Linda Restrepo

🚨 Announcing the New Implementation Plan for Strengthening America’s Defense Industrial Base 🚨 I’m honored to be an integral part of executing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) new National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP). Today, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)) unveiled this critical plan, detailing the ongoing and future actions needed to modernize and secure our defense industrial base. This initiative outlines six cross-cutting programs designed to ensure a more resilient defense ecosystem. From collaboration across DoD components and Services to vital partnerships with industry, international allies, and stakeholders, this strategy underpins the effort required to reinforce our industrial base. 📈 The NDIS-IP addresses a unified commitment to strengthening industrial capacity, building resilience, and reducing risks across the board. This will involve: • Key partnerships with private industry, academia, and international allies, • New OTAs under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) for rapid research, including the recently announced request for white papers on “Critical Chemicals for Defense,” • Support from Congress as a cornerstone of sustainable security. For those interested, the unclassified NDIS-IP document is available here: NDIS-IP FY2025. https://lnkd.in/dUmSt7yd I’m inspired by the opportunity to help lead this strategic vision forward, ensuring our nation’s industrial base remains robust and capable. #NationalSecurity #IndustrialBase #DefenseStrategy #Innovation #DoD

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#DYK that there are a variety of supply chain organizations across the interagency? The Department of Energy, Health & Human Services, Department of the Interior & the US Geological Survey, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, & the Department of Defense all have subordinate units focused on various aspects of #supplychains with different authorities. I think this reflects both how complex & foundational supply chains are to the #economy & national security in the 21st century. Photo below taken yesterday at the Advisory Council for Supply Chain Competitiveness (ACSCC) meeting, where this & other related topics were discussed. #logistics #manufacturing

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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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BORDER DEFENSE & SECURITY - Multi-Energy Portal inspection device added to the Laredo Sector I-35 Checkpoint - LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol announced the deployment of a Multi-Energy Portal (MEP), a Non-Intrusive Inspection device for commercial vehicles. The release of the MEP at the I-35 Border Patrol Checkpoint incorporates advanced technology to meet the safety of the traveling public while facilitating and expediting trade. - The MEP is an x-ray machine that is used to enhance inspections of commercial vehicles through heavy shielding, thus providing a safe and expedited examination. - NOTE: The system is able to scan more than 150 containers per hour in the typical flow of traffic at the checkpoint. - CBP employs an in-depth, layered enforcement strategy to stop illegal activity, including narcotics smuggling, at our borders. CBP continues to utilize all of its available resources including non-intrusive technology as part of our layered enforcement strategy to stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities. We are continuing to find new and better ways to target these dangerous drugs. https://lnkd.in/eb9uNDPR

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--Analysis of House Approps Defense Bill-- Check out the latest analysis of the House Appropriations Bill from Pete and I (https://lnkd.in/exTzXFc6). There are clear winners and losers across the capability portfolios. The HAC-D also includes some important report language that is likely to be impactful. #budget #congress

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If you're interested in the latest on the FY25 NDAA -- and who isn't? -- I hope you'll tune in to our webinar on June 27.

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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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This a.m. gave the opening keynote on #Strategic #Foresight to Senior Executives from across the U.S. federal gov - both #civilian and #defense+#intelligence. Yesterday p.m. I was asked to give a closing keynote to Executives from state gov with public #housing & #community projects. As you can imagine, lots of questions about the #future and what might be ahead for the 50 states and the nation. I emphasized the points in this Memorial Day article: https://lnkd.in/eVt6-9sN ... which still apply to our now: * First, the historical ideal that you could have one job in a single field for life is no longer the case in our exponentially changing world, #we #all will have #multiple #jobs in life. * Second, the historical ideal that you could graduate from either high school or college and that would be sufficient education for the rest of your work career is also no longer the case, we all will have to be regular, on-going #learners for #life as our world #rapidly changes #technologically, #economically, and #socially. * Third, whereas in the 1960s the average company listed on the S&P 500 stayed listed for 62 years, nowadays the average time on the S&P 500 is less than twelve years; more than half the companies listed on the S&P 500 back in 2001 are no longer listed now. These factors are #straining the fabric of our #republic – and challenging those who want to do the business of public service in a non-partisan fashion. The rapid pace of #global #change disrupts what was previously the American Dream of get an education, work hard, and you will be successful... which is why we have lots of work to do in #public #service for #people. ... I ended my talks both yesterday and today to the non-partisan Senior Executives from state governments and federal government agencies respectively with a call to Be #Bold, Be #Brave, and Be #Benevolent. The months ahead will require hard #work, hundreds of #challenges behind the scenes that may not be publicly visible, and lots of letting go of #outdated #legacy #systems and #processes. However we have these journeys ahead of us... and my call to all was to move forward with boldness, bravery, and benevolence as the #future moves towards us at 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day for #UnitedWeStand. Sue Gordon Ellen McCarthy Jake Shapiro Cyndi Coon Alexander Ruiz Rita McGrath Chuck Brooks Bob G. Jeff Frazier Matthew Rose Kirsten Fontenrose Dana W. Hudson Denise Holt 🌎David T. Ackerman, Esq. Brian Finlay Chini Krishnan Lauren Hirshon Sean S. Costigan PhD Brian Chidester Karen S. Evans Stan Soloway Jennifer Pahlka Dave Wennergren Angela Brescia Brandie Nonnecke, PhD Valmiki Mukherjee, Radia Funna Michael Allen Vala Afshar R "Ray" Wang Perry Hewitt Teresa Carlson Maryam Mujica Hunter Muller Melissa Marr Jeffrey Rogers Jane Finette Pascal Finette Francisco Molinero Anthony Scriffignano, Ph.D.

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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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Army SBIR CATALYST unites the Army, integrators and small businesses to create innovative technologies — propelling concepts to final transition and commercialization. With contracts up to eight times larger than typical SBIR awards, small businesses and their Army and industry partners can drive Army priorities and support modernization efforts. Announced at the October 2022 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition by the Under Secretary of the Army, Hon. Gabe Camarillo, the Army SBIR CATALYST Program is one of five initiatives incentivizing the Army’s collaborative efforts with industry. The Army SBIR CATALYST pilot launched in February 2023, followed by the second iteration of the program, unveiled at the October 2023 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition. The Army SBIR Program will select up to five small businesses for new CATALYST contracts — totaling up to $75 million over the duration of their potential awards. To ensure the U.S. can overcome any adversary, the current Army SBIR CATALYST Program prioritizes ecosystems such as artificial intelligence and machine learning; autonomy; climate and clean tech; contested logistics and sustainment; immersive and wearables; and sensors. Learn more here:

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RFI responses are due 14-Aug. The USAF's Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is seeking information on radar, EO/IR camera, and on-the-move (OTM) technologies to combat small UAS threats in Groups 1 & 2. Opportunities for CRG Clients w/ CRG’s SME Advice: 1. Advanced Radar Solutions:   - Advice: Develop radar systems with enhanced detection capabilities for low-altitude, slow-moving UAS in Group 1 and 2 categories.   - Key Differentiator: Providing advanced radar solutions ensures timely detection and response to potential threats, significantly improving airspace security and mission effectiveness. 2. EO/IR Camera Integration:   - Advice: Focus on creating EO/IR camera systems that offer high-resolution imagery and thermal detection to identify and track small UAS effectively.   - Key Differentiator: High-quality EO/IR cameras enable precise target identification and tracking, allowing for effective countermeasures and increasing overall situational awareness. 3. On-the-Move (OTM) Technologies:   - Advice: Design portable and easily deployable OTM systems that can be quickly integrated into existing platforms to counter UAS threats in dynamic environments.   - Key Differentiator: OTM technologies enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness, providing a tactical advantage in rapidly changing threat landscapes. CRG has a proven track record of facilitating client wins & helping manage billions in TCV on USMIL, NATO & federal agency contracts around the world. Leveraging our expertise can help you navigate the complexities of defense procurement, ensuring your innovative solutions meet stringent military requirements and maximize market opportunities. Visit crgroupinc.com or reach out at [email protected]. #IL - #VA - #DC - #Dubai, #UAE. #CRG #USAF #CsUAS #RadarTech #EOIR #OTMTech #SmallUAS #AirDefense #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTech #DroneDetection #SituationalAwareness #TacticalAdvantage #DefenseContracts #GlobalSecurity #USMilitary #DoD #TechIntegration #RadarSystems #AdvancedImaging #AirForce

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RFI responses are due 14-Aug. The USAF's Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is seeking information on radar, EO/IR camera, and on-the-move (OTM) technologies to combat small UAS threats in Groups 1 & 2. Opportunities for CRG Clients w/ CRG’s SME Advice: 1. Advanced Radar Solutions: - Advice: Develop radar systems with enhanced detection capabilities for low-altitude, slow-moving UAS in Group 1 and 2 categories. - Key Differentiator: Providing advanced radar solutions ensures timely detection and response to potential threats, significantly improving airspace security and mission effectiveness. 2. EO/IR Camera Integration: - Advice: Focus on creating EO/IR camera systems that offer high-resolution imagery and thermal detection to identify and track small UAS effectively. - Key Differentiator: High-quality EO/IR cameras enable precise target identification and tracking, allowing for effective countermeasures and increasing overall situational awareness. 3. On-the-Move (OTM) Technologies: - Advice: Design portable and easily deployable OTM systems that can be quickly integrated into existing platforms to counter UAS threats in dynamic environments. - Key Differentiator: OTM technologies enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness, providing a tactical advantage in rapidly changing threat landscapes. CRG has a proven track record of facilitating client wins & helping manage billions in TCV on USMIL, NATO & federal agency contracts around the world. Leveraging our expertise can help you navigate the complexities of defense procurement, ensuring your innovative solutions meet stringent military requirements and maximize market opportunities. Visit crgroupinc.com or reach out at [email protected]. #IL - #VA - #DC - #Dubai, #UAE. #CRG #USAF #CsUAS #RadarTech #EOIR #OTMTech #SmallUAS #AirDefense #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTech #DroneDetection #SituationalAwareness #TacticalAdvantage #DefenseContracts #GlobalSecurity #USMilitary #DoD #TechIntegration #RadarSystems #AdvancedImaging #AirForce

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An interesting summary of how joint ventures can be a good strategy in #GovCon, but they can also go very wrong. https://lnkd.in/ehGVrSVY ASCE Publishing #ACE #JVs #risk

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📌 The Army ISR Task Force created the Intelligence Ventures In Commercial Technologies and Application or #INVICTA program as a means for the Army Intelligence Security Enterprise to solicit innovative solutions from industry that solve Army intelligence modernization requirements/gaps and provide a path to a potential demonstration of those solutions in a 9–12-month rapid approach.  The ISR Task Force partners with an operational unit to clearly identify areas apply transformative technologies, then conducts market research to identify innovative solutions from industry partners for modernization of Intelligence operations. The event starts with an 📢 #Announcement on SAM.gov, highlighting the #TechnicalFocusAreas and requesting information on a specific #MinimunViableProduct that could provide potential solutions to the identified area of interest. If technologies are submitted that could provide solutions to the stated technology challenge, vendors could be asked to provide an #OnsiteDemonstration of their submitted solution. The end-state goal is to rapidly identify innovative capabilities and develop a roadmap to get the #Technology in the hands of the #Warfighter. 🎬 INVICTA 24-1 is in progress, and we are seeking industry partners that have solutions to #GeoReferencing images and full motion video. ❗ More information will be available on SAM.gov. STAY TUNED! ❗

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#BREAKINGNEWS #Yemen - U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) - CENTCOM Forces Strike Multiple Houthi Targets: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted multiple precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Sana’a and coastal locations within Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, Dec. 30 and 31. On Dec. 30 and 31, U.S. Navy ships and aircraft targeted a Houthi command and control facility and advanced conventional weapon (ACW) production and storage facilities that included missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV). These facilities were used in Houthi operations, such as attacks against U.S. Navy warships and merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In addition, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force aircraft destroyed a Houthi coastal radar site and seven cruise missiles and one-way attack UAVs over the Red Sea. There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment in either incident. The strikes are a part of CENTCOM's effort to degrade Iran-backed Houthi efforts to threaten regional partners and military and merchant vessels in the region. https://lnkd.in/edQ3j4rt

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A new proposed DFARS rule was published on 5/30/2024 under DFARS Case 2024-D006, Procurement Technical Assistance Program This proposed rule would: ▶️ Implement section 853 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 (Pub. L. 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 4951). to amend the definitions of nonprofit organization and business entities at 10 U.S.C. 4951 for the Procurement Technical Assistance Program. ▶️ Modify DFARS clause 252.205-7000, Provision of Information to Cooperative Agreement Holders, to amend the definition of cooperative agreement holder by removing “private” from “a private, nonprofit organization” and adding a reference to 10 U.S.C. 4951 to update the definition of business entities. The is clause will continue to not apply to acquisitions at or below the SAT. But, the clause will continue to apply to acquisitions of commercial products (excluding COTS items) and to acquisitions of commercial services. Comments are due 07/29/2024. Permalink: https://lnkd.in/gmmbDkJH

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