3/3/2025: Stories on the FORGED Act for Defense Acquisition, Using Consortia to Bolster the DIB, and more!

This Week’s Tech Highlights:

Using the FORGED Act to Revamp the Defense Industrial Base
A Newly Released Report on Using Consortia to Bolster the DIB
DIU’s Dialogue at the Munich Security Conference on Supply Chain Resilience and Increasing Manufacturing Capacity
Defense Tech Startups Vie for Billions of Pentagon Contracts

Tech Sector New

UAS: IdeaForge Technology Invests in US-based Vantage Robotics
AI: LLNL researchers use high-performance computing, AI, and machine learning to accelerate drug development
National Security tech: McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) in Oklahoma has unveiled the Theater Readiness Monitoring Facility
Space: NASA has awarded SpaceX a $100 million contract to launch the Near-Earth Object

And more!
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GENERAL EMERGING TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Rebuilding the DIB with the FORGED Act

In a recent post on Substack, Pete Modigliani and Matt MacGregor describe how the FORGED Act aims to overhaul defense acquisition by cutting red tape, boosting commercial procurement, and streamlining decision-making. Key reforms include prioritizing commercial solutions, supporting non-traditional contractors, empowering portfolio executives, and enabling rapid procurement through experimentation. The act seeks to enhance efficiency, innovation, and competition, shaping acquisition more significantly than past reform laws.

GMU Releases New Report on Leveraging Consortia to Expand the Defense Industrial Base

A newly released report from George Mason University highlights the benefits of the consortia model in defense acquisition, including improved government-industry collaboration, faster procurement, and increased participation of nontraditional contractors. The study recommends enhancing transparency, training, and flexibility while avoiding excessive regulations. The authors emphasize the model’s role in expanding the defense industrial base and accelerating innovation for national security.

DIU Leaders Promote Resilience, and Manufacturing as Keys to the Future of Defense Technology at Munich Security Conference

At the 2025 Munich Security Conference, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) hosted a dialogue on defense tech manufacturing and innovation. Experts discussed supply chain resilience, industrial capacity, and public-private collaboration. Key announcements included partnerships for standardized drone components and a new European drone factory for Ukraine. DIU continues to foster global defense innovation through embedded staff and international contracts.

Military-Tech Startups Compete for Pentagon Contracts as Secretary Hegseth Shakes Up Spending

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is redirecting Pentagon spending towards innovative defense-tech startups, creating opportunities for companies like Anduril Industries and Palantir Technologies. This shift emphasizes investment in advanced technologies such as autonomous drones and missile-defense systems, moving away from traditional large defense contractors. Initiatives like the proposed “Golden Dome” missile-defense shield exemplify this new focus, aiming to enhance military capabilities through agile, tech-driven solutions.

OSTP Director Nominee Promises to Center ‘American Leadership’ in Emerging Tech Work

At his confirmation hearing, Michael Krastios, the nominee for White House’s science and technology policy director, emphasized the importance of advancing emerging technologies. He outlined a strategy focused on R&D, regulations, international collaboration, and workforce development. He stressed aligning AI applications with agency missions, supporting public-private partnerships, and leveraging federal test beds to drive innovation and commercialization while strengthening the federal tech workforce.

Pentagon May Break Up Tech Offices in Acquisition-Policy Shift

The Pentagon is considering merging parts of the Strategic Capabilities Office, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO) into a new organization focused on procuring advanced commercial technology. The shift prioritizes deployable weapon systems over research, reduces direct engagement with combatant commands, and places more R&D costs on contractors. The plan, still in early stages, requires congressional approval and Pentagon buy-in.

SBA Administrator Loeffler Issues Memo Outlining Agency’s Priorities

Newly confirmed SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler issued a memo outlining her priorities for reshaping the agency, emphasizing a streamlined approach to small business support. Her vision includes reducing regulatory burdens, increasing efficiency in loan processing, and refocusing programs on traditional small businesses. The memo signals potential shifts in how the SBA engages with entrepreneurs and allocates resources, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility and private-sector-driven growth.

DHS S&T Releases Best Practices for Supporting Critical Infrastructure

DHS S&T released the Best Practices for Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Supporting Critical Infrastructure, as directed by Executive Order 13905. The guide helps infrastructure owners and operators ensure responsible PNT use, including GPS/GNSS applications, by assessing risks and applying resilience principles. Acting Under Secretary Julie Brewer emphasized PNT’s role in critical sectors and the need for robust, secure solutions against emerging threats.

DOD Evaluating Consulting Services Contracts

The Pentagon has ordered all defense agencies to review consulting service contracts and identify “non-essential” ones for potential termination, per a recently released memo. This aligns with Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive to cut programs and reallocate funds to Trump administration priorities, including border security and missile defense. Defense agencies must submit GSA contract reviews by March 19 and non-GSA reviews by April 19.

Special Competitive Studies Project Releases Memorandum for President Trump on Advanced Manufacturing

SCSCP recently released a memo that argues that advanced manufacturing should be a national priority to counter China’s dominance and strengthen U.S. economic and security interests. It recommends investing in industrial AI, robotics, next-generation factories, R&D, and manufacturing policy infrastructure. Additionally, it calls for new financing mechanisms to support growth. By implementing these reforms, the U.S. can rebuild its manufacturing base, secure critical supply chains, and lead in future factory development.

PSF ANALYSIS & INSIGHTS

PSF Analysis: Ecosystem Landscape for Microelectronics

The Microelectronics manufacturing ecosystem is the backbone of national security and economic resilience. Our latest analysis breaks down key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping this critical sector.Here are some interesting findings:

Cutting-Edge Technologies – Advancing AI, quantum computing, autonomous systems, and next-gen communications.
Key Industries Impacted – Supporting defense, aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and space manufacturing.
Federal R&D Investment – Over $7.1 billion was allocated to 2,171 organizations, accelerating breakthroughs in microelectronics.
Dual-Use Innovation – 368 organizations bridging government and commercial markets, scaling solutions for both sectors.

Click here to download the latest ecosystem analysis on Microelectronics and other emerging technology categories.

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TECHNOLOGY SECTOR-SPECIFIC NEWS

UAS: Drone Maker IdeaForge Technology Invests in US-based Vantage Robotics

A leading drone maker has invested in a U.S.-based nano and micro UAV provider to expand global reach and enhance drone capabilities. The partnership aims to scale production, accelerate market entry, and develop advanced UAV solutions for defense and enterprise applications. It also strengthens manufacturing and technology synergies, targeting a $1 billion market opportunity.

UAS: Drones are the Next Chapter in US-India’s Defense Partnership

The U.S. and India have launched a new alliance for autonomous systems to boost AI-driven tech production in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership builds on existing defense agreements and expands cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum, and biotech. Both nations aim to enhance private-sector capabilities in ISR, drones, space, and unmanned systems while resolving trade and defense collaboration issues.

AI: Big Ideas Lab Unlocks the Secrets of Drug Discovery Through Supercomputing and AI

The Big Ideas Lab podcast explores how computing and industry partnerships are transforming drug discovery. LLNL researchers use high-performance computing, AI, and machine learning to accelerate drug development. Collaborations with industry and research institutions are driving breakthroughs, from targeting cancer mutations to expanding FDA-approved drugs. Experts predict these advancements will lead to faster, more effective treatments in the coming years.

AI: Air Logistics Optimization Prototyped for DoD Leveraging Enterprise Commercial Solutions

The DoD is modernizing air logistics with AI-driven solutions from AWS, C3 AI, and Google Public Sector. These tools optimize flight scheduling, reduce fuel consumption, and improve operational efficiency. The Air Force, Navy, and USTRANSCOM are leveraging commercial tech to cut scheduling times, enhance disruption management, and lower costs. Successful prototypes are transitioning to production contracts for broader adoption.

National Security Tech: McAlester Army Ammunition Plant Cuts Ribbon on HAWK Missile Test Facility

The McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (MCAAP) in Oklahoma has unveiled the Theater Readiness Monitoring Facility (TRMF), a modernized facility dedicated to supporting the U.S. military’s air defense efforts. The TRMF will handle testing, recertification, assembly, and repair of the HAWK missile system, a key air defense asset. The facility has already processed 2,751 HAWK missiles and received 825 more from six countries. This initiative strengthens global security by ensuring these missiles remain mission-ready.

National Security Tech: Sandia National Lab Completes Last Production Unit of Major Munition, Moves Into Sustainment

Sandia National Laboratories and the nuclear security enterprise have completed the last production unit of the B61-12 nuclear bomb, marking a major milestone in the U.S. nuclear deterrence program. While full system production is finished, the program will continue producing spare components and conducting stockpile sustainment activities through FY26. Sandia National Labs, as the systems integrator, ensures aircraft compatibility and reliability. Ongoing efforts include surveillance, testing, and assessments to maintain the weapon’s long-term effectiveness.

Space: NASA Awards Planetary Defense Space Telescope Launch Services Contract

NASA has awarded SpaceX a $100 million contract to launch the Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, targeting a launch no earlier than September 2027. The mission will use a 50 cm infrared telescope to detect and characterize asteroids and comets that could pose impact threats to Earth. Managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the five-year survey aims to identify at least two-thirds of hazardous NEOs over 140 meters in size, advancing planetary defense efforts.

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