GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (2/1–5)

This week's Weekly Debrief covers the CIO-SP4 timeline, DoD OTA enthusiasm, space rules, moon exploration, the "Return of the Regulators," and an update on the CMMC.

CIO-SP4

NITAAC – Updated Timeline for CIO-SP4 Solicitation Now Available

• "The RFP solicitation for CIO-SP4 will be posted in early March. The government is currently considering a significant reduction in the number of pages due in the technical proposal. There will be a three-tiered review which will consist of: 1) Self scoring sheet 2) Go/No Go mandatory criteria and 3) Full Technical and Business Review. At all three reviews, the pool of potential contract holders will shrink as offerors are evaluated and reviewed. The proposal submission date will be on or about April 30."

Defense

National Defense Mag – Enthusiasm Growing at Pentagon for OTAs

• "The Pentagon is using special contracting mechanisms to try to promote innovation and bring nontraditional partners into the acquisition fold. The use of one of them — other transaction authority agreements — has skyrocketed in recent years. Meanwhile, spending on the more established Small Business Innovation Research program has remained flat, according to data presented in the National Defense Industrial Association’s “Vital Signs 2021” report."

Breaking Defense – DoD Faces Tough Decisions On Space Rules

• "The Pentagon has long professed its commitment to ‘responsible’ behavior in space, but has never clearly articulated what that means in either peace or war. This year that may change."

NASA

NextGov – NASA’s Moon-Exploring Artemis Program Will Move Forward Under Biden

• "The Biden administration is on board with NASA’s Artemis program, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki confirmed at a press briefing—though she didn’t elaborate on whether or how the modern moon-exploring missions might shift under America’s new leadership."

Oversight

GovExec – The Return of the Regulators

• "During the first week and a half of the Biden administration, Americans have been treated to an unusual sight in Washington: regulators who believe in regulation. Donald Trump seemed to scour the earth for candidates who would produce the most liberal tears, appointing former lobbyists, financiers, ideologues and corporate titans."

CMMC

FedNewsNet – CMMC update: Pilots, 3PAOs and more of what vendors need to know

• "Fraudsters, pathfinders, pilots and final rule. Third-party assessment organizations (3PAOs), the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) and controlled unclassified information. This is what you need to know about the Defense Department’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program."

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