Rebellion Defense and 18 other tech startups in national security pushed on Congress this week to bring about change in DoD software acquisition. The company leaders compiled a letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees recently, highlighting the challenges that the Pentagon faces with the acquisition process. Software is a key piece of the U.S. military strategy, and the Pentagon has voiced the need for more agility and flexibility when it comes to buying software. However, as major DoD leaders leave the space due to a lack of innovation, others in the national security space also speak out about the differences between words and actions.
A key initiative from the letter pushes for a clear pathway for buying Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) options that are already available. The leaders note how large companies all over use SaaS options, and that they, “recommend funding and authorization to allow military services to contract directly with SaaS product providers for software capabilities within programs of record for the acquisition of hardware platforms.”
Not only are SaaS options needed, but they also pressed Congress to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) program. Other companies signing on to the letter with Rebellion Defense included, Recorded Future, Copado, Fiddler AI, Percipient.ai, Keeper, CalypsoAI, Interos, SandboxAQ, Nuvolo, LeoLabs, SparkCognition Government Systems, Second Front Systems, Tricentis, Aqua, Armis, Devo Security, Corelight and Jama Software.
Layoffs
Oracle
This summer could bring a wave of layoffs over at Oracle, as the company thinks about how to reduce costs by as much as $ 1 billion. Layoffs typically go hand-in-hand with cost reductions, and reports published recently by The Information say that there could be thousands of employees let go in August. Oracle’s acquisition of healthcare technology Cerner and their 28,000 employees seems to be leading to efforts to reduce costs for the company.
Hiring
Anduril Industries
California-based Anduril Industries is adding Atlanta, GA to its locations list. They are making a $60 million investment in a manufacturing and research facility in west Atlanta. Anduril says the move will create more than 180 jobs in the next three years, as they join the aerospace industry around Atlanta. As unmanned military technology takes up more contracts and focus, companies with capabilities like Anduril will continue to grow.
Cleared Employer at Work: General Dynamics Mission Systems
At General Dynamics Mission Systems, we know that an inclusive environment, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas at all levels, allows us to approach problems in more innovative ways and create the best solutions for our customers and the best culture for our teams. Hear more from one of our very own! Find out more.
SPONSORED CONTENT: This content is written on or behalf of our Sponsor.
Opportunity to Watch
DCS Corporation announced the award of a 10-year Scientific, Technical, Engineering and Program Support Services (STEPSS) contract. STEPSS is a multiple-award, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contract with a $869M shared ceiling to support the United States Army Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) and other Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) defense agencies.
“DCS is excited for the opportunity to expand our support to DEVCOM CBC and CBRNE agencies,” said Jim Benbow, DCS CEO. “We look forward to building on our technical expertise and delivering technologies to the U.S. Army and the Warfighter.”
Under STEPSS, DCS will compete for task orders to provide technical support for research, development, test and evaluation, engineering, acquisition (product development, fielding and support) and chemical and biological demilitarization operations. DCS currently supports DEVCOM CBC in the areas of bioinformatics, decontamination science, and NBC battlefield integration. The STEPSS contract will allow DCS to expand its customer base and footprint.
