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Catalyst Campus Selects 3 New Companies for Cohort Two of SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator
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Catalyst Campus runs the Space Domain Awareness TAP Lab Mini Accelerator

Catalyst Campus has welcomed three new small businesses to its two-month mini accelerator program.

The non-profit said Monday that the new members of Cohort Two of its Space Domain Awareness TAP Lab Mini Accelerator were selected based on proposed solutions’ alignment with SDA mission areas and potential impact on national defense.

Catalyst Campus Selects 3 New Companies for Cohort Two of SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator

Leaders from across the space defense industry will come together at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Register for the in-person event here.

The SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator is open to early-stage companies and serves as a pipeline into Project Apollo, the Space Force’s collaborative technology accelerator. As part of the mini accelerator, participants will get access to mentorship opportunities and exposure to key Department of Defense and SDA stakeholders.

New SDA TAP Lab Mini Accelerator Cohort

Catalyst Campus named BQP, Paterson Aerospace Systems Corp. and R4C Tech as members of its Cohort Two.

BQP is working on BQPhy, a quantum-accelerated digital twin platform that can integrate into existing engineering workflows and infrastructure. BQPhy can bridge the gap between high-performance computers and future quantum computers.

Meanwhile, Paterson Aerospace Systems Corp. is developing technologies that can track orbital debris smaller than 10 centimeters, which pose a significant threat to space systems. The company believes that providing data on small orbital debris could prevent a future where space becomes inaccessible.

Led by scientists and aerospace, defense, and artificial intelligence developers, R4C Tech specializes in creating cyber-physical intelligence software systems that can detect and characterize threats and support data-driven decision-making. The company is currently building tools that will integrate machine learning and weather-based predictors to identify rocket launch windows.

Cohort Two commenced on July 8 and will run through Aug. 22 in Colorado.

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INL Named SMART USA Chief Digital Officer to Advance Semiconductor Manufacturing
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Idaho National Lab logo. INL will serve as SMART USA chief digital officer.

The Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory will serve as the chief digital officer for the Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA Institute, or SMART USA.

The partnership with the Department of Energy will enable the SMART USA program to use the agency’s investments in high-performance computing to tackle the semiconductor industry’s toughest challenges by advancing American digital twin technology, building a digital backbone and applying it to the semiconductor supply chain to reduce the time and costs associated with chip design and production and boost domestic manufacturing competitiveness, INL said Monday.

SMART USA is a new Manufacturing USA Institute funded by the National Institute for Standards and Technology CHIPS for America program and led by Semiconductor Research Corporation Manufacturing Consortium Corp.

INL — An Expert in Digital Twin Technology 

According to Chris Ritter, INL’s division director of scientific computing and AI, the laboratory was selected as the chief digital officer for its vast expertise in digital twinning, high-performance computing, digital engineering, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. In the said role, INL will be responsible for “developing tools and methodologies to provide agile responses to supply chain disruptions, ensuring continuous and efficient semiconductor production,” he added.

The lab has already applied digital twin technology in key areas, including nuclear operations, energy systems, advanced materials, fuel cycles and cyber-physical security.

Addressing a Shortage of Skilled Workers

In addition to leading SMART USA efforts, INL will also oversee the Rocky Mountain region’s Digital Innovation Semiconductor Centers. INL will collaborate with universities and companies, including Micron and Texas Instruments, to build a skilled semiconductor workforce.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with Idaho National Lab,” said Todd Younkin, executive director of SMART USA. “INL’s pioneering work in digital twins, which integrate physical assets with computational capabilities, is set to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing.”

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Jonathan Gould Confirmed as Comptroller of the Currency
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Jonathan Gould received Senate confirmation for the comptroller of the currency role

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Jonathan Gould, most recently a partner at law firm Jones Day, as the new head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or OCC, in a 50-45 vote.

Gould, who will serve a five-year term, replaces Rodney Hood, who has been acting comptroller since February.

Commenting on the confirmation, Hood noted that Gould’s private sector experience and commitment to public service “have prepared him to quickly advance meaningful reforms that will benefit the federal banking system.”

“Mr. Gould understands the critical importance of right-sizing regulations to be appropriately tailored, embracing innovation in the banking sector, and ensuring fair access to financial services,” Hood added.

Who Is Jonathan Gould?

Gould’s confirmation marks his return to OCC, where he served as the office’s senior deputy comptroller and chief counsel from 2018 to 2021. During this period, he spearheaded innovation efforts, including modernizing the banking chartering process and issuing legal opinions on stablecoins and cryptocurrency custody, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Before joining Jones Day, he was chief legal officer at blockchain technology company Bitfury.

The 32nd comptroller of the currency previously served as a director at investment firm BlackRock and Promontory Financial Group.

The Princeton University graduate spent two years within the Senate Banking Committee as a counsel and served as an associate at law firm Alston & Bird for four years.

Gould holds a law degree from Washington and Lee University.

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Senate Panel Unveils FY 2026 NDAA
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The Senate Armed Services Committee released its version of the NDAA for FY 2026

The Senate Armed Services Committee has released its version of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which supports a total of $924.7 billion in national defense funding.

The committee said the FY 2026 NDAA is now headed to the Senate floor after it passed the defense policy bill in a 26-1 vote on Wednesday, July 9. Learn more about DOD’s air and space spending priorities for FY 2026 at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31!

Senate FY 2026 NDAA Includes FORGED Act Provisions

Federal News Network reported that the Senate panel’s FY 2026 NDAA version includes provisions from the Fostering Reform and Government Efficiency in Defense, or the FORGED Act, introduced by Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., in December 2024.

“The FORGED act was a notional product introduced on Dec. 18. It was designed to elicit responses. It was designed to be a starting point for hundreds of engagements, maybe, and we started working on a bipartisan basis. Not all of the FORGED Act is in the NDAA now,” a senior congressional official told reporters Friday.

One of those provisions is amending the definition of a nontraditional defense contractor to include entities that do not have significant independent research and development or bid and proposal costs reimbursed by the government.

The NDAA also exempts nontraditional defense companies from several defense business requirements and requires that such contractors be treated as commercial firms unless a waiver is approved.

Other Proposed Acquisition Reforms in FY 2026 NDAA

The fiscal 2026 NDAA seeks to redefine program executive officers as portfolio acquisition executives, providing them with greater authorities and responsibilities for resourcing, requirements and acquisition.

The proposed measure would direct the establishment of capstone requirements for each portfolio acquisition executive; amend acquisition strategy requirements to focus on portfolio management of capability sets to promote competition and continuous iteration; and establish an alternative pathway for the test and evaluation of software acquisition programs using the software acquisition pathway and other programs designated by the secretary of defense.

The bill would amend the Commercial Solutions Openings solicitation procedure to eliminate approval thresholds and establish sole-source follow-on authority and establish a direct award to follow-on production authority for other transactions if the capability has been demonstrated in a relevant environment and a determination by the acquisition executive is made.

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NASA Seeks Proposals for Annual Space and Earth Sciences Research Program
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NASA is seeking research project proposals for its annual Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences program

The NASA Science Mission Directorate has started soliciting proposals for the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences, or ROSES, 2025, its annual NASA research announcement, or NRA.

What Is NASA’s ROSES?

According to the notice posted on SAM.gov Thursday, the ROSES 2025 NRA is NASA’s annual omnibus solicitation, which invites proposals for various basic and applied research projects in space and Earth sciences. It has multiple individual program elements with specific topics and proposal due dates.

Learn about new business opportunities from federal space agencies at the 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Potomac Officrs Club events are the go-to destination for DMV GovCon networking, collaboration and learning. Register now! 

ROSES 2025 comprises approximately 35 proposal opportunities with a total estimated fund of $125 to $150 million. Around 300 awards are expected for the omnibus notice of funding opportunity, or NOFO. Funding for each award will vary depending on the project. Focused and limited efforts like data analysis projects could receive $100,000 annually, while extensive projects like flight-related research and hardware development for science experiments could garner over $1 million a year. Most awards are expected to have at least a three-year performance period.

The ROSES solicitation will cover a broad spectrum of research, including theoretical studies, development of technology for observing and testing the theories, sample and data collection and analysis, laboratory measurements and data modeling. The program is intended to facilitate advancements in Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, Astrophysics and Biological and Physical Sciences.

Interested offerors registered with NSPIRES can submit their proposals until Sept. 8, 2026.

NASA Seeks Proposals for Annual Space and Earth Sciences Research Program
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GAO Advises VA to Implement Leading Key Practices in EHR Modernization
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Carrol Harris of GAO discusses VA's EHR modernization

The Government Accountability Office has identified leading practices to guide the Department of Veterans Affairs’ electronic health record, or EHR, modernization project. 

Carol Harris, director of IT and cybersecurity at GAO, also provided in her testimony before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization key reform elements of the VA’s IT budget request for fiscal year 2026. 

VA’s IT Plans for Fiscal 2026

The VA intends to spend $7.3 billion on IT for fiscal 2026. Of that sum, $3.5 billion will be invested toward accelerating the implementation of EHR. 

GAO noted that the VA has attempted to implement its EHR modernization four times since 2001, with the latest attempt halted in 2023 due to widespread concerns. In December 2024, the VA announced that it would restart deployments of its EHR in 2026. 

In addition, the VA will reduce spending on duplicative legacy systems and will pause new system procurements until an internal review has been conducted.

GAO’s Recommended Leading Practices for VA

The congressional watchdog offered the VA 12 leading practices divided across four categories: goals and outcomes, process for developing reforms, implementing the reforms, and managing the workforce. The leading practices include using data to address challenges and increasing employee engagement to enhance operational efficiency. 

GAO also provided key questions that the VA can use to guide its agency reform efforts.

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Air Force Conducts Human-Machine Teaming Experiment to Enhance C2 Capabilities
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The Air Force's 805th Combat Training Squadron conducted Experiment 3 to enhance decision-making capabilities

The 805th Combat Training Squadron, also known as Shadow Operations Center-Nellis, or ShOC-N, completed an experiment aimed at advancing the development of human-machine teaming, data convergence and emerging technologies to enhance the Department of the Air Force Battle Network, particularly its command and control capabilities.

Enhancing Decision Advantage Through Advanced Kill Chain

The Air Force said experiment 3, conducted at the Nellis Air Force Base from June 4 to 13, is intended to advance decision-making capabilities by creating a data-driven automated kill chain spanning operational and tactical C2 levels. The experiment also integrated various tactical C2 nodes and assessed the Air Combat Command’s Project NEXUS workflows, while minimizing risk for high-technology readiness level prototype capabilities by exposing them to a combat-representative environment.

Air Force leaders will share exclusive insights at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Compare notes with industry peers and ask high-ranking officials your burning questions at this high-level GovCon networking event!

Leveraging Emerging Tech Like AI

ShOC-N utilized a new planning and execution approach based on the Air Force Warfare Center’s Bamboo Eagle exercise series that allowed the squadron to conduct a realistic stress test of emerging technologies in a simulated combat-like setting.

During experiment 3, an artificial intelligence-powered application, created under the Maven Smart System, provided real-time recommendations to targeting teams. This allowed them to evaluate AI-generated suggestions against decisions made by human operators without using AI tools. The application is intended to minimize the mental burden on decision-makers and accelerate the ‘find, fix, track, target, engage, assess,’ or F2T2EA, process. The results revealed that human qualities such as intuition, experience and situational awareness are advantageous in time-sensitive targeting scenarios.

The experiment also saw the Project Nexus components undergoing stress tests, which supports the DAF’s efforts to establish a resilient and fully integrated operational C2, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, and targeting capabilities.

Air Force Conducts Human-Machine Teaming Experiment to Enhance C2 Capabilities
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USSF Space Operations Command Accepts Upgraded GPS Operating System From Raytheon
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Raytheon delivered to U.S. Space Force's Space Operations Command an updated GPS operating system.

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command, or SPOC, has accepted an upgraded operating system for its global positioning system from Raytheon.

USSF Space Operations Command Accepts Upgraded GPS Operating System From Raytheon

Join the Potomac Officers Club 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31 to get insights on air and space defense and how to contribute to its advancement. 

What Is the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System?

The GPS Next Generation Operational Control System, or OCX, is built to improve location, navigation and timing services, and it is part of a bigger effort to modernize the entire GPS System, the Space Force said Friday. The upgrade includes new GPS III satellites and advanced military equipment. The upgrades aim to function better in areas with signal interference, improve detection of problems, provide more accurate timing and location, and ensure that the system stays secure and available.

Raytheon delivered the OCX to the military on July 1 through the submission of the Department of Defense Form 250. The Mission Delta 31, or MD 31, will continue integrated systems testing, operational readiness exercises and preparation activities until the system is ready.

MD 31 and Space Systems Command have teamed up to develop a process of transition exercises, transition rehearsals and constellation transfer trials before completely transferring to the new system.

Space Force’s Stephen Hobbs, Cordell DeLaPena Share Thoughts

According to Space Force Colonel Stephen Hobbs, MD 31 commander, the testing of the OCX is expected to be completed by late 2025. He added that there will be risk reduction activities “designed to demonstrate OCX’s ability to integrate using residual, on-orbit GPS satellites.”

Hobbs also emphasized that innovation was essential in providing reliable GPS for both military and civilian users. 

Commenting on the upgrade, Cordell DeLaPena, Space Systems Command program executive officer for military communications and positioning, navigation and timing said, “One of our missions is to deliver sustained, reliable GPS capabilities to America’s warfighters, our allies, and civilian users. The current enterprise modernization efforts underway gives users confidence that GPS will continue to provide worldwide premier PNT service.”

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Army’s EBS-C Program Delivers Ammunition Management Capability Ahead of Schedule
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The US Army’s EBS-C program rolled out ammunition management software.

The U.S. Army’s Enterprise Business Systems – Convergence program has delivered software providing distribution and supply planning capabilities for Class V conventional ammunition to pilot users at the Joint Munitions Command and Installation Management Command.

According to the service branch, the software, designed to improve ammunition inventory management, was delivered more than two and a half months ahead of schedule.

Bill Hepworth, program executive officer at the Army’s Program Executive Office Enterprise, called the achievement a “huge win” and a reflection of the PEO’s commitment to speed and efficiency.

“In just 10 short months since the contract was awarded, the team was able to deliver, proving that Agile software methodology works on enterprise-wide, complex software systems,” he said. “This accomplishment is yet another example of our ability to quickly deliver quality software that modernizes how the Army does business and meets Soldiers’ needs.”

How Will the EBS-C Software Transform Ammo Management?

The new system integrates a soldier-centered design, enabling users to explore the software’s new functionalities and provide feedback for continuous improvement. It also features a generative artificial intelligence-based training aid that reduces training time and enhances user adoption.

“While this launch is one small step for EBS-C, it’s one giant leap for Army ammo management,” said Bob Johnson, EBS-C product owner for JMC, noting that the new system will help improve inventory balance at ammunition supply points.

EBS-C expects to roll out incremental software updates rapidly as it aims to provide an integrated logistics and financial solution to 200,000 users across all Army supply classes.

The EBS-C team is preparing for an August review panel session with senior Army leadership to present a strategy for fielding the distribution and supply planning capability. The team will also share plans to deploy the ammunition management capability at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.

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4 Potential UAVs That Could Reshape US Navy Heavy Lift Logistics
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The Navy is inquiring about a heavy lift UAV so logistics can better reach dispersed forces without risking human lives

The U.S. Navy, after years of testing, experimentation and demonstrations, is laying the groundwork toward a program for a heavy lift unmanned aerial vehicle that would drastically improve its logistical capability in combat.

The Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office, or PMA-263, is requesting information from industry for the Long Range Heavy Lift Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air, or ULS-A, program. PMA-263 is inquiring about systems capable of providing real time logistics supply distribution with payloads of at least 1,300 lbs and a minimum radius of 100 nautical miles. The system should be capable of autonomously launching from a small and confined area with autonomous recovery from the same area as the launch.

Discover the Navy’s FY 2026 spending priorities for unmanned aircraft at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 31! Attend a star-studded panel discussion on Opportunities and Challenges in Delivering UXV to the Navy. Learn about experimentation priorities during a keynote address by NavalX Director Capt. Joel Uzarski. Sign up today for this elite GovCon conference and prepare your GovCon firm for success in FY 2026!

Why Does the Navy Need a Heavy Lift UAV?

The Navy is inquiring about an unmanned heavy lift aircraft to sustain combat effectiveness in future wars by ensuring logistics can reach small, dispersed and vulnerable forces in denied or degraded environments without putting humans or high-value assets at risk. Other priorities include better supporting distributed maritime operations, operating in contested environments, reducing the logistics footprint and bridging capability gaps.

The Navy is wasting no time preparing contract awards for this effort. Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR, is considering awarding an other transaction agreement for ULS-A in FY 2026.

Let’s dive into the potential offerors for this highly-anticipated program.

4 Potential UAVs That Could Reshape US Navy Heavy Lift Logistics
The Phenix Solutions 2XL rotorcraft UAV. Photo: Phenix Solutions

Phenix Solutions Ultra 2XL

Phenix Solutions of Oregon has developed a heavy-lift dual coaxial rotor UAV that is capable of carrying more than 1,300 lbs, a company official told ExecutiveGov. The platform can use an enclosed payload container or a sling to carry its payload beneath the aircraft.

The Ultra 2XL can carry varying payload amounts depending on fuel levels and total payload. The Ultra 2XL can perform ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore and shore-to-shore logistics missions.

The company is promoting the Ultra 2XL as providing an existing and proven Technology Readiness Level-8 vehicle designed for use as a tactical unmanned resupply aircraft. The platform can perform multiple military and civilian missions beyond visual line of sight and its mission modules can be quickly reconfigured in the field if mission requirements change.

Phenix Solutions was awarded the Next Generation Logistics Unmanned Aircraft System Phase I contract specifically focusing on heavy lift aircraft, vertical replenishment logistics and ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore cargo delivery. Phenix was also selected as an original equipment UAS manufacturer for an important U.S. Marine Corps program—Medium Air Resupply Vehicle-Expeditionary Logistics, or MARV-EL, Phase I, which has similar requirements to ULS-A.

The company is in the process of submitting for the next phase of MARV-EL and expects a contract decision to be made by the end of the year.

4 Potential UAVs That Could Reshape US Navy Heavy Lift Logistics
The Near Earth Autonomy RUC-60. Photo: Near Earth Autonomy.

Near Earth Autonomy RUC-60

Near Earth Autonomy is developing an optionally-piloted aircraft based on the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter that has been in service with the DOD for generations. The platform is being promoted as performing logistics missions in contested environments and can carry 2,500 lbs 125 n miles, a company official told ExecutiveGov.

Near Earth Autonomy believes retrofit kits are the most efficient way to rapidly address the need by upgrading existing aircraft into uncrewed logistics solutions. The company is also developing retrokit solutions for the AgustaWestland AW139, the Kaman KARGO UAV and the TRV-150 quadcopter.

The Army in April awarded Near Earth Autonomy a $15 million contract to retrofit UH-60Ls with its advanced autonomy kits to make the helicopters uncrewed and high-tempo logistics aircraft. The initiative creates a repeatable and scalable process and allows the Army to avoid long acquisition timelines and unlock new capabilities from legacy aircraft.

Near Earth Autonomy highlights its Captain deterministic autonomy architecture as central to this program. Designed for performance in complex and degraded environments, Captain enables safe flight and hazard avoidance without needing onboard crew, a remote pilot or a continuous data link. Near Earth Autonomy is leveraging a modular open systems approach, or MOSA, for this UH-60L retrofit contract.

The Army will work with Near Earth Autonomy to develop new operational procedures for autonomous logistics by performing a series of autonomous flights. This should lead to a mature, mission-ready product. Near Earth Autonomy began working toward an unmanned Black Hawk in 2021.

Sabrewing Aircraft Rhaegal

Sabrewing Aircraft is developing a regional cargo unmanned aircraft capable of carrying up to 5,400 lbs of payload over 1,000 n miles in vertical takeoff and landing, or VTOL, mode. If a customer prioritizes larger payload capacity for the Rhaegal, the horizontal runway takeoff and landing permits up to 10,000 lbs of payload, according to Sabrewing’s website.

The Rhaegal achieved its first hover flight in 2022 while lifting 829 lbs. The company touts the Rhaegal’s ability to use sustainable aviation fuel to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent.

Sabrewing has landed a number of contracts, including one from Ameriflight, who intends on purchasing 35 Rhaegals. Ameriflight intends to use the platform to enter new business opportunities in distribution center logistics as part of a diversified aviation services business model.

Piasecki Kaman KARGO

Piasecki Aircraft made a huge splash earlier this year when it acquired the KARGO heavy lift quadcopter UAV from Kaman Air Vehicles, developer of the K-Max TITAN heavy lift helicopter. The KARGO is a medium-lift, autonomous UAV that has been demonstrated to both the U.S. Marine Corps and Army for its VTOL cargo capabilities. The platform has a payload capacity of 1,000 lbs with a range of up to 500 n miles, according to Defense News.

The KARGO is designed to fit in a standard shipping container and can be unloaded and operated by as few as two people. Kaman, while owning the KARGO UAV program, received an initial $12 million contract from the USMC for MARV-EL and has two existing full-scale prototypes, according to a company statement.

Dig into cutting-edge aviation technologies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Navy Summit on August 26! Strike up new partnership opportunities with other leading GovCon titans. Check out offerings from leading firms such as SAIC, Seekr and SandboxAQ. All in a supportive, collaborative environment. Secure your seat now for this prestigious GovCon event and boost your bottom line!

4 Potential UAVs That Could Reshape US Navy Heavy Lift Logistics
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