Darrell Brown

The Pentagon wants to shift ~$3.3B of budgeted funds to support a handful of new-start projects, including: (1) Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which has already seen ~40% cost growth. The Pentagon wants to shift $150M in FY24 funds, which increases the CCA program request to $542M. Unsurprisingly, this request came with a news statement that the Air Force will evaluate the NGAD platform design concept to determine if there are cost reductions or capability trade-offs. (2) Army wants to shift $39M to purchase 8 SM-6 Block1A missiles for its Mid-Range Capability ground launch system. Army and Navy would coordinate procurement on the SM-6 contract, which was awarded to Raytheon. (3) Additionally, Army wants to shift $33M in advanced component development and prototypes to fund its tank and medium caliber ammunition procurement #Army #AirForce #defensespending #defensebudget #CCA #NGAD Craig Belanger, Joe Giandomenico, Anirudh Suneel, Ben Osterholtz, Robyn Pirie, Scott Bethel, Mark Kipphut, Kristin Robertson, Jerry Spruill, Richard Mascolo, James Hvizd, Jim Walker, Doug Reep, Aaron Prupas, Martin J. Bowling, Dennis Carroll, Jeff Snyder https://lnkd.in/e8Qma_9G

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Last month, Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks released a MEMO to Pentagon Senior Leadership regarding the Defense Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Due Diligence Program: Due Diligence Program: Establishes policy to assess and mitigate security risks from small business concerns (SBCs) with foreign ties seeking SBIR or STTR awards. Implementation Guidance: Outlines responsibilities for the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) and DoD Components in applying common standards. Risk Assessment Elements: Details the process for SBCs, including disclosure forms, business reviews, security risk assessments, and counterintelligence reviews. Risk Mitigation: Describes the establishment of Risk Mitigation Review Boards to evaluate and recommend actions for SBCs assessed as high risk2. The MEMO emphasizes the importance of protecting innovations and technologies from foreign adversaries and competitors. FUN FACT: I always to told folks when they weren't sure to READ the MEMO. U.S. Department of State DoD Chief Information Officer Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment Office of the Secretary of Defense Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs

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🚨 Thanks for making Thunderstorm 24-4 such a success! 🚨 You packed the house and connected 34 innovative companies with over 225 Government stakeholders, all focused on advancing and transitioning novel rapid deployment and sustainment capabilities for challenging, contested environments. 🙏 #BravoZulu to the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) for working alongside us to scope and plan the event. 🙏 And thanks to all the acquisition program offices and S&T experts from every Service, multiple Combatant Commands, Joint Staff, DARPA, DTRA, NRO, NGA, xTech, NavalX, AFWERX, 75th U.S. Army Reserve Innovation Command, #APFIT, NSIN - National Security Innovation Network, and so many others from across DoD, the interagency, and international partners. By turning out in force, you delivered tremendous value to all these companies. We couldn’t have done it without you! 👩‍🏫 An additional thank you to those who made time to brief the community on the current challenges and future opportunities, which included MCWL Science and Technology Division, Army Futures Command Contested Logistics Cross Functional Team, along with our OUSD(R&E) colleagues Dr. Mantz and Dr. Jahn for discussing DoD critical technology areas and priorities. Your talks gave industry the rich insights they need to proactively anticipate, and create the things we in DoD don’t even know to ask for. We continue trying out new ways to engage and support innovators. This includes a new initiative to invite private investors and business advisors, to help facilitate engagements. We appreciate you supporting the businesses driving the innovation the US needs. 🎺 A special shout out to The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University (ARL/PSU) and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) for executing Thunderstorm 24-4. For years your hard work has enabled I&M to conduct such impactful tech showcases. Even with this Thunderstorm’s all-time high attendance, you made everything #butterysmooth. ✉ Our team is proud to have played a role in fostering purposeful connections between industry and defense, and creating meaningful pathways for advancing new technologies. Interested in future I&M events? Shoot me a message and we’ll add you to our email distro list. #DefenseInnovation #DoD #Innovation #SBIR #STTR #AUKUS

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Omni Federal is pleased to announce a recent award to lead the development of SOCOM’s Enterprise Training Marketplace within Digital University. SOCOM recognized a need for a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly marketplace where SOCOM units can easily explore, select, purchase, and manage approved training from reputable vendors. Speed, convenience, and flexibility are the three core principles of this simplified procurement process. SOCOM requires an Amazon-like platform with automated procurement features that can be easily changed and adapted to meet evolving mission requirements. This single mission-enabled platform will allow users to acquire the necessary training needs of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs), Special Missions Units (SMUs), and SOCOM service components. We leveraged a deep understanding of SOCOM’s distinct enterprise training requirements to conceptualize a unique SOCOM Training Marketplace design within Digital University. Our initial focus is to create a streamlined user interface and enhance the user experience for effortless navigation through the extensive pool of 100+ SOCOM-specific vendors. To capture SOCOM stakeholder needs, Omni is applying our commercially proven Human-Centered Design process adapted to meet the mission and security needs of DoD agencies. Our scope of work includes integrating an easy-to-use and streamlined procurement process, initially developed, and validated by the Digital University Program Team to expedite the acquisition of training resources. The specific and unique SOCOM Training Marketplace procurement process seamlessly aligns with the well-defined and strategically crafted set of Digital University acquisition stages, enabling integration of the two to meet specific training requirements established by the SOCOM enterprise. We are thrilled at the opportunity to continue our development and expansion of Digital University to support the SOCOM Enterprise and Warfighter readiness across the DoD. #digitaltransformation #weareomnifederal #digital #learning #specialoperations #SOCOM #JSOC Digital University BESPIN USSOCOM

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We have been working hard these last few weeks in the XVIII Airborne Corps Warfighter exercise. In the G2, we have learned so much already — and we are only halfway done! 1. Data management is imperative. The live data must be able to flow and provide real-time information. This means the architecture is key! It also includes knowledge management — can subordinates and higher find necessary products/data to understand the intelligence picture. 2. Incorporating capabilities: Corps IEW Battalion integration must be coordinated far left of the exercise and it must include specific requirements in addition to the capabilities. This ensures shared understanding of what each element can and cannot do with the other and how to execute their mission as one warfighting function. 3. Manage talent! Put the right people in the right positions. We made some key adjustments to be able to effectively manage our warfighting function and enable commander decision making. 4. Leverage Technology! Using live data to create an AI/ML driven outcome is something we are focused on. Testing new technology to support the ability to provide real time information to the commander has been truly educational! If we can create a system which generates assessments or predictions in near-real time, we cut down our human processing time. We are no longer using a sheet or pen and paper to generate assessments. The system does it for you! We are only at the halfway mark… don’t worry — we have much more learning to do🤞 #goarmy #xviiiairbornecorps #learningorganization

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#ICYMI: Did you know that manufacturing companies with 20 or fewer employees comprise more than 70 percent of the Defense Industrial Base and are essential partners in advancing the Department of Defense (DoD) mission? Let's take a moment to recognize the vital role that small businesses play in our nation's defense. They bring innovation, agility, and efficiency to defense manufacturing, creating a diverse and competitive industrial base. #DefenseManufacturing #NationalSecurity #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusinessWeek Last year, the United States Department of Defense released the #DoD Small Business Strategy, which lays out how the department is working to improve the connection between small businesses and the Pentagon. You can review the strategy on the Department of Defense website. Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs

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The US Army's generative AI and large language model policy is weeks away. Check out the Federal Newscast by Peter Musurlian #FederalNewscast

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Teammates, colleagues & friends, The Air and Space Force needs your help. You may’ve heard of a new program to help inspire young Americans to join to the Air and Space Force called AFA Inspire Military Service (AIMS). AIMS is a partnership between the Air & Space Forces Association and AFRS and connects AFA’s nationwide network of 200+ Chapters with AFRS’ 1,100 professional recruiters. Together, we will inspire the next generation of Airmen and Guardians. Only 23 percent of American youth today are eligible for military service. Less than 10 percent of today’s youth are even interested. With all the rounds of BRACC base closings in the 1990s, most young adults never even see an air force base or a person in uniform. We need your help and leadership - no longer to lead a Squadron through a deployment, or motivate a wing for a major inspection, but rather to use your stories and experiences to inspire your young men and women, in your communities, to serve. In fiscal 2023, Active-duty recruiting fell short of the goal by about 11 percent, while Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard recruiting were even further behind—30 percent under goal. We must reinspire our nation. If you feel so inclined, please reach out to your local AFA AIMS lead and see where you might make a difference, again.  Sign up, tell your story. Inspire some young man or woman to serve. How did you get to the recruiter’s door? How did that work out for you? I’d venture it turned out to be a great career choice for you – share that, share all your stories that make you smile when you reflect on your Air Force experience and share those. Share the stories that make you proud of your time in uniform.  You may have hung up that uniform, but you still have a voice - make a difference in someone’s life & help strengthen the Nation at the same time. Questions? Like to sign up? Suggestions? Contact us to get involved → https://www.afa.org/AIMS/

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Funding opportunity alert! Are you ready for the challenge? The Department of the Navy (DoN) Catapult Challenge topics are in Pre-release through the DoD 25.4 (Release 1) SBIR Broad Agency Announcement. Catapult Challenge topics solicit Phase II proposals to identify existing SBIR prototype technology that can inform scaling decisions and meet priority operational needs. The funding announcement includes four Catapult Challenge topics from two of the Navy's SYSCOMs: Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). More information related to the Catapult Challenge, including specific areas of need a is available at https://lnkd.in/eRcR4ctW Ask Me Anything (AMA) Virtual Session The Navy will host a virtual "Ask Me Anything (AMA)" session dedicated to the Catapult Challenge on Wednesday, October 16 at 1:00 PM ET. Registration is required to participate in the AMA. To register, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTp2d-Cd About the Navy SBIR/STTR Programs The DoN SBIR/STTR programs provide opportunities for domestic small businesses and start-ups to deliver solutions to meet naval needs through Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D). These competitive awards-based programs advance innovations through three phases with an aim toward transitioning the resulting technologies to the Fleet and Force and commercialization in private markets. For more information please visit: https://navysbir.com/ #SBIR #STTR #NAVY #DoNSBIR #NAVSEA #SSP #NavalX #CatapultChallenge #DoDInnovates #SmallBusiness #WOSB #SDSB #MOSB #FedBzOps #Innovatorswanted

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Can the Joint Force do without a specialist in the littoral? I'm recommending an addition to the existing operational-level, functional component-based organizational design, and different command and control options for operations in the littoral. I'm proposing a full-time, ready, responsive, and venturesome Joint Littoral Operations Component Commander.    The littoral is a geographic locale with higher than elsewhere rates of change in momentum, tempo, and maneuver, from seaward to hundreds of miles inland. U.S. forces must continually compensate for this, as well as with the dense interconnectedness of things, people[1] and information in time and space, by employing a wide range of means, including, but beyond, conflict-necessary kinetics, by organizations other than those oriented on spatial domains and warfare expertise. In the littorals around the world, synthesized and synchronized multi-domain expertise is more important than is proficiency by individual components or the services. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Herb Simon used an aphorism in a lecture he once gave: “There is a saying in politics that ‘you can’t beat something with nothing.’ You can’t defeat a measure…simply by pointing to defects and inadequacies. You must offer an alternative.” Okay, Professor Simon, you're right: I'm proposing this addition, rather than just point out that our littoral operations ability is sub-optimized with a long journal article pointing out this degradation. This new component commander would coordinate force interoperability capabilities and actions for littoral access, collection, persistent endurance, influence, and combat. He would have the technical / technological means and the skilled personnel and procedures to leverage low observable technology, long-, medium-, and short-dwell multiple sensor fusion, and advanced integrated networks of manned and unmanned capabilities. And the JLOCC would be trained and become experienced in a non-trivial, key set of characteristics: warfighting in the littoral obtains fighting into it, fighting in it, fighting from it, and, potentially, fighting out of it. [1] Including density of settlements: estimates of populations in the littorals range from 40 to 70 percent of the earth’s humans living within 60 miles of coasts. Want to know more? Contact me at [email protected]

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Here's the second post to share information and insights to answer one of most frequently asked questions: how does my military experience translate to jobs in a commercial market? This month, I would like to share what I learned about the RMA (Return Merchandize Authorization) process and how your experiences can help companies mitigate risks and add value to the chain. RMA Program Administrator (PA)/Program Manager (PM) works to fulfil customer requirements of repairing and returning critical items. Daily responsibilities include: 1) Review warranty and/or non-warranty repair requests and assign RMA tracking numbers 2) Review RMA purchase orders for returned items and work with contracts department for the acceptability/feasibility 3) Once the order is processed, track and reconcile fixed/shipped items against requirements 4) Work with finance for invoice/payment process and follow ups 5) Assist with inventory and audit Sounds familiar? It should be, especially for those Marines with MOS 3043/3051/3047(*new merged MOS for those salty pre-Houthi fighting era Leathernecks) and 3010 CWOs If you ever worked at one of the Repairable Issue Points (RIP), you are uniquely qualified to work in the RMA business segment at various companies in electronic, semiconductor, automative, medical device, aerospace, or defense manufacturing industry. You have demonstrated that you possess skills, knowledge, abilities and attitude to contribute greatly because: - You were that 3051 Cpl who was responsible for reconciling due-in vs inventory/capacity - 3043 Sgt who was very good at daily and weekly reconciliation and processing of thousands of Oracle ERP Service Requests - SNCO who was excellent in communicating with demanding customers to problem solve missing information, late deliveries and etc. - CWO who worked out throughput analysis with engineers (commodities) and supply chain challenges with LOGCOM/DLA for strategic shaping a year out Embrace unfamiliar job titles, take chances, and strive for excellence. hashtag #payforward

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VoiceIQ Spotlight: Tracking Navy NAVSEA Navy Integrated Training Environment 2 (NITE2)? To ascertain the current status of this effort, VoicedIQ reached out to decision-makers behind this effort who updated us, “We are looking at a SSN with draft SOW going out in Q2FY2025 and an RFP around the end of Q3FY2025 or early Q4FY2025.” The awardee of this work will provide the customer with services including, but not limited to, cyber security services, engineering services, configuration management, and network support services. For more information and direct verbal feedback on the effort including: • Performance of their existing contractor • Existing pain points with the current contract • Intended contract vehicle for procurement • Key vehicle decision-makers • And more additional insights See our full analysis: https://lnkd.in/eTcN2Fz8 #TheAdvantageIsKnowing #BusinessDevelopment #FederalContracting

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NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration released its research subtopics today for the upcoming SBIR/STTR Phase I solicitations. The release of the full solicitation and opening of the submission window will be early January. SBIR: https://lnkd.in/gvNiktT6 STTR: https://lnkd.in/gQPNKgUA The NASA SBIR/STTR program will hold nine "Ask Me Anything" sessions throughout next week for you to ask questions about the subtopics. The sessions will be organized by NASA Technology Taxonomy Area (TXs).The expectation is for all attendees to review the subtopics and understand baseline SBIR/STTR information before attending. The schedule and webinar links are available at https://lnkd.in/g4MdihgH #cosbdc #sbdctechsource #techsource #sbir #sttr #sba #seedthefuture #fastgrant #technology #commercialization #science #innovation #csbdc

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Are you a small business looking to connect with the US Army Corps of Engineers? Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity on November 7th for Industry Government Engagement Day! For more information, read the latest edition of the SCMBDA Digest here: https://lnkd.in/ew5bW2Ec #scmbda #MBDA #SmallBusinessNewsletter #BusinessNews #scbusiness #smallbusinesssupportingsmallbusiness #scommerce

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Tune in to the latest Military OneSource podcast to learn about common types of military relationship stress, how to strengthen bonds to create a more fulfilling relationship, and how to become the best version of yourself: https://lnkd.in/eXtUWvMf.

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