Richard Crowe

Heads Up...DoD News related to Architect - Engineering (AE) Services! (1) FINAL RULE Effective 8/26/2024 - DFARS Case 2024-D019 Architect and Engineering Service Fees. This rule changes DFARS to implement Section 2881 of the FY24 NDAA to increase the limitation of the contract price (i.e., "fee") for A-E services for the preparation and delivery of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications from 6% of the project's estimated construction cost to 10%. It is applicable to Army, Navy, and Air Force projects (references in 10 U.S.C. 7540,8612, and 9540). The new 10% limit replaces the 6% fee limitation on contract modifications for work not initially included in the contract and redesign, and applies only to that portion of the contract (or modification) price attributable to the preparation of designs, plans, drawings, and specifications. If a contract or modification also includes other services, the part of the price attributable to the other services is not subject to the fee limitation. (Personally, I've been waiting since the early 1990's for this percentage to change (and yes, I've been doing this THAT long). This makes it easier for small AE businesses to participate in the Federal space. So, YEA!) Permalink: https://lnkd.in/g7vF95R6 (2) PROPOSED RULE Comments due 9/27/2024 -- DFARS Case 2023-D007 Task Order and Delivery Order Contracting for Architectural and Engineering Services. This rules proposes a corresponding change to DFARS Subpart 216.5, Indefinite-Delivery Contracts, to require DoD Contracting Officers (KOs) to use qualification-based selections when awarding task orders and delivery orders for AE services that was previously implemented procedurally under FAR Subparts 16.500, 16.505, and 36.6 procedures in 2005 under the final rule for FAR Case 2004-001 Improvements in Contracting for Architect-Engineer Services. This proposed rule adds DoD-specific statutory guidance (10 U.S.C. 3406(h)(2)) to DFARS directing KOs not to request additional info regarding qualifications unless necessary to determine qualifications for a particular task order or delivery order under a multiple-award contract. There should be little to no impact from this proposed rule since there are no procedural changes, new clauses or provisions, and no new applicability in terms of thresholds or types of contracts. Permalink: https://lnkd.in/gwh2_38J

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Las week I was invited (again) by the DoD to attend the AFSOR 2024 Trust and Influence Program Review on August 12-16, 2024. to be held in Dayton, OH. Department of the Air Force Chief Data and AI Office has been creating a healthy environment where academia and industry jointly with goverment share experiences and insights. Its time to keep moving towards the future of the idea of #workingforhumans #thinkingfromscience and the power of #humath. We should definitively continue creating #aipoweredsolutions with our idea. Universidad EAFIT Innovación EAFIT and #PinkTechnologies powered by #Humath

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DoD rule-makers have been busy with proposed rules for DFARS. Those of you with a NAICS code that begins with 5416--management, scientific, and technical consulting services NAICS--will want to pay attention to this first rule in particular... Preventing Conflicts of Interest for Certain Consulting Services (DFARS Case 2024-D007) - Proposes amending DFARS to-- ▶ implement Section 812 of the FY24 NDAA which prohibits DoD from awarding contracts assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code beginning with 5416 to offerors who hold contracts that involve consulting services with certain covered foreign entities. ▶ add a new solicitation provision in which an offeror certifies whether the offeror, its subsidiaries, or affiliates hold a contract for consulting services with one or more covered foreign entities and whether the offeror maintains a conflict-of-interest mitigation plan that meets certain requirements. ▶ requires that if the offeror, its subsidiaries, or affiliates hold such a contract and the offeror is selected for award, the offeror may submit its existing conflict-of-interest mitigation plan, which will be incorporated into a contract resulting from the solicitation. The provision is prescribed for use in solicitations assigned a NAICS code beginning with 5416 that involve consulting services. (https://lnkd.in/gCdMD7D4) DoD Cost or Pricing Data Reporting Requirements (DFARS Case 2022-D004) - Would amend DFARS to-- ▶ require offerors to submit data other than certified cost or pricing data upon contracting officer request. ▶  establish a $2 million threshold for the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data statute requirements with respect to contract modifications, subcontracts, and modifications to subcontracts.  ▶ require that contract modifications to reflect the revised threshold be executed “as soon as practicable.” The proposed rule implements these changes via several proposed new clauses. (https://lnkd.in/gfNcW2rR) Public Access to Results of Federally Funded Research (DFARS Case 2020-D028) - Proposes two new clauses that require contractors with contracts that include fundamental research to develop and maintain a data management plan and to submit final peer-reviewed manuscripts to the Defense Technical Information Center’s publicly accessible repository. (https://lnkd.in/g7bDcij6) Comments for all proposed rules are due on 11/25/2024. Instructions to comment are found at each permalink.

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Tribal businesses are poised to transform the U.S. economy, but access to capital remains a critical barrier. During our "Expanding Access to Capital in Indian Country" webinar, leaders Mahrinah Shije and Councilman Dillon Shije joined MBDA Deputy Under Secretary Eric Morrissette to discuss how investing in tribal digital economies can fuel growth, environmental innovation, and economic resilience. From expanding broadband to overcoming venture capital gaps, the conversation showed how Indian Country is ready to lead the charge. Watch the webinar and discover what’s next: https://lnkd.in/eb6g5Tvg #WeAreMBDA #NAHM

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Enhance financial management in defense with your software! 👉 https://buff.ly/3Vdm3Ge The DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office is on the hunt for cutting-edge financial planning and analysis (FP&A) software solutions aimed at boosting the DoD's ability to effectively manage AI and ML application testing. Here’s what we need: ✅ Comprehensive Financial Management: Software that offers a detailed view of finances, enables granular budget planning, and allows tracking of budgets against actual expenditures. ✅ Dynamic Scenario Planning: Tools that facilitate "what-if" analyses to help manage complex funding environments and support strategic decision-making. ✅ Integration Capabilities: Solutions must seamlessly interface with existing DoD financial systems to import data and enhance accuracy. ✅ Customizable Dashboards: The ability to create tailored data visualizations that cater to the specific needs of the DoD's program managers. This RFI seeks to address the gap in currently available financial tools that can operate effectively at both the program and portfolio management levels, ensuring robust financial oversight. Empower DoD decision-makers with the tools they need to lead in AI deployment. For details on how to submit your proposal and participate, head to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace at tradewindai.com. #DefenseInnovation #FinancialTools #DoD #AIReady #Tradewinds | Keith W. Gibson, CFCM, SCPM | Bonnie Evangelista | Anne Laurent | DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office | Sana U. Hoda | BENJAMIN MCMARTIN | Quentin McCoy | Tattiana Peters | Lori-Ann Rissler | Dolores Kuchina-Musina, Ph.D. | Gage Asper | Stephanie Wilson | Ryan Connell | Savon Thomas | ARI (Applied Research Institute) 

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Join Dominick Arcuri at Virginia APCO on October 30 at 2:30 PM for the session "P25 Interoperability Basics for Emergency Preparedness." This session will offer a concise overview and description of the Project 25 Standards, Capabilities, and Applications in simple layman’s terms, explain how P25 facilitates the management of radio users day to day and for interoperability in emergency and planned events. P25 interface terminology will be explained: ISSI, CSSI, DFSI, and CAI. Interoperability using these P25 Interfaces will be covered including Multi agency sharing for mutual aid.

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Laura Freeman of the #SERC Research Council and a team from Virginia Tech published this #AIRC report on digital data strategy in the #DoD:

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The Sentinel ICBM program's cost overruns highlight the need for integrated acquisition strategies that address both missile systems & infrastructure. CRG provides expertise in navigating these complex landscapes, aligning strategies with compliance & engaging stakeholders to ensure clients lead in delivering innovative, cost-effective defense solutions. CRG’s SME-Based Opportunities, INTERIM Advice & Differentiators: Opp - Holistic Acquisition Strategies: Prioritize a balanced approach that integrates missile systems w/ critical infrastructure. · Advice: Use digital engineering tools to simulate full system lifecycles, identifying cost drivers early. · Differentiator: CRG’s lifecycle cost analysis helps clients foresee risks, optimizing missile & infrastructure components. Opp - Open Competition for Infrastructure: Encourage competitive sourcing for infrastructure to drive innovation & cost reductions. · Advice: Advocate for modular design principles & open competition strategies for ground elements. ·   Differentiator: CRG connects clients with top-tier SMEs & suppliers for cost-effective, modular solutions. Opp - Agile Contracting Models: Use agile contracting to adapt to evolving program requirements. ·   Advice: Employ OTAs & phased contracts to incorporate new tech flexibly. ·   Differentiator: CRG’s contracting expertise balances innovation w/ compliance, speeding up project timelines. Opp - Advanced Cost Management: Employ predictive analytics for proactive cost control. ·   Advice: Use AI-driven forecasting to continuously monitor expenses & identify savings opportunities. ·   Differentiator: CRG’s cost optimization strategies ensure clients manage budgets effectively, avoiding overruns. Opp - Digital Twins Integration: Utilize digital twin tech for real-time insights into system performance. · Advice: Invest in digital twins for predictive maintenance & proactive lifecycle management. · Differentiator: CRG’s digital twin integration enhances system reliability & readiness. Opp - Collaborative Engineering: Foster government-industry collaboration to refine designs & address challenges. · Advice: Form IPTs to refine designs & address technical issues iteratively. ·   Differentiator: CRG’s collaborative approach ensures efficient, unified program outcomes. CRG’s expertise positions us as the partner of choice for defense contractors aiming to lead in the program. Engage with CRG to leverage these opportunities and drive your success in advancing national security. Connect at crgroupinc.com or contact@crgroupinc.com. #USAF #AirForce #DoD #Acquisition #MissileDefense #ICBM #CostManagement #InnovationInDefense #Engineering #Hardware #SDLC #Software #Procurement #NorthropGrumman #Boeing #LockheedMartin #Raytheon #GeneralDynamics #BAE #L3Harris #Leidos #Aerojet #Honeywell #Parsons #OrbitalATK #Kratos #Textron #Dynetics #SierraNevada #Teledyne #SAIC #Perspecta #JacobsEngineering #Bechtel #GeneralAtomics #CACI #ManTech #HII

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Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awards $9.9M contract to Charles River Analytics for complex operations planning. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/esA35tHM ___ #ArtificialIntelligence #ContractAwards #GovernmentContracting

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RGi President Brian Loggins spoke with the WashingtonExec. this week about how we provide an #ImmediateImpact for our government clients, and stand out among other GovCons. “What makes us different is the quality of our work, the quality of our people. I know a lot of companies can say that, but the difference with us is we’re very deliberate and focused on hiring the best, most innovative-type people, and then only going after the really innovative, complex kinds of work." Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gUBWHsAE #GEOINT #NationalSecurity

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𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐎 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 ANDRO Computational Solutions, LLC has been chosen for a prime contract award through the SeaPort Next Generation (NxG) program, the Navy Virtual SYSCOM Commanders’ integrated approach to contracting for professional support services. ANDRO is a provider of advanced software defined radio products including radio frequency machine learning (RFML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for wireless communications and networking. Under this contract, ANDRO will focus on delivering engineering, technical, and research services towards the development of engineering prototypes and production-ready capabilities at scale in the AI/wireless communications and RFML space. “We were notified of the award New Year’s Eve and what an exciting way to end 2024 and ring in 2025,” said ANDRO President Andrew Drozd. “The award further cements ANDRO’s position among an elite corps of ‘best-in-class’ government contractors from across the nation that are ready to respond to the Navy’s needs and complex service requirements related to AI, advanced wireless communications, and dynamic spectrum sharing among other areas. Our contributions will assist in assuring that the US Navy is well postured to sustain information dominance and spectrum superiority during these challenging geopolitical times.” Drozd attributes the SeaPort NxG award to Fred Frantz, ANDRO’s chief operations officer and capture manager. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Click the link below to read more from the Sentinel Media Company. https://lnkd.in/gZghi4ks #andro #androcs #androcomputationalsolutionsllc #ai #wirelesscommunications

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In a move to streamline technology transitions, Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, has inaugurated the Transition Tracking Action Group (TTAG). This advisory body, established March 13, is set to harness advanced data analytics to track how the Department of Defense (DoD) delivers capabilities to the field. Chaired by the R&E's chief data officer, Cyrus Jabbari, and comprising senior representatives from the military services and offices under the Secretary of Defense, TTAG aims to improve the visibility and management of the DoD's technology transition processes. The goal of this initiative seeks to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of state-of-the-art systems and equipment to military personnel. To do this, the department will seek understand what the primary obstacles to transition are and if the measures it undertakes to improve outcomes are yielding desired effects. The TTAG will create a department-wide method to track technology transition and determine the reasons capability-enhancing technologies do or do not transition, to enable the Joint Force to deter and, if necessary, prevail in contested environments.

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The DoD CIO is excited to announce the CMMC 32 CFR program rule was released for public inspection today and is expected to be published on Tuesday 15 Oct. This rule streamlines and simplifies the process for small- and medium-sized businesses by reducing the number of assessment levels from the five in the original program to three under the new program. Companies may use cloud service offerings to meet the cybersecurity requirements that must be assessed as part of the CMMC requirement. The DoD CIO would like to thank all the businesses and industry associations that provided input during the public comment period. Improving the cybersecurity of the defense industrial base (DIB) is essential to protecting the products of American ingenuity and the national security information that supports and enables our warfighters. Your input improved the rule and will help improve security of critical information while making it easier for small- and medium-sized businesses to meet their contractual obligations. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eAgd9SdK #Cybersecurity #DIB #DIBCS #DC3”

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The recently published National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP) addresses six cross-cutting initiatives to enable DoD to achieve a more resilient defense industrial ecosystem and buy-down risks. This week we highlight Implementation Initiative #2: Production and Supply Chains.   Secure, reliable supply chains lay the foundation for defense production at the necessary speed, scale, and cost. This initiative aims to manage and protect defense production supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign sources. The United States Department of Defense is working to ensure efficient production and movement from raw material sourcing through delivery to the final consumer.             “Under this initiative, the Department will concentrate on onshoring defense critical capabilities and moving away from adversarial sources of supply. We will also conduct deeper analysis of supply chain vulnerabilities, enhance industrial cybersecurity, and reinvigorate critical materials stockpiling,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience (DASD IBR), Ms. Carla Zeppieri.   A holistic view of defense critical supply chains paired with actions to reduce and eliminate points of vulnerability are essential to ensure operational readiness and strategic advantage. Six lines of effort directly support this initiative: Assessing Supply Chain Risk Vulnerabilities, Onshoring Critical Production Capacity, Industrial Cybersecurity, Adversarial Capital, Stockpiling, and Maritime Economic Deterrence. This implementation initiative supports the following NDIS Priorities: Resilient Supply Chains, Workforce Readiness, Flexible Acquisition, and Economic Deterrence.   Read the full NDIS and NDIS-IP here: https://lnkd.in/dUp-pDem #NDIS #ExpandTheBase

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The recently published National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP) addresses six cross-cutting initiatives to enable DoD to achieve a more resilient defense industrial ecosystem and buy-down risks. This week we highlight Implementation Initiative #3: Allied and Partner Industrial Collaboration.   In an increasingly interconnected world, close collaboration between allied and partner nations in industrial sectors is essential for addressing global challenges and enhancing collective security. This collaboration not only promotes interoperability and strengthening defense capabilities, but also fosters innovation, economic growth, and resilience against emerging threats.   By analyzing shared opportunities and risks, we seek to increase operational effectiveness, enable interoperability and interchangeability. Efforts will focus on developing standardized technologies to enable seamless coordination between allied forces, as well as establishing allied and partner development, production, and advanced manufacturing projects. Strengthened industrial collaboration will serve as a deterrent, signaling to adversaries that allies can quickly mobilize their collective defense capabilities when required.   “We will leverage our respective strengths into a network of allied DIB capability for mutual resilience and increased lethality,” Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience Carla Zeppieri said.   Three lines of effort directly support this initiative: Strengthening AUKUS Trilateral Security Partnership, Co-Development and Co-Production of Priority Defense Systems, and Facilitating International Industrial Collaboration. This implementation initiative supports the following NDIS Priorities: Economic Deterrence and Resilient Supply Chains.   Read the full NDIS and NDIS-IP here:  https://lnkd.in/dUp-pDem   #NDIS #ExpandTheBase

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BETA TECHNOLOGIES has been awarded a $20 million contract by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support public health preparedness through the development of electric aircraft charging infrastructure. The pilot program, in collaboration with the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), will focus on creating a sustainable Emergency Preparedness Platform (EPP) using electric mobility solutions to improve healthcare and emergency response along the East and Gulf Coasts. BETA’s multimodal charging network, capable of supporting both electric aircraft and ground EVs, aims to increase access to healthcare in rural areas where hospital closures are rising. The initiative will also enable rapid emergency response during natural disasters or public health crises. Kyle Clark, CEO of BETA, emphasized the potential of electric aviation to reduce operational costs and increase reliability, especially in remote geographies. Over the course of the partnership, 22 additional charge sites will be built, expanding BETA’s growing network. Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gQyj9nRn #AvfoilNews #BETAtechnologies #ElectricAviation #PublicHealthPreparedness #ElectricAircraft #HealthcareAccess #EmergencyResponse #Sustainability #EVCharging #AviationInfrastructure #ASPR #HHS #InnovationInHealthcare #ElectricMobility

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