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Baird’s 2025 Defense & Government Conference Invites Federal Leaders to Join AI, Acquisition & Space Discussions
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Jean Stack, John Song. Every year since 2018, the Baird managing directors have put on the defense and government conference.

Federal agency leaders, acquisition officials and technology executives are invited to attend the 2025 Baird Defense & Government Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in Virginia. The event brings together government and industry decision-makers for a full day of analysis, conversation and collaboration.

Baird leaders told ExecutiveGov that more than 1,500 participants have already registered across both in-person and virtual formats, reflecting strong demand for engagement across the federal and commercial defense ecosystem.

The 2025 conference follows the theme “Innovation, Mission, and Capital Market Convergence,” capturing the intersecting trends shaping modernization across government and national security. The program includes company presentations, fireside chats, panels, dynamic dialogues and detailed briefings from Baird leadership.

How Is Baird Encouraging Federal Leaders to Participate?

Jean Stack, managing director at Baird and Wash100 Award winner, said this year’s conference is designed to strengthen public-private alignment and encouraged government leaders to take part in discussions on modernization, emerging technologies and acquisition reform.

John Song, fellow managing director at Baird and Wash100 Award winner, noted the significance of participation from major commercial technology companies.

“We have some big-name tech companies participating — like OpenAI, Anduril’s going to be there, Google’s going to be there,” Song said. “We’re pretty excited … about how these companies are helping change the face of broader societal shifts related to AI.”

Which Federal Leaders Will Be Speaking?

The conference features a wide lineup of current and invited federal officials across defense, acquisition and national security space. There are three main government-focused panels:

AI in Action: Impact on the Battlefield

Susan Davenport, chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, Department of the Air Force

Justin Fanelli, chief technology officer, U.S. Navy

Dr. Alex Miller, chief technology officer, U.S. Army (invited)

Stuart Wagner, chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, U.S. Navy (invited)

Acquisition Reform: Are We There Yet?

Patrick George, senior advisor to the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, U.S. Navy (invited)

Dr. Matthew Willis, director, U.S. Army FUZE

Government Perspectives on National Security Space

Bill Adkins, professional staff member, Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. House of Representatives

Col. Brendan Hochstein, commander, System Delta 89, Space Combat Power, U.S. Space Force

Trey Treadwell, associate director for capabilities, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (invited)

Which Industry Leaders With Federal Reach Will Speak?

Industry voices with significant government partnerships will be featured throughout the event. Tony Frazier, CEO of LeoLabs and Wash100 Award winner; J.D. Parkes, CEO of Parry Labs and Wash100 Award winner; and Shubhi Mishra, founder and CEO of Raft and Wash100 Award winner, will appear across defense technology and innovation sessions.

Van Gurley, CEO of Metron and 4×24 Leadership Group member, will join the session on autonomous maritime technologies alongside leaders from Saronic, Oceaneering and Anduril.

How Will the Conference Address AI’s Growing Role in Government?

The program concludes with “The Reality of AI Today: Perspectives from Technology Leaders,” featuring senior representatives from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google Public Sector. The discussion will explore the mission opportunities and operational impacts of advanced AI across federal agencies.

Stack said the agenda reflects where public-sector modernization is moving.

“It’s about innovating, doing more with less dollars, moving more quickly … and investing in R&D aligned with where the market dynamic is.”

Federal employees and government partners should apply for registration approval now!

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DARPA Competition Seeks UAS Designs With Improved Payload Lifting Capacity
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DARPA logo. The agency will begin accepting registrations for the DARPA Lift Challenge in January 2026.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is holding a competition titled the DARPA Lift Challenge, which is offering $6.5 million in prize money for the development of vertical lift unmanned aircraft systems that can exceed current payload-to-weight ratio limitations.

What Are the Parameters of the DARPA Lift Challenge?

The agency said Thursday that the competition calls for designs that enable a drone to carry payloads greater than four times its own weight, a significant improvement over the one-to-one maximum payload-to-weight ratio capability typically seen in existing systems. According to DARPA, this enhancement to vertical lift performance could result in new civilian and military UAS applications.

Under the competition, which will be carried out at the Unclassified level, the proposed design must not be heavier than 55 pounds. This limitation is inclusive of the aircraft’s fuel or power source.

During live performance trials, set for the summer of 2026, competing aircraft will be made to operate through a five-nautical-mile circuit course, where they must demonstrate the ability to carry a payload weighing no less than 110 pounds.

Strict compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations is mandated.

When Can Participants Register for the Competition?

Registration for the competition is set to begin on Jan. 5 and close on May 1. Only the first 200 eligible and qualified registrants will be accepted. Requirements will be published on the registration website at a later time.

Securing American UAS Technology Leadership

Commenting on the competition, DARPA Lift Challenge Program Manager Phillip Smith said that more than developing better drones, the event is “about securing America’s leadership in UAS technology for decades to come.”

“We’re setting ambitious goals and giving everyone a chance to compete to create new capabilities, accelerate our defense industrial base and give the U.S. a strategic advantage,” Smith added.

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Trump Signs Government Funding Bill Into Law
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White House logo. President Trump signed into law a funding measure to end the 43-day government shutdown.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into law a bipartisan funding measure to end the 43-day government shutdown.

The Hill reported that the Senate approved the legislation earlier in the week with a 60-40 vote, as eight Democrats joined 52 Republicans to send the bill to the House. The lower chamber voted 222-209 on Wednesday to pass the measure, with six Democrats breaking ranks to join nearly all Republicans in support.

What Are the Provisions of the Spending Measure?

The newly enacted law extends current funding levels through Jan. 30, ensuring that government operations remain funded while lawmakers continue work on the remaining appropriations bills.

In addition to the stopgap funding, the measure includes three full-year appropriations bills covering the “Legislative Branch, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration,” according to the House Appropriations Committee.

According to The Hill, the measure includes provisions to reverse widespread federal layoffs during the shutdown and prevent further job losses through early next year. It does not, however, include extensions for Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire in January.

Appropriators in both chambers are now turning to finalize the remaining nine spending bills.

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Army Overhauls Acquisition Structure
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Daniel Driscoll. The Army secretary commented on the creation of six PAEs as part of an acquisition reorganization.

The U.S. Army is creating six portfolio acquisition executives, or PAEs, as part of an acquisition reorganization aimed at accelerating the delivery of weapons systems and technology to warfighters, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.

Gain exclusive insights into how the service is driving toward its 2030 goals at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18. Reserve your seat today!

According to Army officials, the move is designed to cut bureaucracy, reduce paperwork and accelerate the acquisition process by as much as 30 to 50 percent. 

“We had previously created a system that was wildly risk averse and … the cost of that risk aversion was being able to get tools into the hands of our soldiers fast enough for them to actually be able to use it,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll told Breaking Defense.

What Are the Six Portfolio Acquisition Executives?

The new structure places the six PAEs under Army Transformation and Training Command and the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics and technology, or ASA(ALT).

  • PAE Fires: Based in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, this PAE consolidates PEO Missiles and Space, Self Propelled Howitzer Systems and most of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO.
  • PAE Command and Control and Counter C2: Located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, this PAE integrates Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors, or PEO IEWS; PEO Command, Control, Communications and Network; and most of PEO Simulation, Training and Instrumentation.
  • PAE Maneuver Ground: This PAE at Fort Benning in Georgia includes PEO Soldier, PEO Ground Combat Systems and the Infantry Squad Vehicle program.
  • PAE Maneuver Air. This PAE at Fort Rucker in Alabama consolidates PEO Aviation, aircraft survivability programs from PEO IEW&S and autonomy initiatives.
  • PAE Agile Sustainment and Ammunition: Based in Picatinny, New Jersey, this PAE brings together the Joint PEO Armaments & Ammunition and most of PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support.
  • PAE Layered Protection Plus Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, or CBRN: This PAE at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri incorporates the Joint PEO for CBRN Defense and terrestrial sensors from PEO IEW&S.

Each PAE will be led by a two-star general or civilian equivalent, supported by a deputy, with one focusing on operational responsibilities and the other on acquisition.

“The requirements, teams, the system centers, programming, acquisition, the contracting and testing, will all now report to each of these PAEs, and they will report directly up to our ASA(ALT) who will report directly to me and chief, and we will be able to manage innovation as they push through different projects,” said Driscoll.

What Is the Army’s Pathway for Innovation & Technology?

The Army is also establishing the Pathway for Innovation and Technology, or PIT, office to quickly develop new technologies and scale successful ones across the service.

PIT will oversee portions of RCCTO, the Army Applications Laboratory and the Joint Innovation Outpost. It will also host non-traditional programs and support companies seeking to enter the defense industrial base.

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Senate Bipartisan Bill Proposes US Access to Advanced AI Chips
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Chip manufacturing. The GAIN AI Act proposes a right of first refusal for U.S. entities purchasing high-performance AI chips.

A bipartisan group of senators has introduced the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence Act, a proposal that would require chipmakers to give U.S. companies, startups and universities priority access to advanced AI chips before exporting them to China or other countries of concern. 

Senate Bipartisan Bill Proposes US Access to Advanced AI Chips

The GAIN AI Act highlights the increasing pressure to align rapid AI advancement with the policy frameworks needed to support it. Similar concerns will anchor discussions at the Potomac Offices Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19, offering agencies timely insight into navigating the accelerating AI landscape. Reserve your seat now to be part of the discussion.

What Would the GAIN AI Act Require?

Under the proposed GAIN AI Act, companies seeking an export license for advanced integrated circuits would first need to certify that American buyers had a “right of first refusal.” The requirement includes a public notice period of at least 15 business days, preference for domestic buyers able to complete the purchase within 15 days and confirmation that no comparable domestic orders remain unfilled.

The measure would amend the Export Control Reform Act, requiring the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security to impose a license requirement on advanced AI chip exports to countries of concern. The primary destinations targeted by the AI chip export requirements are those designated under export administration regulations as comprehensive embargoed and terrorist-supporting countries and U.S. arms embargoed nations, including China, Cuba, Syria, North Korea and Iran. Also included in the list are the jurisdictions of Hong Kong and Macau. 

Covered products include those classified under export control categories 3A090 and 4A090. The bill specifies that the licensing requirements, including the right of first refusal for U.S. buyers, do not apply to an advanced integrated circuit or product that is “not designed or marketed for data centers.”

Why Are Lawmakers Pursuing the GAIN AI Act?

The lawmakers who introduced the bill include Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee; Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee; and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. They said the proposed legislation is intended to ensure that the demand of American businesses, startups and universities for advanced processors is met before chips are sold abroad.

“American customers — including small businesses and startups — shouldn’t be forced to wait in line behind China’s tech giants when purchasing the latest AI chips,” Warren stated.

Are There Any Exceptions to the GAIN AI Act?

The legislation includes an exemption for exports to certain non-adversary countries when conducted by “trusted United States persons,” provided the shipments remain under U.S. control and comply with defined security and ownership conditions.

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FAA Seeking Industry Partner to Support Supply Chain, Logistics Systems Modernization Program
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Federal Aviation Administration. FAA posted an RFI on companies providing IT support

The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking IT services providers to support the Air Traffic Organization’s Configuration, Logistics and Maintenance Resources Solutions, or CLMRS, portfolio.

What Services Does the FAA Need?

The work will primarily support the Supply Chain Management Enterprise Resource Planning, or SCM-ERP, system as part of the FAA’s broader modernization of its logistics and maintenance operations, according to a request for information posted on SAM.gov Wednesday.

FAA Seeking Industry Partner to Support Supply Chain, Logistics Systems Modernization Program

Be up to date with ongoing modernization initiatives across federal civilian, military and executive branch agencies at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Digital Transformation Summit scheduled for April 22. The in-person event will bring together government and industry leaders to build lasting partnerships and harness the capabilities of commercial technologies to meet mission needs. You can get your tickets to the highly anticipated event as early as today.

The selected contractor will collaborate with FAA teams responsible for ensuring that the SCM-ERP system will maintain critical operations and continue to interface with other technologies throughout the agency’s upgrade from IFS 10 to IFS Cloud. The upgrade is expected to end in 2027.

The SCM-ERP system, built on an IFS commercial software platform, operates on Amazon Web Services using Red Hat OpenShift.

The FAA also expects the SCM-ERP to expand its services beyond the three business sectors it currently supports.

FAA’s modernization is intended to enhance agency-wide supply chain efficiency, automate processes and bolster data analytics capabilities. The agency plans to implement emerging technologies and business process re-engineering initiatives to streamline configuration, maintenance, and logistics operations; reduce costs; and meet the needs of ATO.

Responses to the RFI must be submitted by Jan. 5. The agency said it will use the feedback to inform its future acquisition strategy.

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Johns Hopkins APL Installs Robotic Arm for Maritime Manufacturing Research
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Johns Hopkins APL logo. The Johns Hopkins APL has installed the RAMLAB MaxQ industrial robot in its manufacturing facility.

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has completed the installation of a RAMLAB MaxQ industrial robot in its advanced manufacturing facility to enhance research on maritime industrial resilience and strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base.

The robotic arm will evaluate and validate repair and manufacturing methods and explore ways to make these capabilities available to small businesses and industry partners, Johns Hopkins APL said Wednesday. 

“With this new tool, APL can validate and refine additive manufacturing techniques that make repair more practical for our government and industry partners, and ultimately improve the agility and resiliency of the maritime industrial base,” said James Borghardt, APL’s Expeditionary Logistics program manager.

How Will the APL Robotic Arm Support Maritime Repairs?

The six-foot radius robot leverages wire arc additive manufacturing to handle large-scale structural and mechanical parts in compact spaces. Integrated sensing, scanning and adaptive controls enable the arm to identify issues in irregular or damaged components, while human operators remain essential to maintain precision and ensure reliability.

APL’s research aims to make repairs faster, more precise and cost-effective, reducing reliance on costly part replacements. The project builds on APL’s ongoing programs in deployable directed energy deposition, laser powder bed fusion, materials discovery and collaboration with industry to advance U.S. maritime manufacturing standards.

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CISA Issues Guidance on Cisco ASA & Firepower Device Threats
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CISA seal. CISA has issued new guidance that addresses vulnerabilities in Cisco ASA and Firepower devices.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has issued new guidance that addresses vulnerabilities in Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances and Firepower devices. 

CISA Issues Guidance on Cisco ASA & Firepower Device Threats

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, government data has become a critical target in international conflicts. Book your seat now for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit, scheduled for May 21, to gain insights into zero trust implementation and other initiatives addressing these growing challenges.

What Is the Focus of CISA’s New Implementation Guidance?

The document, titled Implementation Guidance for Emergency Directive on Cisco Adaptive Security Appliances and Firepower Device Vulnerabilities, expands on CISA’s earlier Emergency Directive 25-03: Identify and Mitigate Potential Compromise of Cisco Devices. The original directive, issued September 25, highlighted known vulnerabilities in Cisco devices that are actively being exploited by threat actors and mandated immediate mitigation from federal agencies.

“By following these best practices, organizations can better protect themselves from potential threats and ensure the integrity of their digital infrastructure,” said Nick Andersen, executive assistant director for the cybersecurity division at CISA. “The release of this implementation guidance is a critical step in mitigating the risks posed by these vulnerabilities.”

The implementation guidance outlines the minimum software versions that resolve identified vulnerabilities. Agencies are instructed to apply corrective patches to noncompliant devices and verify that updates meet the minimum requirements.

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L3Harris-Made RS-25 Engine for NASA’s Artemis V Undergoes Hot Fire Test
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L3Harris Technologies logo. L3Harris is manufacturing the RS-25 engine for NASA's Artemis missions

L3Harris Technologies, in partnership with NASA, has test-fired the second RS-25 engine that will power the core stage of the Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis V space mission.

The test, conducted at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, validated the engine’s performance and reliability, L3Harris said Wednesday.

What Did the RS-25 Engine Test Demonstrate?

The hot fire test lasted for about 500 seconds, exactly how long engines must fire during a real space mission. The engine also reached 111 percent of its rated power level during the firing.

Led by NASA, the test evaluated engine performance, durability and reliability. It marks the second flight-ready engine produced using modern manufacturing methods, including 3D printing, reducing production costs by 30 percent, according to L3Harris.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary next year, it’s fitting that we’re advancing the Artemis program that embodies the pioneering spirit of our nation,” said Kristin Houston, president of space propulsion and power systems at L3Harris subsidiary Aerojet Rocketdyne. “By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, we’re delivering engines that are more cost-effective while maintaining the power and reliability needed to propel Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond.”

L3Harris and NASA also conducted a full-duration hot fire test of the engine in June to evaluate its launch performance.

What Makes the RS-25 Engine Critical to Artemis?

The RS-25 is a liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen-powered staged-combustion engine that evolved from the Space Shuttle main engine. The RS-25 is expected to deliver 512,300 pounds of vacuum thrust at 109 percent power.

Each SLS launch uses four RS-25 engines that collectively generate about two million pounds of thrust to propel NASA’s Orion spacecraft toward the moon. The agency has already completed installation of the first of 24 planned RS-25 engines for future Artemis missions.

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SBA Clears Backlog in Veteran Small Business Certification Program
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Kelly Loeffler. The SBA administrator commented on clearing the backlog of VetCert applications.

The Small Business Administration has cleared the backlog of Veteran Small Business Certification, or VetCert, applications, allowing veteran entrepreneurs to compete for federal contracts without delay. 

SBA said Tuesday pending applications dropped from more than 2,700 to zero, and average processing times are now just 12 days.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said veterans deserve full support when starting and growing businesses.

“With the 2,700 case backlog cleared, veteran job creators finally have the chance to compete for contracts in the federal marketplace – and to access the opportunities they deserve,” Loeffler added.

Under Loeffler’s leadership, SBA restored full staffing and funding for the VetCert Program, eliminated the backlog and returned the socially disadvantaged contracting goal to the statutory level of 5 percent.

What Is the VetCert Program?

Established by Congress, VetCert certifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses for federal contracting. The program serves as a dedicated onramp for veteran entrepreneurs seeking to compete for set-aside and sole-source contracts.

VetCert remains fully operational and continues to process all applications amid the government shutdown.

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