways that adhere to international law while protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms. For AI #startups, this NSM opens new doors for collaboration with the U.S. government. The NSM's emphasis on agility and innovation in the AI space means that startups offering cutting-edge solutions in AI safety, #cybersecurity, and general-purpose models will find growing opportunities to support national security efforts -- encouraging industry to work even faster on AI experimentation and adoption and validating the high-risk, high-reward work of early AI movers. It is an exciting time to be working in the AI space, and very encouraging to see the Biden Administration take this significant step forward. #AI #innovation #nationalsecurity #technology #partnerships #Allies https://lnkd.in/euAv7R2s

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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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Data is critical for a global connected U.S. Army, but as the service ingests data from disparate sources and battlefields all over the world, Army leaders want to ensure it is not inundated with data that it cannot use. “There’s too much damn data out there, and we can’t overload our warfighters and our leaders with too much data,” Army Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Young Bang said at an AUSA Cyber & Information Advantage Hot Topic event earlier this month. Michael Diorio, senior vice president of global operations at Dataminer, added that data can be collected from sources as diverse as sensors, tweets, videos, photos, audio broadcasts or transponders. As billions of data points are ingested to one location, the totality of information can give a clear picture of a location or event. “It’s been talked about for years that data is the oil, but at the same time, there wasn’t necessarily the technology to really analyze all this data, look at causal inference and then correlations. And so what we do with our large language models and foundation models is really look at the strength of signal that is happening around an event,” Diorio said.

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