NEWS AND RESOURCES
Below you will find the following
- Job Postings and Internships
- Contracts Awarded By The U.S. Defense
- NCMA-LASB Original Articles
- Industry News (Articles and Videos)
- FAR and DFAR News
Job Postings and Internships
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Contracts Awarded By The U.S. Defense Of Defense (DOD) For The Month Of May 2025
Is your company on this list?
As each month passes contracts are awarded to various companies by the Department Of Defense (DOD).
Members who wish to see their companies appear when contracts are assigned can email me at...
[email protected]
Welcome to 2025. Looks like the DOD is kicking tires and lighting fires. I'll highlight the biggest for each day for those in California, but know that many, many more are listed and are accessible by clicking on the dates. Lots of contracts were for companies in California so click on that date to see if your company is listed.
** Highlights of Contracts Awarded for the month of May 2025
Contracts for May 28, 2025 - 11 Contracts awarded (click on the date to view them all for this day)
Lockheed Martin, Littleton, Colorado, has been awarded a $509,759,501 modification (P00181) to a previously awarded contract (FA8807‐18‐C‐0009) for Global Positioning System III Follow-On Space Vehicles 21 and 22. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $4,102,235,382.
Contracts for May 27, 2025 - 13 Contracts awarded (click on the date to view them all for this day)
Pond Constructors, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, was awarded a $2,500,000,000 ceiling indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery contract for Department of Defense fuels infrastructure maintenance, repair, and construction. This contract provides for construction of new, additions to, repairs, or upgrades of Department of Defense petroleum, oil, and/or lubricant facilities or infrastructure, fuel facility-related utilities, and physical requirements within the fuel yard and a small amount of recurring maintenance to fuel infrastructure. Work will be performed at various federal installations worldwide as cited in each individual delivery or task order and is expected to be completed by March 25, 2035. This contract was a competitive acquisition and 23 proposals were received. Fiscal 2025 Defense Logistics Agency working capital reimbursable funds in the amount of $3,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The 772nd Enterprise Strategic Sourcing, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8903-25-D-0071).
Contracts for May 23, 2025 - 13 Contracts awarded (click on the date to view them all for this day)
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded a $86,215,298 modification (P000022) to a previously awarded fixed-price incentive (firm-target) contract (N0001922C0042). This modification procures the necessary hardware and systems engineering technical support, analysis, and studies to install the Department of Navy (DON) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasure (LAIRCM) system onto Department of Defense aircraft for DON and other customers. Hardware for this procurement includes the following weapon replaceable assemblies: 120 advanced threat warning sensors for the Navy and 22 for the Air Force; three control indicator unit replaceable replacements for the Navy and 27 for the Air Force; 62 DON LAIRCM processor units for the Navy and 26 for the Air Force; 26 guardian laser transmitter assemblies for the Navy; six high capacity cards for the Navy and 68 for the Air Force; 17 smart connector assemblies for the Navy and 23 for the Air Force and 36 battery kits for the Navy and 46 for the Air Force. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois (36%); Goleta, California (16%); Longmont, Colorado (10%); Verona, Wisconsin (7%); Ashburn, Virginia (6%); Apopka, Florida (5%); Boulder, Colorado (5%); Salt Lake City, Utah (5%); Blacksburg, Virginia (4%); Carlsbad, California (2%); Tipp City, Ohio (2%); Lewisburg, Tennessee (1%); and Amherst, New York (1%), and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $62,476,075; fiscal 2025 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $10, 258,606; fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $40,000; fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,429,074; fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,273,091; fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $4,607,892; and Navy working capital funds in the amount of $4,130,558, will be obligated at the time of award, $4,607,892 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
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Other Contracts for May, 2025
Contracts For May 22, 2025
Contracts For May 21, 2025
Contracts For May 20, 2025
Contracts For May 19, 2025
Contracts For May 16, 2025
Contracts For May 15, 2025
Contracts For May 14, 2025
Contracts For May 13, 2025
Contracts For May 12, 2025
Contracts For May 9, 2025
Contracts For May 8, 2025
Contracts For May 7, 2025
Contracts For May 6, 2025
Contracts For May 5, 2025
Contracts For May 2, 2025
Contracts For May 1, 2025
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NCMA-LASB Original Articles
NOTE: Make sure to sign up and attend the Free Virtual workshop Other Transactional Authority (OTA) March 26, 2025 at our Event Page.
The Future of AI in Defense and Aerospace Government Contracts: 2025 and Beyond
Contract Managers can remain very relevant in an ever changing career environment.
By Harold Salas March 10, 2025
As of March 10, 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine the defense and aerospace industries, particularly within government contracts. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) projects AI investments to surge, with non-defense AI spending potentially doubling to $32 billion annually by 2026, per a Senate AI Working Group proposal (Federation of American Scientists, 2024). In defense, AI enhances capabilities like autonomous drones, predictive maintenance, and cybersecurity, as seen in the DoD’s AI Rapid Capabilities Cell launched in December 2024 (Defense.gov, 2024). In aerospace, government contracts are driving innovations like AI-piloted KC-135 testing and hypersonic testbeds, supported by agencies like the U.S. Space Force (AIAA, 2025). These advancements, tied to contracts under FAR and DFARS, demand agility in procurement—shifting toward modular contracting to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions rapidly.
Professionals in this field can capitalize on this AI boom by upskilling to stay relevant. Roles in government contracting increasingly require expertise in AI implementation, compliance with DFARS cybersecurity mandates (e.g., CMMC 2.0), and understanding AI-driven project management. Certifications like the Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CertNexus) or AI Engineering Professional (IEEE) offer practical skills in AI deployment, while NCMA’s Contract Management Standard certification ensures mastery of FAR/DFARS intricacies. These credentials position individuals to influence billion-dollar contracts, such as the $895 billion DoD budget proposed for 2025 (CSIS, 2025), by bridging technical and regulatory expertise.
To pursue this education, look to reputable sources: Coursera and edX host university-backed AI courses (e.g., Stanford’s AI offerings), while DAU (Defense Acquisition University) provides free, DoD-specific training on AI in acquisition. For hands-on certification, CertNexus and IEEE programs are accessible online, often with government contractor discounts. Industry events like the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 AI Summit (Carahsoft, 2025) also offer networking and insights into AI trends. By leveraging these resources, professionals can remain competitive, shaping the future of AI in defense and aerospace government contracts beyond 2025.
Below is a short list of 10 defense and aerospace companies actively working on AI implementation, particularly in the context of government contracts and innovative acquisition methods like Other Transaction Authority (OTA), as of March 10, 2025. Following that, I’ll outline NCMA certifications that complement this knowledge, enhancing expertise in AI-driven defense and aerospace contracting.
10 Defense and Aerospace Companies Working on AI Implementation
This list and certification guidance are tailored to current trends, drawing from industry activities and acquisition insights as of March 2025.
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NOTE: Make sure to sign up and attend the Free Virtual workshop Other Transactional Authority (OTA) March 26, 2025 at our Event Page.
The Future of AI in Defense and Aerospace Government Contracts: 2025 and Beyond
Contract Managers can remain very relevant in an ever changing career environment.
By Harold Salas March 10, 2025
As of March 10, 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to redefine the defense and aerospace industries, particularly within government contracts. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) projects AI investments to surge, with non-defense AI spending potentially doubling to $32 billion annually by 2026, per a Senate AI Working Group proposal (Federation of American Scientists, 2024). In defense, AI enhances capabilities like autonomous drones, predictive maintenance, and cybersecurity, as seen in the DoD’s AI Rapid Capabilities Cell launched in December 2024 (Defense.gov, 2024). In aerospace, government contracts are driving innovations like AI-piloted KC-135 testing and hypersonic testbeds, supported by agencies like the U.S. Space Force (AIAA, 2025). These advancements, tied to contracts under FAR and DFARS, demand agility in procurement—shifting toward modular contracting to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions rapidly.
Professionals in this field can capitalize on this AI boom by upskilling to stay relevant. Roles in government contracting increasingly require expertise in AI implementation, compliance with DFARS cybersecurity mandates (e.g., CMMC 2.0), and understanding AI-driven project management. Certifications like the Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CertNexus) or AI Engineering Professional (IEEE) offer practical skills in AI deployment, while NCMA’s Contract Management Standard certification ensures mastery of FAR/DFARS intricacies. These credentials position individuals to influence billion-dollar contracts, such as the $895 billion DoD budget proposed for 2025 (CSIS, 2025), by bridging technical and regulatory expertise.
To pursue this education, look to reputable sources: Coursera and edX host university-backed AI courses (e.g., Stanford’s AI offerings), while DAU (Defense Acquisition University) provides free, DoD-specific training on AI in acquisition. For hands-on certification, CertNexus and IEEE programs are accessible online, often with government contractor discounts. Industry events like the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 AI Summit (Carahsoft, 2025) also offer networking and insights into AI trends. By leveraging these resources, professionals can remain competitive, shaping the future of AI in defense and aerospace government contracts beyond 2025.
Below is a short list of 10 defense and aerospace companies actively working on AI implementation, particularly in the context of government contracts and innovative acquisition methods like Other Transaction Authority (OTA), as of March 10, 2025. Following that, I’ll outline NCMA certifications that complement this knowledge, enhancing expertise in AI-driven defense and aerospace contracting.
10 Defense and Aerospace Companies Working on AI Implementation
- Lockheed Martin
- AI Focus: Through its Advanced Technologies Laboratories (ATL), Lockheed Martin develops AI for autonomous drones and convoy systems, often under DARPA contracts. It leverages OTA for rapid prototyping, as seen in its $1.2 billion R&D spending in 2017, with a portion allocated to AI initiatives.
- Northrop Grumman
- AI Focus: Known for the X-47B autonomous aircraft and AI-driven aerospace systems, Northrop invests heavily in AI (e.g., $639 million in R&D in 2017), using OTA to expedite projects like the B-21 Raider, aligning with DoD’s innovation goals.
- Boeing
- AI Focus: Boeing’s Aerospace & Autonomy Center advances AI for autonomous aircraft, such as the F-15EX, supported by OTA through consortia like the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), enhancing its $32.7 billion defense segment.
- General Dynamics
- AI Focus: While less vocal about AI, General Dynamics applies it in IT services and combat systems (e.g., Virginia-class submarines), using OTA for flexible R&D, contributing to its $33.7 billion defense revenue in 2024.
- Raytheon Technologies
- AI Focus: Raytheon integrates AI into missile defense and surveillance systems, leveraging OTA via consortia like S2MARTS for rapid prototyping, aligning with DoD’s AI push in its $35 billion+ defense portfolio.
- BAE Systems
- AI Focus: BAE develops AI for electronic warfare and autonomous systems, utilizing OTA to bypass FAR constraints, enhancing its global defense offerings and U.S. contracts.
- L3Harris Technologies
- AI Focus: Focused on AI-enhanced communication and jamming tech, L3Harris uses OTA for contracts like the Glide Phase Interceptor, supporting its $15.6 billion defense revenue in 2024.
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
- AI Focus: Kratos specializes in affordable unmanned systems with AI, frequently using OTA consortia (e.g., SpEC) to secure DoD contracts, emphasizing rapid deployment.
- Amentum
- AI Focus: Amentum applies AI in cybersecurity and logistics for DoD missions, leveraging OTA for its $5.7 billion defense revenue, focusing on technical services innovation.
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- AI Focus: A leader in AI consulting for DoD, Booz Allen uses OTA (e.g., IWRP consortium for LARCS) to deliver AI solutions, enhancing mission-critical technologies like data encryption.
- Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
- Benefit: Covers comprehensive contract management, including OTA nuances, FAR/DFARS compliance, and innovative acquisition strategies. It equips professionals to oversee AI-related contracts, ensuring regulatory and strategic alignment.
- Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
- Benefit: Focuses on federal acquisition processes, including OTA’s role in bypassing traditional FAR constraints. Ideal for understanding government-specific AI project requirements and DoD priorities.
- Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)
- Benefit: Enhances skills in commercial partnerships, critical for OTA consortia involving non-traditional contractors. It supports managing AI collaborations between industry and government.
This list and certification guidance are tailored to current trends, drawing from industry activities and acquisition insights as of March 2025.
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Industry News-Click the headlines for the full articles
Defense Articles
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Defense Articles
- Title: S.Korea’s Defense Order Backlog Reaches Record $73.1 Billion at End-2024
- Publication Date: February 17, 2025
- Summary: This article highlights South Korea’s defense industry reaching a record order backlog of $73.1 billion by the end of 2024, driven by global demand for advanced "K-Defense" weapons amid rising defense spending due to conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. Companies like Hanwha Aerospace are investing in localizing technologies (e.g., engines for the K9 howitzer), supported by government-backed export initiatives. The article underscores the role of government approvals in facilitating these high-tech exports, such as LIG Nex1’s $2.6 billion missile deal with Iraq.
- Link: S.Korea’s Defense Order Backlog Reaches Record $73.1 Billion at End-2024
- Title: What Are Key Milestones and Decisions Affecting U.S. Defense Spending in 2025?
- Publication Date: February 13, 2025
- Summary: Published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), this article outlines critical fiscal challenges and decisions impacting U.S. defense spending in 2025, including a proposed $895 billion Department of Defense (DoD) budget. It discusses government approvals tied to appropriations, debt ceiling negotiations, and tax cuts, emphasizing investments in innovative technologies like AI, unmanned systems, and advanced weaponry to counter strategic threats (e.g., China). The piece highlights the urgency of finalizing spending to support these advancements.
- Link: What Are Key Milestones and Decisions Affecting U.S. Defense Spending in 2025?
- Title: Aerospace Industry News Brought to You by AIAA
- Publication Date: January 27, 2025 (Updated with content through early March 2025)
- Summary: This AIAA compilation includes recent developments like the U.S. Air Force approving AI pilot testing on KC-135 aircraft, reflecting government spending on autonomous flight technologies. It also covers SpaceX’s sixth Starship test flight on November 19, 2024, indirectly tied to U.S. Space Force contracts, and Stratolaunch’s reusable hypersonic Talon A testbed, supported by government funding for next-gen aerospace tech. These efforts showcase approved investments in cutting-edge aerospace systems.
- Link: Aerospace Industry News Brought to You by AIAA
- Title: Reuters Aerospace & Defense News | Today's Top Stories
- Publication Date: March 4, 2025 (Updated through March 8, 2025)
- Summary: This Reuters roundup includes a March 7, 2025, report on the U.S. Space Force’s expedited GPS mission launched via SpaceX Falcon 9, part of approved government spending to enhance satellite navigation technology. It also notes the FAA’s efforts to streamline commercial space launch approvals, facilitating innovative projects like SpaceX’s Starship, which faced disruptions on March 7, 2025, but remains tied to DoD-backed advancements in reusable rocket tech.
- Link: Reuters Aerospace & Defense News | Today's Top Stories
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Changes to FAR and/or DFARS Since the beginning of 2025
Since January 2025, several updates have been made to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Below is a summary of the key changes based on available information up to the current date, March 26, 2025:
Changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
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Since January 2025, several updates have been made to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Below is a summary of the key changes based on available information up to the current date, March 26, 2025:
Changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
- Proposed Amendment on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Program
- Date: January 15, 2025
- Details: The Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) proposed an amendment to implement the National Archives and Records Administration’s Controlled Unclassified Information Program. This change stems from an Executive Order titled "Controlled Unclassified Information" and aims to standardize the handling and protection of sensitive but unclassified information across federal acquisitions. While this is still a proposed rule, it indicates a significant upcoming shift in FAR requirements once finalized.
- Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- Date: January 17, 2025
- Details: The Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CAS Board) released an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to seek public comments on aligning CAS with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly related to CAS 404. This is an initial step toward potential updates to FAR cost accounting provisions, though no final changes have been implemented yet.
- Editorial Changes
- Date: January 15, 2025, and ongoing updates noted by March 24, 2025
- Details: DoD amended the DFARS to incorporate editorial corrections and clarifications. These changes are administrative in nature, ensuring consistency and readability without introducing substantive policy shifts.
- Validation of Proprietary Data Restrictions
- Date: January 17, 2025
- Details: A final rule was issued to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012. This amendment addresses how proprietary data restrictions are validated, enhancing protections and processes for contractors submitting proprietary information to DoD.
- Definition of "Material Weakness" for Contractor Business Systems
- Date: January 17, 2025
- Details: Another final rule implemented sections of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2021, defining "material weakness" in the context of evaluating contractor business systems. This replaces the term "significant deficiency" with "material weakness," providing clearer criteria for assessing contractor compliance and system reliability.
- SBIR/STTR Data Rights Implementation
- Date: Effective January 17, 2025
- Details: DoD issued a final rule amending DFARS to incorporate data rights provisions from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Policy Directive (April 2, 2019). This update clarifies and strengthens intellectual property protections for small businesses involved in DoD contracts.
- Annual List of Federal Prison Industries Market Share
- Date: March 24, 2025
- Details: DoD published an updated annual list of product categories where Federal Prison Industries’ share of the DoD market exceeds five percent. While not a regulatory change per se, this update influences procurement decisions under DFARS by highlighting areas where competition or sourcing may be affected.
- The changes listed above reflect finalized actions or significant proposals as of March 26, 2025. Some updates, such as the FAR CUI proposal and CAS alignment, are still in the rulemaking process and may not yet be effective.
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