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NGA to Roll Out Generative AI for Geospatial Data Analysis
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's genAI tool is meant to address human analysis limitations.

Preparations are ongoing at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for the rollout of generative artificial intelligence to address human analysis limitations amid the growing geospatial data from various sources and provide timely, relevant and accurate intelligence to decision-makers.

According to NGA, implementing the technology is a need rather than an option, given the efforts of adversaries to advance their AI capabilities. Solely relying on humans to analyze the increasing volume of geospatial data could result in failures to identify critical intelligence, impacting national security, the agency added. 

NGA to Roll Out Generative AI for Geospatial Data Analysis

In today’s complex and interconnected world, intelligence plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation, preventing crises and informing policy decisions. The rise of new threats, technological advancements and geopolitical shifts has made intelligence-gathering and analysis more essential than ever. Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Intel Summit, where the intelligence community’s top leaders will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the IC today and into the future. Register here.

GenAI as Force Multiplier

Analysts, support staff, managers and technical teams can use the genAI following its rollout to process and analyze vast amounts of data, enhance workflows, streamline administrative tasks, improve decision-making processes and accelerate development efforts, NGA said.

Compared to traditional AI, which performs specific tasks based on pre-defined instructions, genAI can produce new, original content, including text, images and code.

NGA acknowledged that the technology comes with risks, but noted that such risks can be mitigated with proper training, guidelines and oversight. GenAI is a force multiplier and a powerful tool that enhances rather than replaces human expertise, the agency concluded.

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GSA Updates Market Research Rules With Class Deviation for FAR Part 10
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GSA released a memo approving a class deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10 to update market research rules

The General Services Administration has released a memorandum approving a class deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or FAR, Part 10 to update market research rules as part of efforts to provide acquisition teams with more flexibility in their research processes.

GSA said Thursday the class deviation is effective immediately and supports an executive order signed in mid-April, which directs the government to amend FAR to streamline the federal procurement process and remove barriers to doing business with the government.

The FAR reform, also known as the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, or RFO, initiative, aims to eliminate non-statutory language, align with the new FAR framework and preserve essential governmentwide acquisition standards, among others.

Market Research Technique Flexibility

Under the class deviation, the FAR no longer lists specific market research methods or considerations that must be used.

Acquisition teams at agencies have the flexibility to select the market research technique that best meets their needs. They might conduct an expert panel or a reverse industry day, providing industry experts with an opportunity to share commercial practices, insights and experiences with the acquisition team.

According to the memo, acquisition professionals can apply market research concepts to procurements of any size.

The class deviation also eliminates requirements for disaster relief purchasing.

Retained Statutory Requirements

The document lists the statutory requirements that were retained in the RFO FAR part 10 model deviation, including those that cover planning and solicitation requirements and effective communication between government and industry.

According to the memo, acquisition professionals must still comply with the Competition in Contracting Act.

Subparts “10.001 Policy” and “10.002 Procedures” have been combined and streamlined to eliminate duplicative and discretionary guidance.

GSA Senior Procurement Executive Jeffrey Koses issued and signed the memo.

President Trump Issues New EO to Strengthen Domestic Nuclear Energy Supply Chain
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President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order entitled Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.

President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order to accelerate the production and operation of nuclear energy to support new technologies. The Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base EO aims to strengthen the nation’s nuclear energy supply chain by expanding the capacity of existing nuclear reactors, constructing new large reactors, providing financial support for increased energy production and bolstering domestic workforce participation, the White House said Friday. 

Energy generation has been a major concern under the new administration. On day one of his second presidential term, Trump declared a national energy emergency to remove bureaucratic barriers and address the challenge of inadequate energy supply and infrastructure across the United States.

The EO is expected to create more jobs, stimulate economic growth and reestablish the nation as a leading energy producer in the world. 

How the US Plans to Increase Nuclear Energy Production

The EO directs the head of the Department of Energy to work with the secretaries of defense and transportation and the director of the Office of Management and Budget to identify national policies that can improve spent nuclear fuel management and commercial recycling and reprocessing of nuclear fuels. 

DOE will also collaborate with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and OMB to craft a plan for expanding domestic uranium conversion and enrichment to better meet civilian and defense demands. 

In addition, Energy Secretary Chris Wright will need to develop a program for disposing of surplus plutonium by making it available for advanced reactor fuel fabrication. 

The U.S. government will also offer federal loans and loan guarantees to organizations that can contribute toward increased nuclear energy generation. The projects that may be eligible for government funding include restarting closed or prematurely suspended plants and near-term deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

The EO sets the goal of 5 GW of power uprates for existing nuclear reactors and constructing 10 new large reactors by 2030.

President Trump is additionally attempting to create pathways for Americans to enter the nuclear workforce. To support the EO, the secretaries of labor and education will launch programs to increase participation in nuclear energy apprenticeships and promote career and technical education.

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NRL Seeks Proposals for C4ISR Development, Support & Integration
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Logo of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

The Naval Research Laboratory has issued a request for proposals in support of the Systems Engineering Research and Development of the Space Systems Development Department, known as SSDD.

According to the notice posted on SAM.gov Friday the NRL is seeking industry feedback for contractors capable of providing personnel to conduct research and development efforts for the SSDD.

Table of Contents

NRL Contract Scope

The potential contractor will oversee program management for the SSDD, providing systems engineering, integration, test and evaluation, and operations research and development services. The company will also deliver technical direction for current and future R&D programs. Other responsibilities include hardware and software configuration item updates and overall project financial management.

The cost-plus-fixed-fee, definitive contract will have a 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods. Interested vendors can submit their proposals by July 10.

What Is the SSDD?

The SSDD is the space and ground support systems R&D organization within the Naval Center for Space Technology, an NRL organization. The NRL oversees the Navy Space Program technology development and acquisition of space, aerospace and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or C4ISR, systems supporting naval missions.

NRL Seeks Proposals for C4ISR Development, Support & Integration

Gain valuable insights on the latest advancements in naval technology from U.S. Navy leaders and experts. Register now to join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26.

The department aims to translate mission requirements into system requirements and develop architectures to meet those needs. It also seeks to create systems, equipment and other technologies necessary for optimized and integrated operational space and ground systems. SSDD is currently engaged in the early stages of definition and design for different advanced concepts studies and projects for future space, aerospace and tactical C4ISR systems. 

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FCC to Unlock 20,000 Megahertz for Satellite Spectrum Abundance
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FCC wants to unlock 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for high-speed internet from space, says a notice of proposed rulemaking.

The Federal Communications Commission is intensifying efforts to pursue spectrum abundance in line with efforts to boost satellite broadband capabilities and solidify U.S. leadership in space.

The FCC said Thursday that the initiative, part of the FCC’s Final Frontiers agenda, intends to unleash over 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for high-speed internet delivered from space, exceeding the total of all existing broadband spectrum.

Expanding Connectivity with Underused Spectrum Bands

The commission voted to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking, which aims to solicit comments on expanding satellite connectivity across four spectrum bands to unlock more than 20,000 megahertz. The underutilized spectrum bands include 12.7 to 13.25 GHz, 42.0 to 42.5 GHz, 51.4 to 52.4 GHz, and the “W-band” at 92.0 to 94.0 GHz, 94.1 to 100 GHz, 102.0 to 109.5 GHz, and 111.8 to 114.25 GHz. These bands are situated in “spectrum neighborhoods” for satellite broadband, making them ideal for modernization.

Outdated regulations have long restricted satellite operations in the 12.7 GHz band, while the 42 GHz band is a rare band that remains unoccupied. Once considered for terrestrial applications, these two bands lie next to satellite frequencies in the Ku- and V- bands. The 52 GHz band has no licensed commercial users, though calls to open it for domestic use, following international decisions at WRC-19, have intensified.

The W-band offers prospects for gigabit capacity across a massive, largely unused spectrum previously considered outside the practical realm of physics. Through the notice seeking feedback on the W-band, the FCC continues efforts to explore the full potential of high-band spectrum and ensure U.S.-licensed operators gain a “first-mover advantage.”

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DIU Seeking AI/ML Tools to Support Data Analysis at Navy Maritime Operations Centers
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DIU's Situational Awareness by Intelligent Learning Systems—or SAILS—initiative is looking for commercial AI/ML technologies.

The Defense Innovation Unit is now accepting proposals for commercial artificial intelligence and machine learning tools that can aggregate data from multiple sources and improve situational awareness for warfighters. Called Situational Awareness by Intelligent Learning Systems, or SAILS, the initiative aims to develop and deploy AI/ML applications to support the convergence of data inputs from space-based, shipboard and airborne assets, as well as intelligence reports, watch logs and other documents at the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Operations Centers, DIU said.

SAILS Technology Requirement

According to a commercial solutions opening, or CSO, posted Thursday, DIU wants an AI/ML platform that facilitates role-based access control and cross-domain data sharing and can operate in denied, disrupted, intermittent and limited-impact—a.k.a. DDIL—bandwidth environments. The technology must also be qualified to operate across classification levels and comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s requirements for handling controlled unclassified information. 

In addition, DIU wants a system that can be deployed regardless of hardware provider. 

The SAILS initiative will have multiple phases, with phase two expected to include demonstrations in an unclassified environment. DIU may award a prototype other transaction agreement and then a follow-on production contract for the required technology. 

Interested parties may submit a description and technical details of their proposed solutions to DIU until June 6.

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Bipartisan Legislation to Require Federal Contractors to Implement Vulnerability Disclosure Policies
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A new bipartisan Senate bill would amend FAR to address vulnerabilities in federal contractors' information systems.

A bipartisan legislation is seeking updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require federal contractors to implement vulnerability disclosure policies.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said Friday that VDPs “are crucial tools to help ensure that the federal government is operating using safe cybersecurity practices.”

Warner introduced the Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025 with James Lankford, R-Okla., a member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Civilian federal agencies are already required to have VDPs; however, the same requirement does not exist for federal contractors for the information systems used in fulfilling their contracts. Under the proposed bill, the contractors should adhere to National Institute of Standards and Technology guidelines and implement VDPs in line with those of the federal agencies to help reduce known security vulnerabilities, secure the entire supply chain and protect national security. The Office of Management and Budget would be required to oversee the FAR updates to ensure proper VDP implementation.

According to Lankford, increasing awareness of cyber vulnerabilities could help contractors and agencies keep data and systems safe from cybercrimes and hacking.

Sen. Warner’s Cyber-Focused Legislative Efforts

Warner authored the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act, signed into law in 2020 by President Donald Trump, requiring IoT devices purchased with federal funds to meet minimum security standards. He also cofounded the bipartisan Senate Cybersecurity Caucus in 2016 and co-authored legislation mandating companies responsible for U.S. critical infrastructure to report cybersecurity incidents to the government.

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NGA Announces Plan to Award Up to 10 Luno Task Orders Soon
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Frank Whitworth says NGA has a goal of awarding Luno A and B commercial AI-powered analytics task orders by early 2026.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is planning to award up to 10 task orders under the Luno A and B programs within the current fiscal year, Breaking Defense reported.

Luno A and Luno B have a combined ceiling of $490 million, with a five-year base ordering period for each indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. NGA selected 10 companies to compete for the $290 million Luno A IDIQ, which focuses on artificial intelligence-enabled analysis of satellite imagery from commercial operators. For the $200 million Luno B IDIQ, the agency chose 13 companies to compete for commercial AI products and services task orders.  

NGA Announces Plan to Award Up to 10 Luno Task Orders Soon

Together, the contract vehicles aim to support national security missions and enable NGA to analyze global economic, environmental, geopolitical and illicit activities through the delivery of unclassified satellite imagery and AI-powered data analytics.

In today’s complex and interconnected world, intelligence plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation, preventing crises and informing policy decisions. The rise of new threats, technological advancements and geopolitical shifts has made intelligence-gathering and analysis more essential than ever. Join the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Intel Summit, where the intelligence community’s top leaders will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the IC today and into the future. Register here!

Ursa Space Systems Secures Luno A Task Order

So far, the NGA has only awarded task orders under Luno A. Speaking at the recent GEOINT Symposium, NGA Director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth, a four-time Wash100 award recipient, announced that Ursa Space Systems won the third Luno A task order, worth $13.8 million, for its Global Oil Awareness Tracker designed to “provide unclassified commercial geoanalytics of petroleum-based production and storage facilities.” The first and second delivery orders were respectively awarded to Maxar Technologies for monitoring NGA clients’ target sites and to Electromagnetic Systems Inc. for providing detailed terrain maps of various areas.

According to Devin Brande, the agency’s director of commercial operations, two more Luno A task orders could be awarded soon, noting the NGA’s goal of awarding the bulk of task orders for both programs by early 2026 to provide more time for ensuring the new capabilities are properly integrated into government enterprise systems and transitioning them into production and use.

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House OKs Budget Reconciliation Bill With $150B for National Defense
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The House passed a budget reconciliation bill that includes $150 billion for national defense spending.

The House on Thursday voted 215-214 to pass a budget reconciliation measure that includes $150 billion in mandatory funding to reinforce U.S. national defense and implement President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda.

“The One Big, Beautiful Bill provides long overdue resources to modernize our military, revitalize the defense industrial base, and improve the quality of life for our servicemembers,” House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said in a statement published Thursday.

“The House and Senate Armed Services Committees worked closely together and with the White House to develop this critical legislation, and Speaker Johnson has worked closely with all of the committees involved to develop a comprehensive budget bill that best serves our taxpayers. I’m looking forward to sending this to the President’s desk as soon as possible,” the Alabama congressman added.

Golden Dome for America

The reconciliation bill, which is now headed to the Senate, includes $25 billion for the proposed next-generation missile defense shield called Golden Dome for America. The project seeks to develop space-based assets to defend the homeland against hypersonic threats.

The Department of Defense recently developed a draft architecture and implementation plan for the missile defense shield project.

Maritime Industrial Base Investment

The legislation proposes $34 billion in funding to support shipbuilding initiatives, enhance the U.S. naval fleet’s capability and improve infrastructure in the maritime industrial base.

The measure also includes investments in autonomous surface and subsurface technologies.

Other Defense Priority Investments

The bill outlines other priority investments, including $21 billion to restock the country’s munitions arsenal; $14 billion to expand DOD initiatives to accelerate the development and delivery of weapons systems to warfighters; and $13 billion to expedite nuclear triad modernization.

The legislation would also provide $11 billion to expand military exercises and improve readiness of Indo-Pacific forces; $7 billion to speed up the delivery of next-generation aircraft and autonomous systems; $5 billion for border security initiatives; and $400 million to invest in IT systems and artificial intelligence tools to help DOD pass a clean audit.

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Air Force Releases Paper on ‘Cyber Cake’ Concept
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Digital pad lock with a key hole representing cybersecurity and data protection

The Department of the Air Force Chief Information Officer has published a paper explaining the ‘cyber cake‘ concept to provide a structured, transparent framework to achieve a stronger cybersecurity posture.

FIPS Strategy as the Base

The Federal Information Processing Standards, or FIPS, strategy serves as the cyber cake’s base. 

According to the concept paper, organizations should begin with FIPS to establish mandatory security standards for federal information systems and ensure a baseline of security to support broader cybersecurity strategies.

Risk Management Framework as the Platter

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Risk Management Framework, or RMF, serves as the platter, providing a structured approach that organizations can use to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks to protect information and systems.

The Cyber Cake’s 5 Layers

The 34-page document outlines the five layers of the cyber cake: the supply chain risk management, or SCRM, strategy; cybersecurity SCRM strategy, or C-SCRM; cyber resilience engineering framework, or CREF; zero trust strategy; and the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques and Common Knowledge, also known as the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

According to the concept paper, SCRM and RMF serve as the baseline frameworks, providing the key structure for the risk management and supply chain risk management practices that CREF and C-SCRM build on to address cybersecurity and resilience.

Meanwhile, CREF integrates principles from SCRM and RMF to help improve an organization’s ability to recover from cyber incidents.

The paper also cites other components of the cyber cake, including privacy; the NIST Secure Software Development Framework; controlled unclassified information; artificial intelligence and machine learning; and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0.

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