NIH Resumes Grant Programs

The National Institutes of Health published guidance to grant recipients on the agency’s plans to resume normal operations following the government shutdown. Many grant deadlines have been extended into November. Read the guidance here.

Govt Shutdown? $6.3 Billion awarded during 16 days of shutdown

The Defense Department awarded 95 contracts valued at more than $6.3 billion during the 16 days of the government shutdown this month, with the Air Force and Navy awarding contracts valued $2.7 billion and $2.1 billion dollars, respectively.

The Pentagon, which ordinarily announces awards of contracts valued at more than $6.5 million on a daily basis, suspended the announcements – but not the awards – until Friday, when it posted all the contracts that met the threshold since Oct. 1.

Air Force Space Command leading new effort to revamp satellite acquisitions

Air Force Space Command is leading a new effort to revamp satellite acquisitions.  

Its called  "space modernization initiative." The goal is to reduce cost and build satellites that are less susceptible to enemy jamming or physical attacks. 

The U.S. Air Force, which oversees most military space programs, has tried several methods to cut costs and spur innovation.

"Are there better, more affordable ways to provide these capabilities?" asks Air Force Brig. Gen. Roger W. Teague, director of strategic plans, programs and analyses at Air Force Space Command.

In search of answers and fresh ideas, Teague is leading a new effort to revamp satellite acquisitions, called "space modernization initiative." The goal is to both reduce cost and build satellites that are less susceptible to enemy jamming or physical attacks.

$94 Billion for Cyber Budget

U.S. cyber security spending will reach $94 billion between 2013 and 2023, according to a new study by market research firm ASDReports.

This makes the U.S. the largest market for cybersecurity firms, followed by Europe at $25 billion, Asia-Pacific at $23 billion, the Middle East at $22.8 billion and Latin America at $1.6 billion.

Most of the expenditure in this sector is generated by the private sector, but government spending has increased.  Private and public spending is almost the same, $94 billion over the next 10 years.

Air Force, Navy Accelerate Missile Acquisition

The Air Force and Navy want to increase purchases of the AIM-9X Block II missile by more than 40%.

This accelerates planned buys of the Raytheon-built weapon between FY14 - FY18.  Increasing spending by $326 million.

Pentagon new initiatives mean new business

The Pentagon has launched 10 new initiatives to rapidly transition mature technologies into projects that could find permanent places in the military's arsenal, with each one aimed at resolving an immediate need identified by combatant commanders.

This is the perfect time to build your business plans around these new initiatives.

Pax River, MD

Patuxent River Naval Air Station is still a great place to conduct business.  

Even with budget cuts, research and development efforts are underway.

As further evidence, the Navy is on track to release a draft request for proposals for the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program this month, with an industry day expected in October and a final RFP release in fiscal year 2014.