Scale AI is teaming up with BAE Systems to push AI capabilities closer to the tactical edge, highlighting a growing trend of tech-defense partnerships focused on operational environments. The collaboration centers on integrating Scale’s AI models with BAE’s defense platforms, with the goal of enabling faster data processing and decision-making in the field—particularly in scenarios where connectivity to centralized systems is limited or unreliable.
The partnership underscores how traditional defense contractors and newer AI companies are increasingly working together to bridge the gap between advanced technology and real-world military use. By combining BAE’s experience in deployed systems with Scale’s AI capabilities, the effort reflects a broader industry push to make AI tools more accessible, resilient, and usable in frontline operations.
Layoffs: Leidos
Leidos is making another workforce adjustment in the National Capital Region, with a new WARN notice outlining plans to lay off 71 employees at its Fort Meade facility in Maryland. The cuts are set to take effect at the end of May and are classified as a “mass layoff with no recall,” meaning affected workers are not expected to return to those roles. The filing does not provide a reason for the reductions, but it highlights ongoing shifts inside one of the federal government’s largest contractors. (Hoodline)
The move comes amid a broader pattern of restructuring across Leidos this year, including earlier layoffs in Virginia, even as the company continues to win major contracts and expand in other areas like cloud modernization and defense technology. For cleared professionals in the Fort Meade and Windsor Mill corridor, the news is a reminder of how closely workforce stability can track with contract cycles—growth in one mission area can coincide with reductions in another, depending on funding and program changes. (Hoodline)
Hiring: Secret Service
The U.S. Secret Service is looking to significantly grow its workforce as part of its latest budget request, signaling a renewed focus on staffing after years of retention challenges. The agency is asking for funding to hire hundreds of additional personnel, including special agents, Uniformed Division officers, and mission support staff. Officials say the hiring push is tied to increasing operational demands, from protecting national leaders to investigating complex financial and cyber crimes.
At the same time, the Service is working to address long-standing workforce strain by improving recruitment pipelines and retention efforts. Leadership has pointed to burnout and high attrition as ongoing concerns, particularly following a busy election cycle and expanding protective missions. The proposed funding aims not just to boost headcount, but to stabilize the workforce and ensure the agency can meet its evolving national security responsibilities.
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Opportunity to Watch
Fuse is expanding its footprint in the national security space with the opening of a new radiation testing facility in Albuquerque, NM. The site is designed to support the growing demand for radiation effects testing, which is critical for ensuring the resilience of electronics used in defense, space, and other high-reliability environments. As threats evolve and systems become more complex, the need to validate how components perform in extreme conditions—like those encountered in space or nuclear scenarios—continues to climb.
The new facility adds to domestic testing capacity at a time when the U.S. is focused on strengthening supply chain security and reducing reliance on overseas capabilities. By scaling up its infrastructure in Albuquerque, Fuse is positioning itself to support both government and commercial customers working on mission-critical technologies, while also contributing to broader efforts to modernize and harden the nation’s defense and space systems.
