James Clegern

🌟 Meet our incredible members! This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Tom McDaniel from L3Harris Technologies. Tom discusses how DII has helped him and his organization. What is one way that you and your organization use DII? To me the most valuable part of DII is networking with other members offline using Member Connect and in-person during the annual Best Practices Forum (BPF) to share ideas and learn how others are implementing their respective ethics programs. Check out his full spotlight at www.dii.org #DIICommunity #ethicsandcompliance

10

1 Comment

For over 45 years, SwRI has supported the USAF ASIP program to ensure aging aircraft remain structurally viable. This image shows finite element analyses overlaid on a T-38 Talon to indicate areas experiencing higher (red) and lower (blue) stress. #TechTuesday

64

The SDA has made significant strides with its rapid acquisition model, demonstrating impressive speed in finalizing development contracts & launching initial satellites. However, challenges remain in proving the scalability & sustainability of its mesh networks & spiral development model. CRG clients can play a critical role in supporting SDA's objectives by leveraging their expertise & innovative solutions. 1. Innovative Acquisition Strategies: Engage in flexible contracting mechanisms like Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to expedite project timelines. Participate in rapid prototyping initiatives to showcase innovative solutions quickly. -Differentiator: Accelerates time-to-field for critical capabilities, enhancing the ability to meet SDA’s stringent timelines & operational requirements. 2. Robust Industrial Base Development: Invest in developing a diverse supplier base to ensure competitive sourcing & sustainability. Foster partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors & small biz to bring fresh perspectives & innovative solutions. -Differentiator: Supports continuous innovation & reduces risks associated with supply chain disruptions, ensuring the sustainability of SDA’s ambitious deployment schedule. 3. Advanced Mesh Networking Solutions: Develop & implement advanced mesh networking tech to ensure scalable & resilient comms systems. Integrate AI & machine learning for enhanced network efficiency & reliability. -Differentiator: Provides robust, scalable systems that meet the demands of modern defense operations, ensuring reliable communication across SDA’s satellite constellations. 4. Continuous Spiral Development: Adopt agile development methodologies to facilitate iterative improvements & rapid capability enhancements. Focus on modular system designs that allow for incremental upgrades & adaptability. -Differentiator: Enables clients to maintain cutting-edge capabilities, quickly adapt to emerging threats, & sustain continuous development cycles aligned with SDA’s goals. 5. Resilient Space Architectures: Design space architectures with redundancy & fault tolerance to ensure mission continuity & resilience. Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats & ensure the integrity of SDA’s operations. -Differentiator: Safeguard critical space assets, ensuring continuous operation & mission success even in the face of potential adversities. CRG’s extensive experience in digital transformation, strategic planning, & resilient infrastructure development positions us as an ideal advisor for innovative solutions in defense space programs. For more info visit crgroupinc.com or contact us at [email protected]. #CRG #SDA #DefenseInnovation #RapidAcquisition #SpaceDevelopment #MeshNetworking #Agile #ResilientArchitecture #DoD #TechForDefense #IndustrialBaseDevelopment #FutureWarfare #SpaceTechnology #DefenseContracting #AI #CyberResilience #StrategicPlanning #DigitalTransformation #OperationalEfficiency

2

General Atomics's Low-Maintenance #HFE 2.0 #Engine to Pass #Tests The U.S. wants to increase the operational availability of #UAVs.  General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has completed the final qualification test for its new Low-Maintenance heavy-fuel HFE 2.0 engine.  https://lnkd.in/dW4wKWXK

3

New from CSPS 💲 The FY 2025 Defense Space Budget Brief: Continued Emphasis on Proliferation Under a More Constrained Top-Line This year’s budget cycle has been unusual, with significant consequences for the young United States Space Force. This is the fifth budget submission since the establishment of the Space Force and, over that period, the service’s budget has nearly doubled. However, this request is the first in which the amount fell from the prior year. Robert (Sam) Wilson breaks down the FY 2025 budget submission, which reflects the United States Department of Defense's continued emphasis on the transition to a new model for defense space operations. In coming years, the Space Force will likely take additional steps toward a more distributed and proliferated approach for defense space capabilities. 🔗 Read the full brief here: https://lnkd.in/eQRkCBgK #SpacePolicy #NatSecSpace #SpaceForce

18

1 Comment

Craig Spacey CEng CMarEng thank you for bringing this to our attention! This is very illuminating and incisive discussion of U.S. submarine construction challenges. My eyes couldn’t help but gravitate towards • William Toti focus on discerning root causes before working out solutions—a discipline sorely forgotten when approaching harder problems. Amazon working backwards offers a valuable methodology to support such an approach. Some tounge and cheek, but working with many leading consultant organisations I have been forced to develop the Suppression of Good Idea Fairy (SGIF) operations. The principles are drawn from the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses, (SEAD)😃. The model of SGIF focuses on mission-critical work and ruthless eradication of well-intended yet unworkable distractions that only diffuse focus and effort! • William Toti call to rebuild the supply chain and provide direct shipbuilding competence to leaders—deep solutions require deep competence - resonates very strongly with my personal experience and many years helping the worlds largest companies transform their ways of working. Certainly, this type of disciplined and focused approach could be the sole avenue through which we will achieve the ‘all-hands-on-deck’ effort necessary to secure the future of the US submarine force. The lessons, though, are wider and we must be carful to learn, rather than simply identify, lessons. Excellent work, Captain Toti!

6

SME Response: Transformative Opportunities from NOAA's TraCSS Initiative - NOAA’s TraCSS contract with Slingshot Aerospace marks a pivotal step in space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management (STM). This milestone paves the way for advanced data services, innovative solutions, and next-gen SSA capabilities. CRG identifies key opportunities for clients to engage in indirect, complementary, and future-facing initiatives aligned with federal space priorities. CRG’s SME-Driven Opportunities, Strategic Advice & Differentiators -- Opp – SSA Data Analytics & Fusion Services: With TraCSS advancing global space traffic coordination, demand for enhanced data analytics and fusion services will surge. · Advice: Develop AI-driven analytics tools for precise collision prediction, orbital maneuvers, and conjunction assessments. Integrate multi-source data for superior decision-making. · Differentiator: CRG positions clients to align with NOAA’s expanding SSA needs, ensuring competitive success in data analytics contracts. Opp – Securing Space Traffic Systems: The integration of digital SSA platforms introduces critical cybersecurity challenges. · Advice: Build zero-trust frameworks and AI-powered anomaly detection to secure SSA platforms and communication links. · Differentiator: CRG connects clients with leading cyber-SMEs to deliver solutions compliant with evolving federal standards. Opp – Modular AI Communication Solutions: Scaling bidirectional communication for global operators demands AI-driven tools. · Advice: Develop modular systems to prioritize real-time collision alerts and enhance cross-operator coordination with AI support. · Differentiator: CRG enables clients to deliver adaptive, scalable solutions aligned with NOAA’s operational goals. Opp – Space Debris Mitigation: The growing satellite population necessitates advanced debris mitigation tools for long-term space sustainability. · Advice: Create scalable debris tracking/removal solutions integrated with SSA systems for proactive debris risk management. · Differentiator: CRG’s expertise in securing sustainability-focused contracts empowers clients to lead in debris mitigation. Opp – Training & Simulation Solutions: Global operators require dynamic training platforms to align with TraCSS functionality. · Advice: Build immersive VR/AR simulation systems to train operators in real-time collision avoidance and SSA protocols. · Differentiator: CRG’s partnerships with simulation leaders ensure clients deliver innovative, NOAA-aligned training tools. CRG’s deep expertise in multi-domain operations and global networks empowers clients to seize emerging SSA opportunities. Contact CRG to win and manage contracts driving the next wave of space innovation. 📩 [email protected] | 🌐 crgroupinc.com #CRG #SSA #STM #SpaceTech #SatelliteOps #NOAA #TraCSS #AI #ML #Cybersecurity #FederalContracts #SpaceSafety #Space #Satellites #GovCon

2

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has selected Near Earth Autonomy (Near Earth) to lead a team demonstrating optimized logistics using rotorcraft for the United States Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the NAVAL AVIATION SYSTEMS CONSORTIUM (NASC). In collaboration with Leonardo and Honeywell, Near Earth will showcase advanced autonomy on the versatile Leonardo AW139 helicopter, aiming to provide logistical support during expeditionary operations in contested environments. The 20-month initiative will demonstrate rapid cargo deployment, transporting up to 3,000 pounds over a 200 NM radius. Leonardo will implement a fast loading, securing, and unloading system for Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMIC) on the AW139, while Honeywell will enhance the helicopter’s autopilot for autonomous take-off and landing. As the prime contractor, Near Earth will demonstrate a fully integrated logistics system featuring onboard autonomy that guides the aircraft and modifies flight trajectories to avoid hazards without requiring a remote operator. Additionally, mission autonomy will allow lightly trained personnel to request, dispatch, monitor, and retask supply deliveries in contested environments. Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth, stated, “We started the company in 2012 to demonstrate autonomous resupply operations in austere environments. Now, the ALC program allows us to demonstrate a complete system that meets operational needs. We look forward to working with Leonardo, Honeywell, and NAVAIR to advance military logistics.” Robert (Scott) Volkert, Director of USMC Programs for Leonardo Helicopters, added, “The AW139 helicopter will provide the Marines relief on their combat rotorcraft fleet and reduce their workforce requirements.” Matthew Milas, President of Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, remarked, “The future of aviation will include several layers of autonomy. Honeywell is proud to provide cutting-edge technologies that enable safe and secure autonomy solutions across a range of vehicles, including the AW139.” This project builds on Near Earth's extensive experience with defense logistics products and initiatives, including the first autonomous helicopter flight for the Army Combat Medic program and the USMC Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS). #AvfoilNews #NearEarthAutonomy #Leonardo #Honeywell #NAVAIR #USMC #AerialLogistics #AutonomousFlight #MilitaryInnovation #DefenseLogistics #AviationTechnology

5

AFWERX AFVentures has issued a Notice of Opportunity (NOO) within the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program for both air and space projects. The window for government champion-led capability package submissions will open on July 25 and close September 18 at noon ET. "The STRATFI program underscores our commitment to transitioning dual-use commercial technologies into the hands of our Airmen and Guardians, ensuring that our military forces have access to the most advanced state-of-the-art capabilities that are emerging in our private sector,” said Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX director and chief commercialization officer for the United States Department of the Air Force. “This Strategic Funding Increase is not just an investment in hardware; it's an investment in our national security, safeguarding our values and interests for generations to come." STRATFI is open to small businesses with an awarded Phase II SBIR/STTR contract. The company must either have a current Phase II contract, with a minimum of 90 days of performance executed, or have completed a Phase II contract within two years of submitting a capability package. Read more here: https://ow.ly/ZGyz50SHFci . . . #AFWERX #AFVentures #STRATFI #noticeofopportunity #funding #opportunity #innovation

48

2 Comments

Apex is kicking off conversations early… Partnering with the Hudson Institute and Defense & Aerospace Report, we’re bringing key conversation topics to industry now, ahead of January 28-29, 2025, so we can support the delivery of advanced capability at speed and at scale. Here is just a sample of the conversations we have already brought to the community. View our website to discover more and register your interest to hear when our next series of engagements are announced. Past Engagements: https://lnkd.in/eYvCKjvu Register Interest: https://lnkd.in/eWrysG7J   NEXT UP Our next series of pre-Apex activities - in partnership with the Hudson Institute - will explore opportunities for non-US owned companies to fill needs in the US defense market, as there are many partner nation companies with US based subsidiaries looking to fill critical capability gaps. We’ll look to answer the following questions: ✅ What current requirements exist? ✅ What regulations help or hurt these endeavors? ✅ How can more partnerships can be forged?   Find out more about Apex: https://lnkd.in/eNqeQpGw   #Apex #EmergingTech #Innovation #DefenseTech #Defense #Adaptability #JointCapability #Acquisition

13

This truly bothers me, where has our integrity and ethics gone? Our first obligation in any role we play is to the American Public and it is our duty to refuse to let it slide, or roll out the door if it is not right and built to spec. Most of the incidents involved life critical welds. What in the world are we doing? No job is more important than doing it right! Refuse to pass it on, run it up the chain of command; if they don’t want to listen to you, drag the hell up! Doing so will doing nothing but strengthen your career and build your reputation; plus it keeps you out of the pokey…   This at least the fourth time that I am aware of: First two instances were falsifying NDE being performed; third was a long term metallurgist falsifying MTRs and now craft putting out sub-par welds: sounds to me like they have big time management and communication problems! I seriously doubt any of the individuals involved did this on their own accord, without being encouraged to do so by supervisors trying to roll the ships out the doors. Also delineates individuals who have integrity in doing the right thing and ones who are just worried about drawing a pay check.   Our first accountability is to the American Public, do your job!

23

8 Comments

The USAF is rethinking NGAD’s integration w/ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), focusing on autonomy, affordability & advanced control. Here’s how to leverage cutting-edge strategies to redefine next-gen air dominance. CRG’s SME-Based Opportunities, INTERIM Advice & Differentiators: Opp - Autonomous, Decentralized CCAs: Develop CCAs with AI-driven autonomy & decentralized control systems, enabling them to operate across multiple platforms without relying solely on NGAD. - Differentiator: This approach equips clients w/ adaptable, future-proof unmanned systems that reduce dependency on specific manned aircraft, enhancing flexibility and operational reach. Opp - Innovate Line-of-Sight Communications: Invest in laser-based & advanced RF technologies for reliable, secure CCA control in contested spaces, w/ redundancy & anti-jam features. - Differentiator: By mastering resilient comms, clients can offer solutions that ensure tight control under hostile conditions, setting them apart in mission-critical scenarios. Opp - Modular Design & Digital Engineering: Apply modular design principles & digital engineering to minimize development costs & accelerate production cycles through virtual prototyping & agile methodologies. - Differentiator: Clients using modular designs can quickly adapt to new requirements & reduce costs, offering high-performance solutions that meet stringent budget targets. Opp - Enhance Autonomous Decision-Making: Implement advanced AI for CCA autonomy, allowing mission continuity under predefined conditions even when comms are degraded or lost. - Differentiator: Clients stand out by providing CCAs that maintain effectiveness despite disruptions, delivering robust, adaptable solutions that meet USAF’s operational needs. Opp - Cross-Domain Synergy: Develop CCAs & NGAD w/in an integrated, network-centric approach for enhanced data sharing & collaborative targeting across air, space, cyber & ground assets. - Differentiator: Clients gain a strategic edge by delivering interconnected systems that amplify situational awareness & combat effectiveness across multiple domains. Opp - Explore Alternative Funding Models: Recommend modular upgrades, PPPs & agile acquisition strategies to manage costs & reduce financial risk. - Differentiator: Clients who adopt flexible funding approaches can spread development costs & secure more stable, long-term project funding, making their solutions more viable & attractive to USAF. By applying these advanced, innovative approaches, clients can lead in next-gen air dominance with NGAD and CCAs. CRG assists clients in executing these strategies, ensuring alignment with USAF’s evolving needs. Connect with us at crgroupinc.com I [email protected]. #CRG #NGAD #CCA #Aerospace #DefenseInnovation #DoD #USAF

2