Richard Reeves

Small unmanned surface vehicles (sUSV) have been one of the priorities for the US Navy, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), United States Department of Defense Deputy Secretary Hicks, and Replicator with contracts recently awarded to a mix of mid-size, non-traditional, and venture-backed companies. According to Hicks, “Replicator is demonstrating from the top and across the enterprise how to deliver all kinds of capability at speed and scale.... What we’ve done in under 12 months can take seven-to-ten years.” In early 2020, Federal Budget IQ identified unmanned as a 10-year multi-billion-dollar national security policy and funding priority driven by the evolution of our National Defense Strategy, its increased focus on near-peer competitors, operational and staffing challenges, and budgetary realities. #defensetech #unmanned #susv #replicator #publicsectorforecast Chauncey Goss Maureen Holohan Becky Leggieri Cameron Leuthy Austin Smythe

8

1 Comment

🛰️ Yesterday, I shared our latest Third Vector Ventures blog post describing the cloud technology advancements catalyzed by the 9/11 tragedy (linked in comments). Today, we are facing similar technology shifts in #spacetechnology, which require strong partnership between government, industry, and capital providers. 🚀 The US space industry is fortunate to have a thoughtful, pragmatic regulator in Kelvin Coleman. As stated below, he aims to push the commercial space industry forward while maintaining societal safety. Through Kelvin’s work and the work of (Chair of the National Space Council) Vice President Kamala Harris for President, 2024, we have confidence that the space industry will grow at a pace only previously seen by the cloud industry. 🇺🇸 Our elected officials and regulators are doing their parts. Third Vector Ventures aims to do our part as one of the only #venturecapital firms exclusively focused on the commercial use cases of space technology across every major industry. This is the time to get to work, everyone. We have liftoff 🚀 #spacetechnology #data #innovation #venturecapital

25

3 Comments

"This implementation plan offers industry, global allies, and partners clear direction on the Department's priorities for industrial capacity building." said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale. "Implementing these initiatives will require coordinated efforts across the DoD, and support and cooperation from our interagency, industry, and international stakeholders, as well as our champions in Congress." #NationalSecurity #DefenseTech

1

A potential DoD venture fellowship program would be wonderful news for the world of defence tech 🚀 We need more defence-minded VCs. Current defence investment usually happens under some sort of dual use, resilience or dynamism banner. But building for both defence and civilian worlds is a distraction. Defence alone is a massive enough market with a massive hunger for technology to justify a pure defence or defence-first focus. Not many "civilian" VCs get it. We also need more investment into "applied" defence technology. Something that can show early results within a year. All the deep tech investment (materials, quantum, bio etc.) under a "maybe it could have application in defence" should not be named defence tech. There are very urgent and clear needs to be solved for right now, around technologies that have a rather clear trajectory. https://lnkd.in/d2bS8-QV

11

🚀 Unlocking Growth with SBA 7(a) Loans! 🚀 Are you a small business owner seeking to fuel your growth and expand your operations? Look no further than the SBA 7(a) loan program! 🌟 The SBA 7(a) loan is a fantastic resource designed to provide businesses with the capital they need for a variety of purposes, including: * Working capital 💵 * Equipment purchases 🛠️ * Real estate acquisition 🏢 * Refinancing existing debt 🔄 What makes SBA 7(a) loans stand out? Here are some key benefits: ✅ Lower Interest Rates: Competitive rates compared to traditional financing options. ✅ Longer Repayment Terms: Enjoy longer repayment periods to ease your financial burden. ✅ Flexible Uses: Funds can be used for various business needs, giving you the flexibility to invest in growth. Whether you're looking to renovate your office, purchase new equipment, or even consolidate debt, an SBA 7(a) loan can be the catalyst for your next big leap. Ready to explore how an SBA 7(a) loan can benefit your business? Connect with a local SBA lender or financial advisor to get started! Let’s drive your business forward with the power of SBA 7(a)! 🚀 #SBA7a #SmallBusinessLoans #BusinessGrowth #Financing #Entrepreneurship #BusinessFinance #SBA #LoanOptions

2

Watch our discussion at SOFWEEK about some of the challenges of Data, Security and SOF Mission!

14

1 Comment

Great article coming out of coverage at Space Symposium last week discussing the recently released DoD Commercial Space Integration Strategy and the benefits and challenges of government and commercial space industry working together. #CyberSatSummit dives into this critical discussion in November and tackles the all important information sharing topic as well. Interested in learning more about CyberSat, find out here: https://lnkd.in/emfraRRn DM me if interested in speaking/sponsoring or if you'd like to learn more. #spaceindustry #cybersecurity #informationsharing https://lnkd.in/eNNvAbiP

6

OASD(IBP)’s Defense Business Accelerator (DBX) program is focused on helping companies access private capital and leverage commercial market forces to scale defense-relevant technologies and rapidly expand the domestic industrial base. This past November, DBX awarded a total of $9.6 million to an initial cohort of seven companies developing critical microelectronics technologies.   In addition to securing private capital, DBX is working with program offices across the Military Services to apply DBX-generated technologies to DoD problem sets. Participants have already credited DBX with helping boost their visibility and standing within the Defense market, leading to several new contract awards directly from DoD as well as through Defense contractors. DBX awardees recently reported receiving $46.6 million in additional private capital, due in large part to the initial $9.6 million award.   “The Defense Business Accelerator is a great example of how we are harnessing market forces to accelerate the growth of a resilient defense industrial ecosystem,” said Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy. “This program is already demonstrating the value of its approach to scaling production of defense-relevant technologies.”   The DBX program, part of the OASD(IBP)’s Manufacturing Capability Expansion & Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) portfolio, positions DoD as a leader in dual-use technology development and accelerates the growth of a robust dual-use industrial ecosystem.   #SucceedThroughTeamwork #ExpandTheBase #IBP #DBX #MCEIP

52

2 Comments

Y'all, sometimes, the jokes write themselves. The DoD Office of Small Business Programs is required by Congress (before 2027) "to establish a new program where we actually do commercial tool demonstrations for small businesses to help them to understand what their risks are when it comes to foreign control and influence." “We’re not waiting until 2027. We’re trying to roll that out within the next year, because I think it’s really, really important. *We’re not resourced to do it.* We’re digging around and figuring out how we can respond,” [Director of the DoD Office of Small Business Programs, Farooq Mitha] said. Don't get me wrong: Showing SMB how and why these things matter is important, and it's a valid idea. But who, pray-tell, will implement these tools after the demo or show-and-tell? There is so much irony that the DoD Office of Small Business Programs isn't "resourced to do it," even though they've acknowledged that it's "really, really important." Don't misinterpret my post as throwing shade. I'm just really, really glad we finally agree on something. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/esmJQ_M7 #cybersecurity #CMMC #smallbusiness #DIB

20

4 Comments

In this month's episode of "The Elara Edge," Dr. Brad Tousley provides first-hand insights behind the Defense Science Board's recommendations for integrating commercial space systems into military planning and requirements. Also featuring Founding Partner Michael Dickey, this episode can be found using the link below or your favorite podcast platform! https://lnkd.in/gK_TqjxR #elaranova #elaraedge #spacesecurity #commercialspace #spaceindustry #militaryspace #nationalsecurityspace #nationalsecurity #SpaceForce #DOD #Pentagon #thoughtleadership #defensescienceboard #spacesystems

4

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded additional work Orion Space Solutions, an Arcfield Company to support the Tetra-6 mission. The additional four-year award extends Orion's Tetra-5 prime contract, and work on both missions will address the challenge of refueling in space...https://lnkd.in/dW_RtrBH

11

Join me in July for our two half day workshop discussing what your ITAR Compliance Program should look like..

6

Fuel-free "forever dwell time" drones and loitering systems, freeing troops from tens of kg of battery weight by being able to relay unjammable power for tens of km, dynamically powering mission critical/life-saving sensor nets at multi-km distances that never need batteries replaced... ...that's the future that DCVC-backed Reach enables for our defense and intelligence communities

16

If you're at TC Disrupt today and have been curious about the resurgence of defense startups - wow, do I have the talk for you? Check out Topher Haddad as he takes the stage with Rebecca Gevalt and Kai Kloepfer to chat about the renewed momentum behind the American defense industrial base!

34

1 Comment

Favorite quote in this piece, "Companies like Apex Space and DataPath are at the forefront, introducing innovative solutions to meet the increasing demands of both military and commercial space operations." Great shout-outs to innovations by Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing, Rivada Space Networks, DataPath, Inc. (Gilat Satellite Networks), Peraton and Momentus.

91

GDIT’s acquisition of Iron EagleX is a reminder that in defense, staying competitive means constantly evolving. Whether you’re a startup or an established firm, partnering with experts at CRG can help you navigate these shifts and position your company for success. Learn more at crgroupinc.com or [email protected]. #IL #VA #DC #Dubai #UAE #CRG #Defense #AI #Cybersecurity #ML #MarketStrategy #Agile #DoD #BD #Strategy #MissionReadiness #DefenseTech

3

2 Comments

BIS Imposes $5.8 Million Penalty Against Pennsylvania Company for Shipments of Low-Level Items to Parties Tied to the PRC’s Hypersonics, UAV, and Military Electronics Programs As part of a settlement agreement to resolve alleged violations of U.S. export controls, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) imposed a $5.8 million civil penalty against TE Connectivity Corporation (TE), located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, and TE Connectivity HK Limited, located in Kwai Chung, New Territories, Hong Kong, for shipments of low-level items to parties tied to the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) hypersonics, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and military electronics programs. These alleged violations involved shipments of $1.74 million in items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to parties on the BIS Entity List and for restricted end uses in China. Specifically, TE sent items such as wires, printed circuit-board connectors, and pressure and temperature scanners to parties previously placed on the BIS Entity List for supporting the PRC’s military modernization efforts in the fields of hypersonics, UAVs, and electronics. TE voluntarily disclosed the conduct to BIS, cooperated with the investigation by BIS’s Office of Export Enforcement, and took remedial measures after discovering the conduct at issue, which resulted in a significant reduction in the penalty. As alleged in the Proposed Charging Letter (PCL), BIS’s investigation determined that TE, through the actions of its China-based business units and distributors, from December 2015 through October 2019, violated the EAR on 79 occasions by exporting $1.74 million worth of EAR99 items to Chinese parties on the BIS Entity List and/or by exporting EAR99 items for restricted UAV end uses without the requisite license or other authorization from BIS. The low-level items, including wires, printed circuit-board connectors, and pressure and temperature scanners, were exported to missile, military electronics, and defense research organizations on the Entity List, including the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, which specializes in hypersonic missile research, two China Electronics Technology Group Corporation research institutes engaged in military electronics production, and the Northwestern Polytechnical University, without the requisite BIS export licenses. Company representatives in China used deception and concealment tactics to disguise end users on the Entity List or restricted end uses, including by changing end-user names or using misleading end-use descriptions. The company’s party screening efforts also failed to identify an obvious alternative spelling of a party on the Entity List.

19

2 Comments