NASA is turning to the commercial space industry for its next generation of communications capabilities, and three companies are getting a chance to help make that transition happen. On November 4, the agency announced contracts with Astranis Space Technologies, Global Enterprise Solutions, and Viasat to develop Ka-band satellite relay solutions that can support existing spacecraft as NASA gradually retires its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite fleet.
The contracts have a combined maximum potential value of approximately $1.07 billion, including future options. Viasat received the largest potential award at $460.9 million, followed by Global Enterprise Solutions at $340.4 million and Astranis at $264.3 million. Initial work runs through May 2027, with options extending through 2029.
For the space industry, the awards are another example of the federal government looking to commercial providers for capabilities that historically relied on government-owned infrastructure. The work could support opportunities in satellite communications, systems integration, ground infrastructure, and space operations. And while these are NASA contracts, the broader push toward commercial space services has implications across the national security market, where reliable communications remain a critical capability.
Layoffs: DCS Corporation
Alexandria-based defense contractor DCS Corporation may be getting a little more time before making planned workforce cuts. According to Virginia Business, the company has delayed layoffs affecting 65 employees after a contract protest prompted the U.S. Army to suspend a follow-on contract award. DCS had filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice with Virginia on October 23, identifying 65 positions at Fort Belvoir that could be eliminated beginning December 15.
The delay highlights a familiar challenge for defense contractors: when contracts change hands, the workforce can find itself caught in the middle. With the award now under protest at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), DCS could continue performing work under its existing contract while the dispute is resolved. That may provide some temporary breathing room for affected employees, but it doesn’t guarantee those positions will remain. For cleared professionals supporting government programs, contract transitions can create uncertainty even when the mission and the need for experienced personnel remain unchanged.
Hiring: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is making another major investment in defense manufacturing, announcing a $420 million expansion of its operations in Camden, AR, that is expected to create 650 full-time jobs over the next five years. According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the expansion will increase production capacity for the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) programs.
Lockheed Martin already employs approximately 1,100 people at its Camden operations, and the investment comes as the company works to accelerate missile and interceptor production. The expansion also includes advanced manufacturing capabilities and workforce development efforts involving robotics and digital technologies. For job seekers, it’s another sign that defense manufacturing is generating opportunities well beyond the traditional Washington, D.C., contracting corridor, particularly for professionals with engineering, production, and technical expertise.
Cleared Employer at Work: SOC Federal Services
SOC Federal Services is actively hiring cleared professionals for a wide range of opportunities supporting Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Federal Civilian Agencies. With openings across the country and roles available for candidates with all levels of security clearances, now is a great time to explore your next opportunity with us.
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Opportunity to Watch
The Army is putting serious money behind its ammunition production infrastructure. On November 5, the Department of War announced a multiple-award contracting vehicle with a combined ceiling of $4.17 billion for design work supporting government-owned, contractor-operated Army ammunition plants. Eleven companies were selected, including BAE Systems, Parsons, M.C. Dean, Hensel Phelps Construction, and Burns & McDonnell Engineering.
The awards reflect continued investment in the facilities that support the nation’s munitions production capacity. For contractors working in engineering, construction, industrial modernization, and defense manufacturing, the vehicle represents potential future work as task orders are issued. The $4.17 billion figure is a contract ceiling rather than funding immediately obligated, but the scale of the vehicle makes it an important development to watch as the Army works to strengthen its ammunition production infrastructure.
