William Kilmer

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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BIGGEST PRODUCT UPDATE YET!!! Over the past 6 months of the journey, our users have continually been asking for this one golden question: How much money is there for X? Up until now, you still had to piece the full picture together on our platform. No more. Create market sizings in minutes with competitors, funding offices and key stakeholders at your fingertips. We are so pumped for this next iteration of Usul and aren't slowing down anytime soon. Interested in multiplying your DoD capture? Book a demo here: https://lnkd.in/gbkrP3yk

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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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Does the potential rigidity of the IRM&CM process (AJP 2.7) apply to rapidly changing battlespaces? Contemporary warfare demands immediate responsiveness and flexibility, posing challenges to traditional ISR workflows that may take days or weeks to develop. To address this, here are some key actions to enhance ISR capabilities: - **Real-Time Adjustments**: Incorporate mechanisms for real-time adjustments within the IRM&CM process to quickly revise collection plans and re-task ISR assets based on immediate operational needs and intelligence updates. - **Shorter Planning Cycles**: Implement shorter, iterative planning cycles for more frequent updates and revisions to the collection plan. - **Leveraging Advanced Technologies**: Utilize AI, machine learning algorithms, and automation to process data quickly, identify patterns, and provide actionable intelligence in near real-time. Other strategies include empowering field units, establishing forward-deployed ISR cells, investing in real-time communication networks, utilizing integrated command and control systems, and deploying flexible ISR platforms. Additionally, conducting frequent training exercises and scenario-based simulations are vital to prepare ISR personnel for dynamic environments. While the traditional IRM&CM process offers a structured approach to ISR operations, adapting it to the fast-paced nature of contemporary warfare is crucial. These measures can enhance NATO's ISR capabilities, ensuring better support for rapidly changing battlespaces.

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This week in Defense Tech: 1️⃣ CIO-SP3 now stretches into 2025 amid recompete's holding pattern. Technical issues related to the large volume of records surrounding the CIO-SP4 contract are getting in the way of the court case moving ahead. 2️⃣ US Army announces new policy to drive adoption of agile software development practices, in line with industry best practices. 3️⃣ Lazard highlights top trends, transactions in aerospace, defense ahead of Farnborough Airshow. The top trending sectors for M&A include aero Engines as the opportunities for consolidation driven by high growth and large order backlogs, aiming to capitalize on under-capitalized manufacturers and diversify customer bases across major OEMs. 4️⃣ Recently updated networks at USARCENT provide the secure and resilient communications needed to command forward forces from the United States. Network infrastructure enhancements support US Army Central warfighters. In November, the GENM-O product office completed two projects aimed at achieving its vision for MDO by 2028. 5️⃣ The Space Foundation’s annual assessment shows that the global space economy hit $570 billion in 2023, a 7.4 percent increase over 2022’s $531 billion — with worldwide military space spending jumping a whopping 18 percent to $57 billion. 6️⃣ The Defense Innovation Board report releases a report on Optimizing Innovation Cooperation with Allies and Partners. 7️⃣ Dashboard aims to give commanders increased ability to assess cyber team readiness. The capability is part of the Joint Cyber Command and Control (JCC2) program, which is aimed at providing improved situational awareness, battle management, and information about cyber forces’ readiness levels for operations across the globe. 8️⃣ US Navy to reset and reinvigorate Operation Cattle Drive. DefenseScoop obtained a new memo that lays out the department's updated approach for consolidating and sunsetting legacy IT. 9️⃣ The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) just underwent a significant modernization to better align with today’s rapidly evolving cloud marketplace and cybersecurity landscape. 🔟  Amazon Web Services (AWS) released updated guidance for its services in scope by each compliance program, namely for FedRAMP. 🔗 Links in comments below 👇 #DoD #DHS #defenseinnovation #defense #defensetechnology #technology #tech #nationalsecurity #jadc2 #army #navy #airforce

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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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Great news we have movement - time to accelerate the build allied model. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is working quickly to determine how and where to spend the nearly $1 billion US Congress provided in March through the fiscal 2024 appropriations act. The $983 million allocation, nearly $800 more than what DIU received last year, will support the growing organization’s mission to help the United States Department of Defense quickly foster and field commercial capabilities in large numbers, according to DIU director Doug Beck. As reported, "due to prolonged budget deliberations in Congress that delayed the release of appropriations, DIU’s funding came more than five months into the fiscal year, presenting Beck’s team with the challenge of using that money in a short period of time". Beck didn’t discuss the specific initiatives DIU will funnel the funding toward — or what additional staff he might need to support these efforts — but said it will fall in four primary buckets: - accelerating existing programs, - launching new ones, - supporting projects housed within other DoD #innovation organizations, and - addressing some of the challenges commercial companies face as they try to work with the DoD. A pretty broad agenda. Hopefully allies and partner nations, particularly in the #indopacific, will not be forgotten as these programs are progressed in a multidomain environment. One that is becoming increasingly contested. #defence #defense U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Armatus.ai Bernice Glenn Kissinger US Army US Navy United States Air Force U.S. Space Command Defence Australia Pacific International Center For High Technology Research - PICHTR Japan - The Government of Japan Japan Ministry of Defense David Anderson #innovation #china #taiwan #technology Jerry McGinn, Ph.D. Tomoki Matsuo Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) https://lnkd.in/g6FWV3YT

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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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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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Nicholas Nelson, Senior Fellow for Emerging Tech & Policy at CEPA and is a Partner at MD One Ventures. Andrew Stiles, advisor on emerging technologies as a management consultant for nearly a decade. Kyra Terenzio, Management consultant specialising in emerging technology at a leading professional services firm. "Domain awareness is an ongoing challenge in countries with large Arctic land masses such as Alaska, where strained connectivity, power access, and extreme weather all hinder unmanned systems. NASA’s drone, Vanilla, flew for six hours in the Arctic totaling over 130 miles. Unique technology such as its internal heating system and anti-icing coating, if adapted to other robotic systems, could help make them more resilient, durable, and interoperable within the Arctic. Additionally, space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (SB-ISR) sensors are critical. However, satellites historically struggle with connectivity, signal fidelity, and resolution quality due to snowfall, cloud coverage, wind, and precipitation. To tackle these, Canada funded the Enhanced Satellite Communication Project – Polar (ESCP-P), which will enable narrowband and wideband satellite communications including beyond line of sight. Polar-orbiting satellites, and the infrastructure to launch them, are also increasingly vital. Russia launched its Arktika-M satellite in December, the second of nine it plans to send into orbit by 2026. The seven NATO countries in the High North will need to expand their own space-based and ground-based communications, such as durable and portable 5G systems and polar-orbit satellites, to provide ubiquitous, rapid data transmission for NATO activity in the High North."

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National leadership for Autonomous Systems: Army Futures Command, VERTEX | Advanced Autonomy, February 11-12, 2025. Explore the US Army's state of advanced autonomy in human-machine integrated formations. Your contributions could inform future solicitations, requirements, concepts, and policies. Get notified when applications open 🔔https://hubs.la/Q02-NLgX0 US Army SBIR|STTR Program! Check out AI/ML-Enabled Voice-Commanded Autonomous Maneuver for Ground Combat Vehicles. https://lnkd.in/e_dTt5MJ Army Futures Command and organizations like Army Applications Laboratory are about Forging the Future. How involved will the US Army be with INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE for Commerce and Defense? Or AUTONOMY PRIME? The US Army is clearly the service that will get the most utility out of ubiquitous autonomy, not only in kinetic operations in a degraded environment, but also in the garrison environment, as potential gains in efficiency and sustainment are enormous. It simply makes sense that the US Army lead the way. Intelligent Infrastructure is a national program aligned with historic US Army programs. US Army was foundational to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) - Manhattan Project (Major General Richard Groves); U.S. Department of Transportation - Interstate Highways (General Lucius D. Clay); NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Apollo Program (MG John Medaris and Wernher von Braun), and the formation of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (General Austin W. Betts). The list goes on over the 250 years since being established in 1775. INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE and AUTONOMY PRIME will accelerate the Army Futures Command mission. INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE will provide operational resilience, accelerate our innovation OODA loop with autonomous robotics, and radically reduce operational & sustainment costs.  Texas will be ground zero for the foundation of a multi-billion dollar Autonomy Prime for civil & defense focus on applied science (TRL7 - MRL), and it makes sense that the Texas-based Army Futures Command being the bridge between government and industry. U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory has been a pioneer in key foundations, including Active Digital Twins, autonomous systems, data, and the CFTs. Autonomy Institute https://lnkd.in/gXKgGUhX INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE, CONTINUUM of Innovation Capital, AUTONOMY PRIME, ATLAS PROGRAM, SKYHATTAN, Autonomous Nation #infrastructure #leadership #northstar #future #commerce #mission #arpai #nextg #apnt #transportation #edgeai #i2infrastructure #robotics #technology #automation #digital #productivity #autonomy

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Matt and Pete nail the analysis of Congress-DoD budgeting activity again. But they might have under-examined one key trend... This budget markup shows serious concern about #ContestedLogistics. Although the Navy took serious cuts to many programs, budget lines for logistics platforms tell a different story. Logistics platforms that received plus ups: - CH-53 (Heavy Lift Helo) - KC-130J (Tanker) - V-22 Osprey (Troop Transport) - Fleet Oiler - Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship - Ship to Shore Connector Non-Logistics platforms that received plus ups: - F-35 Missiles and surface combat capabilities received severe cuts. To me, the essence of how we do logistics is very important. Our proficiency, culture, and experience will serve us well. But there is no substitute for sheer mass. The House Appropriations Committee clearly recognizes that we need more ships. #Logistics #Congress #DoD #Budget #Defense #DefenseTech #DefenseTechnology #Acquisitions #Shipbuilding #Ships

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With recent #socialmedia views of enabling technology of #artificialintelligence and autonomous military operations, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) launched a new effort named Autonomy Standards and Ideals with Military Operational Values (ASIMOV) which will "objectively and quantitatively measure the ethical challenges and readiness of utilizing autonomous systems for #military operations." The goal: "ASIMOV is attempting to tackle one of the chief concerns of its namesake, author Isaac Asimov: the ability of autonomous systems to follow human ethical norms. Asimov was a writer (and scientist) deeply concerned with exploring the unintended consequences of technology. He’s famous for the “Three Laws of Robotics,” introduced in 1942, which outline a simple, foundational ethic for robots."

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Good summary on the impact of drone warfare and the new arms race in innovation in this area. Key question I have is whether the defencetech startups / rapid innovators in the West have sufficient financing options to allow us to remain competitive… most funding goes to the primes and the usual supporters of rapid innovators - VC / start up funds - tend to shy away from defence sector investments. Interested in thoughts and whether dual-use product development could be more supportable… #defence #defencetech #defense #defensetech #drone

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With release of Executive Order 14017, the Biden Administration made supply chain security a federal policy and funding priority and signaled that the Administration would expand investment in critical industries and use of the Defense Production Act. This update from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment summarizes current and planned FY25 investments. In February 2020, Federal Budget IQ's forecast predicted that supply chain resilience would become a 10-year multi-billion-dollar policy and funding priority. Chauncey Goss Maureen Holohan Charles KiefferBecky Leggieri Cameron Leuthy Dale Oak Austin Smythe #supplychainresilience #defenseindustrialbase #publicsectorforecast

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The evolving threat landscape on the US Southern Border highlights the importance of leveraging insights from distant conflicts. Stay informed with Terrogence Codex - now available through GSA with an exclusive End of Fiscal Year offer. Check out more details here: https://lnkd.in/gJXzDrUT

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In the latest video from our series, Cynomi Co-founder and CEO, David Primor and cyber expert William Birchett from Logos Systems discuss CMMC 2.0 and its implications for defense contractors and subcontractors. CMMC 2.0 is the latest requirement for defense contractors and subcontractors. Anyone who sells to the Federal Government—from Windows to widgets to safety gear—must meet these compliance standards. As MSSPs and MSPs, you play a crucial role in helping your clients achieve CMMC 2.0 compliance. 🌐 Here are three ways you can assist: ✅ Self-Comply ✅ Assist in Self-Attestation ✅ Encourage Timely Audits For more assistance, leave us a note in the comments. We're here to help your MSSP/MSP navigate the complexities of CMMC 2.0 compliance. 🎥 Watch the full video here to find out more: https://hubs.la/Q02yZY8p0

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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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