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AFSOC Receives First Missionized OA-1K Skyraider II
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AFSOC Receives First Missionized OA-1K Skyraider II

The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has officially accepted the OA-1K Skyraider II to its fleet.

The Air Force said Friday the AFSOC received the first missionized Skyraider II during a ceremony held at the Hurlburt Field in Florida on April 3. Guests at the event included AFSOC representatives, local community leaders, retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice and Phillip Edward Jennings. The 98-year-old Buice was an A-1 Skyraider pilot while Jennings is the one who rescued him after he was shot down in Vietnam. The new Skyraider II is named after the A-1 Skyraider.

What Is the Skyraider II?

The OA-1K Skyraider II is a new crewed aircraft designed for various applications or missions. Its adaptability reportedly allows it to perform close air support, precision attacks and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, operations.

The AFSOC’s newest airframe is based on the Air Tractor AT-802. The highly adaptable Skyraider II not only enables operators to accomplish various missions, but also creates complex challenges for opposing forces. It is also more cost-effective than other special operations aircraft as it requires less maintenance and operational expenses.

“Skyraider II represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander. “It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response and the evolving landscape of modern warfare,” he added.

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Space Force Fast-Tracks NSSL GPS III-7 Mission Launch
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Space Force Fast-Tracks NSSL GPS III-7 Mission Launch

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command and Space Operations Command have revealed plans to launch the National Security Space Launch, or NSSL, Global Positioning System III-7 mission by the end of May this year.

The SSC said Monday the upcoming NSSL mission aims to deploy the GPS III Space Vehicle 08 in orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Accelerated Space Force Missions

The expected NSSL launch follows the Rapid Response Trailblazer launch in December last year. The mission’s accelerated timeline showcases the two field commands’ enhanced responsiveness. A typical mission takes up to 24 months to prepare, but the NSSL GPS III-7 mission will have only about three months before its scheduled launch.

To fast-track the launch, the field commands will enforce a comprehensive integration of efforts from various Space Force organizations to accomplish the feat. The work will include pre-launch processing of the SV-08 by SpOC’s Mission Delta 31, which will also work with Lockheed Martin to speed up the delivery of the GPS III satellite. The satellite will then be rapidly integrated with the Falcon 9 launch vehicle before preparing the space vehicle for launch.

Enhancing Warfighter Capabilities

The aim of the GPS III-7 mission is to boost the capabilities of combatants, particularly during operations, by rapidly deploying modernized precision, navigation and timing capabilities to the joint force. The GPS III satellite will be equipped with M-Code technology, which enhances the accuracy and resistance to jamming of the warfighter’s capabilities by three and eight times, respectively.

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New LIFT Center Offers Advanced Metallic Production, Processing Capabilities
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New LIFT Center Offers Advanced Metallic Production, Processing Capabilities

Organizations and companies in the U.S. industrial base, including academia and startups, have been invited to tap the capabilities of the Advanced Metallic Production and Processing, or AMPP, Center that the Leading Innovations For Tomorrow, or LIFT, program has established in Detroit. 

The center can rapidly bring concepts of new materials to prototype, testing and production, Nigel Francis, LIFT’s CEO and executive director, said in the institute’s Monday announcement of the center’s opening. “The pace of advanced manufacturing innovation is accelerating, and the development of novel materials is crucial to keeping the U.S. ahead of global competitors,” Francis stated.

DOD-Backed Program With Industry Network

LIFT, a public-private partnership with the Department of Defense technology program under the National Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Institute, established the AMPP Center to serve as a collaboration hub among its close to 400 members and key industry players.

The program’s membership network includes original equipment manufacturers, materials producers and developers, and parts manufacturers. They can rely on the center for metallic production and processing capabilities, such as materials production, accelerating product availability and delivery, and toll processing and contract manufacturing.

Advanced Capabilities in Rapid Materials Development

The center is geared to produce metals across all alloy types and process them into top quality metal powder, wire and rod feedstocks. It offers capabilities to hasten materials development through advanced processes, such as additive manufacturing. With the center’s support, domestic manufacturers can reduce risks and costs of materials development, while also accelerating product availability on the market, according to LINK. 

In addition to the AMPP Center, LIFT has opened a satellite unit in Puerto Rico to convene technology partners in advanced materials development and manufacturing. LIFT’s funding support from DOD is managed through the Office of Naval Research. 

In May 2023, the manufacturing innovation program secured a new five-year $49.4 million support through a cooperative agreement with ONR, enabling LIFT to join the Manufacturing USA network and showcase its work in materials, manufacturing, systems engineering and material characterization.

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TCOM Honored With 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Export Award
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TCOM Honored With 2024 North Carolina Governor’s Export Award

TCOM has been honored with the North Carolina Governor’s Export Award in the large business category.

The airborne persistent surveillance company said Wednesday it was recognized by the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina for its significant achievement in growing international sales and strengthening the state’s export economy.

What Is the North Carolina Governor’s Export Award?

Governor Josh Stein and the EDPNC presented the Governor’s Export Award, which celebrates North Carolina companies that have gained substantial expansion in the international market. TCOM won in the large business category, which honors enterprises with significant export accomplishments and global presence.

Commitment to Airborne Surveillance Innovation

TCOM is committed to enhancing airborne surveillance innovation, intensifying efforts to expand its business worldwide. Its advanced aerostat systems are utilized worldwide, offering persistent surveillance services for a wide range of applications such as disaster response, border protection and military operations.

The company is also dedicated to helping North Carolina boost its presence in the international market.

“We are honored to receive the Governor’s Export Award,” said Ron Bendlin, president and CEO of TCOM. “This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our team to deliver cutting-edge surveillance solutions globally. We remain dedicated to advancing our technology and expanding our international reach, contributing to North Carolina’s reputation as a hub for innovation and excellence,” he added.

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OMB Memos Seek to Promote Responsible AI Use, Procurement in Government
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OMB Memos Seek to Promote Responsible AI Use, Procurement in Government

The Office of Management and Budget has issued two memos to facilitate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence tools and drive efficient AI acquisition in the government.

In a fact sheet published Thursday, the White House said the policies mark the executive branch’s transition to a pro-innovation, pro-competition approach while mitigating unnecessary bureaucratic restrictions on the use of AI and enhancing U.S. superiority in AI innovation.

Fostering Responsible AI Adoption

M-25-21 provides agencies with the tools needed to advance AI innovation while maintaining strong protections for the civil rights, privacy and civil liberties of Americans.

Under the new memo, chief AI officers should promote agencywide AI adoption and innovation for lower risk AI; advise on AI investments and spending; and mitigate risks for higher-impact AI.

The policy directs agencies to produce an AI adoption maturity assessment to monitor progress and needs. It also introduces a “high-impact AI” category to track AI use cases that demand heightened due diligence due to potential impacts on the safety or rights of citizens.

Advancing Efficient AI Acquisition

M-25-22 offers guidance on how agencies could improve their ability to acquire AI tools rapidly, competitively and responsibly.

Under the memo, agencies must support a competitive AI marketplace by maximizing the use of American-made AI systems and services. They should also use performance-based acquisition techniques and establish an online shared repository of tools and resources to help with AI procurement.

The policy outlines specific requirements that avoid vendor lock-in and seeks to eliminate burdensome agency reporting requirements to facilitate the acquisition process.

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DOD Memo Outlines Reporting Instructions for Terminated, Canceled Awards
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DOD Memo Outlines Reporting Instructions for Terminated, Canceled Awards

The Department of Defense has announced a memorandum that provides contracting officers and agreement officers with specific instructions for reporting termination and cancellation actions related to the Trump administration’s efficiency initiatives to the Federal Procurement Data System, or FPDS, and the System for Award Management, or SAM.

DOD said Thursday the memo from the principal director of the Defense Pricing, Contracting and Acquisition Policy, or DPCAP, is in compliance with a Feb. 18 presidential memo titled Radical Transparency About Wasteful Spending.

According to the department, the DPCAP memo applies to unclassified Federal Acquisition Regulation-based contracts and other transaction agreements for prototypes or follow-on production.

How to Report Terminations & Cancellations to FPDS

The memo directs contracting personnel to make the appropriate selection from the options provided in the “Reason for Modification” field in FPDS and select the “RTWS” option in the “Initiative” field in contract action reports submitted to the system for any definitized cancellation or termination modification that is related to the efficiency initiatives.

Contract action reports should be reported to FPDS within three business days.

Posting Special Notices to SAM

The document directs contracting officers to post a special notice in SAM’s Contract Opportunities area to provide details of the unclassified canceled or terminated award reported to FPDS. The special notice is only required if the value of the award is greater than $250,000.

The memo also includes specific instructions for canceled or terminated awards whose statement of work or performance work statement is publicly releasable.

Hegseth’s Memo on Wasteful Spending

In March, Pete Hegseth, defense secretary and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, signed a memorandum to terminate more than $580 million in contracts, programs and grants as part of DOD’s ongoing effort to eliminate wasteful spending.

The memo called for the cancellation of a software development program for the Defense Civilian Human Resources Management System and the termination of over $360 million in additional grants that are not aligned with DOD priorities.

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William Hartman Named Acting NSA Director Following Dismissal of Top Officials
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William Hartman Named Acting NSA Director Following Dismissal of Top Officials

Lt. Gen. William Hartman has been appointed acting director of the National Security Agency several hours after the Trump administration fired top officials at the agency, The Hill reported Saturday.

LTG Hartman will also serve as acting commander of the U.S. Cyber Command and acting chief of the Central Security Service, while Sheila Thomas will be the acting NSA deputy director.

The appointment follows President Donald Trump’s decision to dismiss NSA Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, Brian Walsh, senior director of intelligence, Thomas Boodry, senior director of legislative affairs, and David Feith, senior director of technology and national security.

Trump’s decision to fire the officials was based on recommendations by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who questioned their loyalty. The president said, “Laura Loomer is a great patriot. She’s a very strong person. She makes recommendations on things and people, and sometimes I listen to those recommendations, like I do with everybody. I listen to everybody, and then I make a decision.”

Who Is William Hartman?

Prior to his NSA designation, Hartman was the commander of the Cyber National Mission Force. 

In his military career, the University of South Alabama’s distinguished military graduate held various positions as an infantry, military intelligence and cyberspace operations officer. He was assigned to various countries, including Italy, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and Turkey.

He has also received numerous recognitions, including the Legion of Merit with oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf clusters and the Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf clusters. 

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NASA Receives HALO Module for Gateway Lunar Space Station
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NASA Receives HALO Module for Gateway Lunar Space Station

NASA has announced that a crucial part of Gateway, the first space station around the Moon, has been delivered to the United States from Italy.

The agency said Friday the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, or HALO, the future space station’s first pressurized module, arrived in Arizona from Thales Alenia Space in Turin, Italy, on April 1. With this development, NASA is closer to launching Gateway.

Preparing for Launch

The HALO module will go through a final outfitting process at Northrop Grumman’s integration and test facility in Gilbert, Arizona. It will then be transported to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to be integrated with Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element. Once ready, the modules will be launched together onboard a SpaceX Falcon heavy rocket.

Supporting Future Moon and Mars Missions

The Gateway space station will play a crucial role in the Artemis program. It is intended to facilitate the return of humans to the lunar surface and pave the way for scientific exploration for future crewed missions to Mars.

HALO will serve as a habitat for Artemis astronauts. It will provide them with living quarters and workspaces and provide what they need for conducting scientific research while preparing for missions to the Moon. The module will have docking stations to accommodate lunar landers, logistics modules and visiting vehicles like NASA’s Orion spacecraft. Furthermore, HALO will support science payloads for research and technology.

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Legislators Reintroduce American Innovation Act for Steady R&D Funding
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Legislators Reintroduce American Innovation Act for Steady R&D Funding

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Rep. Bill Foster, D-Ill., have reintroduced the American Innovation Act, a bicameral bill that would ensure annual budget increases at a rate of five percent for critical research at five federal agencies. The bicameral bill will ensure that American scientists at the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Defense, and NASA will have sustained access to funding to create more jobs, strengthen national security and “push our world forward,” Durbin said in a press release posted Thursday. 

“If we want to maintain our status as a world leader in research and technology, we must empower and fund our federal research agencies and retain their top talent,” the democratic whip commented.

Senators Champion American Innovation

According to the press release, the United States is in danger of falling behind adversaries in investment in basic science. Whereas China’s research and development intensity, or percentage of gross domestic product spent on R&D, increased by 500 percent since 1996, America’s stalled. Since the ‘70s, funding for research in the United States decreased tenfold to just about 0.1 percent of the GDP. 

If the trend continues, China will surpass the U.S. in the area of science investments. 

In his statement, Foster highlighted the role played by investments in scientific studies in national security and the economy. 

“Since World War II, investments in science and technology have helped expand our economy, create millions of jobs and advance our national security,” he pointed out. 

“As we confront new and existing challenges, it’s critical that our scientists have the resources they need to ensure our nation remains at the forefront of research and innovation,” the House legislator added.

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Air Force Seeks Prototypes of ‘Flex Fuel’ Power Systems
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Air Force Seeks Prototypes of ‘Flex Fuel’ Power Systems

The Department of the Air Force has issued a solicitation for prototype multi-fuel power systems to back up its existing on-site power sources. The “flex fuel” prototypes DAF wants are designs that not only increase power sources and fuel options but also clean energy systems that reduce costs and minimize maintenance and operational requirements, according to the department’s Thursday Tradewinds post.

Prototype Technical Requirements     

The technical specifications required for prototype proposals include power systems at between the 100-kilowatt and 1 megawatt range, with the initial design’s ideal capacity at 230kW up to approximately 460kW. 

Proponents should also submit prototypes with a capacity factor of less than 30 percent, operating as a stationary platform with integration capability with current government and commercial power infrastructures. In addition, DAF seeks models that can operate using multiple gaseous fuels in varying purities, with at least one conventional fossil fuel as power source.

Video Pitches With Business Model Presentations

Interested parties on the solicitation have to submit a video pitch to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace Opportunity Page, with May 1 as the submission’s deadline. Besides the solicitation’s technical specifications, the pitch should present a comprehensive business model defining the proponent’s prototyping goals, strategies, activities and alternatives either as a prime contractor, subcontractor or partner.

Additionally, the proposal should detail the prototype’s differences from other similar technologies and services, as well as present prototype financing plans minus the land, site control and project access cost that DAF will provide. After the proposals’ assessment, DAF may opt to negotiate with just one, some or all of the prototype proponents.

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