Who’s Hiring:
Smaller Firms Thrive in Colorado Springs
While talk among the big 10 defense contractors focuses on sequester and layoffs, some small firms are saying they still struggle to fill their open positions. Small defense contractors credit set-aside contracts for small businesses and veteran owned companies as helping them continue to remain competitive in today’s market. Specific skills, including Java and other program languages, are often hard to fill, especially when it comes to finding candidates with the necessary security clearances.
Spy Planes Take Off
Another area of growth in today’s defense market? Drones…especially those of the ‘low budget’ variety. Northrop Grumman demonstrated a smaller, cheaper spy drone last week. The new Air Claw (it even sounds cheaper) will cost millions less than other models and is tapping into the government’s drone fever. The Air Claw could be used for missions as diverse as border patrol and disaster response or special operations.
Who’s Firing:
The Sequester is Coming! The Sequester is Coming!
Well, the sky may not be falling but the sequester is fast approaching. Speaking before an audience in Arizona Sen. John McCain warned residents not to get too optimistic about the move of three F-35 fighter squadrons to Luke Air Force Base, noting that sequestration could cost the state $3 billion and thousands of jobs.
Stryker Cuts Could Mean Lay-offs
At an Aug. 29 tour of Anniston Army Depot General Dynamics officials warned that a delayed purchase decision on the Stryker program could cause layoffs as early as January. The Army is continuing to debate the need for a third Double-V Stryker Brigade. As it debates the need, the production, and funding, for an additional 243 vehicles remains on hold.
Who’s Acquiring:
Learning from Acquisition Reform Failures of the Past
Budget cuts often bring acquisition reform, and based on the government’s acquisition regulation track record, that’s something we should be concerned about, says Sydney Freedberg, with AOL Defense. The biggest way to improve acquisition, say experts, is to hire ‘smart buyers’ and give them the ‘freedom to use their best judgment.’ Unfortunately, government hiring practices and looming retirements make that more difficult than it sounds.
