Scott Johnson, MBA

AUK President Dan Rice 🇺🇸 🇺🇦, a former US Army artillery officer and a longtime supporter of sending various cluster munitions to Ukraine, co-authored an article titled "NATO states should abandon treaty banning the use of cluster munitions" recently with John Nagl, professor of Warfighting Studies at the U.S. Army War College. Rice noted that a reevaluation of NATO's position on cluster munitions is necessary in light of the recent geopolitical landscape marked by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the return of great power competition. In particular, it is emphasized that “Withdrawing from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CMC) and reinstating the use of cluster munitions is a difficult but necessary decision to strengthen NATO’s defense posture and secure peace in Europe. The defense of Europe requires cluster munitions now, and in the future. This is not 2008. NATO must recognize that adhering to the CMC puts it at a strategic disadvantage not only against Russia but also against a rising China.” We invite you to read the full article at the link: https://lnkd.in/eSNSa8D6

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📢 Hawaii’s Role in NATO 📢 Kevin Knodell from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports on the bipartisan push to include Hawaii in NATO, reflecting NATO's increasing focus on the Pacific. Benedetta Berti, NATO’s Director of Policy Planning, attended our February conference in Waikiki, underscoring the region's strategic importance. In their PacNet article, David Santoro, our President, and Senior Advisor John Hemmings discuss the potential implications of a U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan and emphasize NATO’s economic and military deterrence strength. They argue that while a strike on Hawaii is "at the extreme end of the possible," it points to a potential crisis that the alliance must be ready to address. Read the full article for a detailed analysis: https://lnkd.in/gE6YJxrr #Hawaii #NATO #PacificForum #IndoPacific #USChinaRelations

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Robert Reich on Substack.com ‘How can someone who runs two of America’s most important military and intelligence contractors, and who has top-secret security clearance, be secretly meeting with #Putin?’ #Musk may also be held accountable for conflicts of interest between his being in “regular contact” with #Russianpresident #VladimirPutin, as reported by The Wall Street Journal last Friday, and his status as one of the most important #nationalsecurity contractors to the U.S. government through his SpaceX and Starlink enterprises. …….Musk’s regular discussions with Putin — confirmed by several current and former U.S., European, and Russian officials — have involved business and geopolitical tensions. Musk’s SpaceX, which operates the Starlink satellite system, has a $1.8 billion contract with U.S. #military and #intelligenceagencies. It’s the primary rocket launcher for NASA and the Pentagon. It launches vital national security satellites into orbit and is the company NASA relies on to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. To effectuate these contracts, Musk says he has top-secret security clearance. […..] At one point, Putin reportedly asked Musk to avoid activating his Starlink satellite internet service over Taiwan as a favor to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to two people briefed on the request. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said The Wall Street Journal’s report should prompt an investigation. Musk’s conversations with Putin would clearly violate Musk’s security clearance if he failed to properly report them to the U.S. government. If classified information was leaked, Musk could be required to give up control of SpaceX, which holds the majority of his companies’ government contracts. Musk has also been in contact with other high-ranking Russian officials, according to The Wall Street Journal, including Sergei Kiriyenko, Putin’s first deputy chief of staff. Last month, the U.S. Justice Department accused Kiriyenko of creating some 30 internet domains to spread Russian disinformation, including on Musk’s X, where it was meant to erode support for Ukraine and manipulate American voters ahead of the presidential election. If Musk has been a witting conduit for Russian election disinformation, he could lose control of X. He could even go to jail. Musk’s and Russia’s interests have increasingly overlapped. Russian forces occupying Ukraine’s eastern and southern swaths have started using Starlink to enable secure communications and extend the range of their drones. Russian troops also began using Starlink terminals, brought in through third countries, undermining one of Ukraine’s few battlefield advantages. Earlier this year, Musk gave airtime to Putin and his views on the U.S…….……..[….] https://lnkd.in/gDcU-542 #ElonMusk #Putin #Starlink

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9/4/24 National Security News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3XvEZRW 1. Opinion Tomorrow’s Army is here. Can it get past yesterday’s bureaucracy?   2. ‘Trade steel for blood’ — The Army’s plan to bring soldiers into the 21st century 3. The US Army’s Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company: Weapon of the week 4. U.S. Army eyes drone-soaked Middle East to refine energy weapons 5. Exclusive: US expected to send senior Pentagon official to China military forum 6. The US Navy Is Going All In on Starlink 7. To Remain Relevant the Marines Must Adapt to a Changing World 8. The Evolving Context for Deterrence 9. Ukraine's Kursk Offensive: One Giant Blunder? 10. The U.S. Marine Corps Forest Warfare Legacy Intertwines with Finland and the Baltics 11. Commander of Navy Warship Relieved of Duty Months After Backward Rifle Scope Photo Flap 12. The U.S. Navy’s Chief Supplier Is in Peril 13. Warfighting, quality of life prioritized in USMC commandant guidance 14. Analysts: China tests US commitment to Indo-Pacific with maritime operations 15. NEWSFLASH: Zelenskyy shakes up cabinet, ministers resign 16. CISA moves away from trying to influence content moderation decisions on election disinformation 17. Trump’s Foreign-Policy Influencers 18. The US Should Support the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan 19. Operation Neptune Spear: The Most Important American Special Operation 20. Windows, not Walls: Conceptualizing Air Superiority for Future Wars 21. China’s new global charm offensive: Vocational training for the world, but is there a catch? 22. The War on Excess: The Army Has an Equipment Management Problem and Needs a Culture Change to Solve It 23. A Revolution Begins in Austin, Texas 24. China-linked 'Spamouflage' network mimics Americans online to sway US political debate 25. The Year of Elections Has Been Good for Democracy 26. How to Keep the Peace in Gaza

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Looking to win more federal contracts? Success in the #GovCon space is all about focusing on the right agencies, building strong relationships, and consistently delivering value. It’s not just about having a great product or service; it’s about knowing how to navigate the complex federal buying process and standing out from the competition. Ready to elevate your federal business strategy? Schedule a consultation with us today! Let’s discuss how you can apply proven best practices to enhance your approach, build meaningful connections, and secure more contracts. https://zurl.co/n0gZ #WinMoreFederalContracts #BuildStrongRelationships #FederalContracting #FederalBusinessStrategy #HowToConsistentlyDeliverValue #Connect #SummitInsight

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For those of us in the CT world, this article is a big fat, “I told you so.” I wrote about it at the time and posted the insights and evidence on this platform. I don’t give a damn about being right. I only care that our military honors their oath to the nation. Just voting for a traitor denies anyone in uniform a claim to being patriotic. Also, since Elon Musk is as JAMES BRUNO accurately noted today, publishing names of women working in government as an intimidation tactic, I am announcing, “here I am.” Why don’t you pick on real men and patriots that see you as the loser and fake patriot that you are. Attempting to push women around, is a classic MAGA identity trait. Like trump, you don’t understand who American women are. They won’t be intimidated and real men will support them. True patriots will stand up to tyranny like his no matter what he does. Now is the time for an, “I am Spartacus” moment, where we all stand up to trump and musk’s intimidation tactics. I for one, will not be silenced by fake patriots and traitors in the incoming administration. Typically, this is where LinkedIn’s algorithms and other moderation kicks in and silences voices like mine. We cannot allow our nation to be run by fascists. https://lnkd.in/gPSjg47C AP finds that a Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military relied on old data

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6/9/24 National Security News and Commentary https://conta.cc/4eiJQwb 1. Operations Order: OVERLORD 2. How Israel Pulled Off a High-Risk Hostage Rescue 3. Despite Biden’s urging, cease-fire deal shows no progress 4. Legacy of America’s past battles looms over Israel-Gaza crisis 5. Things Worth Remembering: Why Forgiveness Matters (Hannah Arendt) 6. Chechen man was killed near US military base — what happened? 7. Why Deploying Western Special Forces to Ukraine may Help Prevent Global Conflicts 8. Why Russia Is Happy at War 9. 82nd Airborne paratroopers cut down a 101st flag from an iconic bar on D-Day 10. This Is What It Looks Like When AI Eats the World 11. D-Day, 80 years later, contains lessons for defending Taiwan 12. Chinese media pushes 'Philippines as aggressor’ narrative before viral Marcos deepfake 13. 'New Containment' Strategy Is Doomed To Fail

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11/18/24 Korean News and Commentary https://conta.cc/3ZcLvOk 1. “If the North Korean military deployment expands, it could affect the war… There are limits to improving combat capabilities” 2. North Korea can send up to 100,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine 3. Retired US colonel: Biden is sending a message to North Korea and China about supporting Russia 4. Japan's minister visits Ukraine to stress mutual concern over North Korean troops 5. North Korea delivers 70 missile launchers, artillery systems to Russia's Kursk Oblast, FT reports 6. N. Korea sends trash-carrying balloons to S. Korea for 1st time in 3 weeks 7. North Korea slams ROK balloon launches, scattering propaganda over Seoul 8. Ukraine issues update on size of North Korean force in Russia 9. China's stance on North Korea, Russia appears to shift as South, U.S. and Japan up pressure 10. Effort to stop N.K. military support for Russia needs to go in parallel with denuclearization push: FM 11. U.N. committee voices concerns over negative impact of N.K.'s abandonment of reunification policy 12. What we know about North Korean troops in Ukraine 13. N. Korean officials ordered to enforce "two hostile states" doctrine in propaganda push 14. Audit agency refers ex-security adviser to probe over delayed deployment of THAAD 15. Aid theft undermines N. Korean flood recovery efforts 16. N. Korea holds lectures condemning Yoon, S. Korean politics 17. N. Korea's Kim calls for bolstering nuclear forces 'without limitation,' completing war preparations 18. S. Korea reviews measures to reclaim loans to N. Korea over destruction of land routes 19. Military coup unlikely in protest of 3rd hereditary power transfer in N. Korea: ex-diplomat

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The world is watching, and democracies need U.S. leadership. Failing to pass a defense budget weakens our military, defense industry, and signals weakness to adversaries like Russia and China. Congress must act now—secure funding and show strength. #AmericanLeadership #DefenseFunding #LeadByExample #GlobalSecurity

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US plan could help boost NATO arms production for Ukraine- Funds would also go toward undercutting Russian arms sales. The majority of the $2 billion will most likely go to purchasing weapons for Ukraine, but a “significant” portion will go to incentivizing arms production and other less typical uses. A portion of the money, for example, could be used to stimulate Eastern European production of arms and munitions that Ukraine needs. Specifically; Bulgaria, Romania, and Montenegro as potential investment sites. #armsproduction #defenseindustry #defense #defenceproduction #NATO #CBRN #CBRNE #supplychain #ukraine #Bulgaria #romania #Montenegro #manufacturing #FMF CBRNE ATLANTIC BRIDGE (CAB)

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GovCons, does the industry jargon fly over your head?  𝗔 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀 ⬇️ Understanding the industry terminology is crucial if you’re venturing into government contracting. This: > Positions you as a veteran (and not a newbie) > Helps navigate the whole process with confidence. > Enables better communication. > Avoids misunderstandings. > Ensures compliance with contract requirements. > Empowers you to negotiate favorable terms  > Helps understand your rights and obligations. Don't let terms confuse you. They are actually pretty simple to understand: 1. BOA (Basic Ordering Agreement) Establishes terms, conditions, and payment modes for future orders between a government agency and a supplier.  This is not a contract! 2. Best and Final Offer The last proposal from a bidder. 3. Direct Payments Government payments to contractors for goods/services. 4. GSA Schedule A pre-negotiated contract that allows govt agencies to purchase at set prices and terms. 5. Net Value The final amount a contractor would get after deductions (discounts, credits, etc.). 6. Price Competition Suppliers compete on who bids the lowest price for a contract. 7. Qualified Borrower An entity that meets the criteria to receive funding.  Factors include creditworthiness, income stability, debt-to-income ratio, etc. 8. Requisition Formal request for products/services. 9. Subcontract Payment Payments to subcontractors. 10. WAWF (Wide Area Workflow) Online platform for invoicing, receipt, and acceptance of payments. Knowing these terms is critical to making it as a govcon. Two key glossaries to bookmark: 1️⃣ https://lnkd.in/eC9UEMGE 2️⃣ https://lnkd.in/e2yFVkSF Be honest; how many of these terms did you know? Let us know! 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙯𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜—𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙜𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮! #govcon #SMBGovernmentContractors #Innovation #entrepreneurship 🔔 OppZo - democratizing access to affordable working capital for GovCons. Get in touch if you're looking for working capital: https://lnkd.in/eu2GapzV Source: USDA, SAPDC

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The Pentagon’s current National Defense Strategy is out of date, America’s military inappropriately structured and the US industrial base is “grossly inadequate” to confront the dual threats of Russia and China, according to a new, high-powered formal review. “The U.S. public are largely unaware of the dangers the United States faces or the costs (financial and otherwise) required to adequately prepare” for a global conflict, reads an early page from the final report of the Commission on the National Defense Strategy, published today. “A bipartisan ‘call to arms’ is urgently needed so that the United States can make the major changes and significant investments now rather than wait for the next Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The support and resolve of the American public are indispensable.” https://lnkd.in/gnmt_S-Y

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This a.m. gave the opening keynote on #Strategic #Foresight to Senior Executives from across the U.S. federal gov - both #civilian and #defense+#intelligence. Yesterday p.m. I was asked to give a closing keynote to Executives from state gov with public #housing & #community projects. As you can imagine, lots of questions about the #future and what might be ahead for the 50 states and the nation. I emphasized the points in this Memorial Day article: https://lnkd.in/eVt6-9sN ... which still apply to our now: * First, the historical ideal that you could have one job in a single field for life is no longer the case in our exponentially changing world, #we #all will have #multiple #jobs in life. * Second, the historical ideal that you could graduate from either high school or college and that would be sufficient education for the rest of your work career is also no longer the case, we all will have to be regular, on-going #learners for #life as our world #rapidly changes #technologically, #economically, and #socially. * Third, whereas in the 1960s the average company listed on the S&P 500 stayed listed for 62 years, nowadays the average time on the S&P 500 is less than twelve years; more than half the companies listed on the S&P 500 back in 2001 are no longer listed now. These factors are #straining the fabric of our #republic – and challenging those who want to do the business of public service in a non-partisan fashion. The rapid pace of #global #change disrupts what was previously the American Dream of get an education, work hard, and you will be successful... which is why we have lots of work to do in #public #service for #people. ... I ended my talks both yesterday and today to the non-partisan Senior Executives from state governments and federal government agencies respectively with a call to Be #Bold, Be #Brave, and Be #Benevolent. The months ahead will require hard #work, hundreds of #challenges behind the scenes that may not be publicly visible, and lots of letting go of #outdated #legacy #systems and #processes. However we have these journeys ahead of us... and my call to all was to move forward with boldness, bravery, and benevolence as the #future moves towards us at 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day for #UnitedWeStand. Sue Gordon Ellen McCarthy Jake Shapiro Cyndi Coon Alexander Ruiz Rita McGrath Chuck Brooks Bob G. Jeff Frazier Matthew Rose Kirsten Fontenrose Dana W. Hudson Denise Holt 🌎David T. Ackerman, Esq. Brian Finlay Chini Krishnan Lauren Hirshon Sean S. Costigan PhD Brian Chidester Karen S. Evans Stan Soloway Jennifer Pahlka Dave Wennergren Angela Brescia Brandie Nonnecke, PhD Valmiki Mukherjee, Radia Funna Michael Allen Vala Afshar R "Ray" Wang Perry Hewitt Teresa Carlson Maryam Mujica Hunter Muller Melissa Marr Jeffrey Rogers Jane Finette Pascal Finette Francisco Molinero Anthony Scriffignano, Ph.D.

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Register for Government Agency GSA: Step-by-Step Guide Getting into government contracts can be hard, but being on the General Services Administration (GSA) schedule helps. The GSA is a key buying agency for the U.S. government. It lets vendors show their products and services to many government agencies. First, businesses need to register. This means getting a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and signing up with the System for Award Management (SAM). This step makes sure your company is seen and ready for government contracts through the GSA's multiple award schedules. This article will walk you through the GSA registration process. You'll learn about the rules and what documents you need. It's helpful for both small businesses and experienced government contractors. This guide will help you understand the GSA process and get your company ready for government contracts. Understanding Government Agency GSA https://is.gd/tVDzSL #Federalprocurement #GovernmentContracts #GSAregistrationprocess

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