GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (2/6–10)

This week's Weekly Debrief covers NASA's use of AI, Blue Origin's ESCAPADE contract, GSA expanding TDR program, F-22 shoots down object, test launch of ICBMs, and 2023 NDAA.

NASA

NextGov – NASA Uses AI to Design Mission Hardware

• "NASA is using artificial intelligence to design mission hardware for the improved functionality and manufacturing benefits it provides, according to an announcement on Thursday."

Space.com – Blue Origin aims for Mars in 2024 with twin NASA spacecraft

• "Blue Origin is reaching from low Earth orbit to Mars. NASA gave Blue Origin a task order to launch a Mars mission known as Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE). The agency announced the order in a statement (opens in new tab) published Thursday (Feb. 9)."

GSA

FedNewsNet – One more step away from the acquisition regulation that most vendors hate

• "The General Services Administration wants to expand the Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) program to more of its contract vehicles. A new memo from Jeff Koses, GSA’s senior procurement executive, will let more vendors submit pricing data at the task order level through the multi-agency and governmentwide acquisition contracts (GWACs). The deviation to GSA’s Federal Acquisition Regulation applies only to cost-reimbursement contracts and task orders."

Defense

BreakingDefense – F-22 shoots down new ‘object’ over US airspace, days after Chinese balloon saga

• "The US military on Friday shot down an “object” flying over Alaskan airspace, just days after the nation was captivated by the saga of an alleged Chinese spy balloon passing over the country."

DefenseNews – US test launches unarmed intercontinental ballistic missiles

• "An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile has been launched from California to test the defense system, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said. The Minuteman III missile lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 11:01 p.m. Thursday and its reentry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles over the Pacific Ocean to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, an Air Force statement said."

National Defense Mag – 2023 NDAA Provides New Opportunities for Industry

• "The 4400-page 2023 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes $858 billion in total defense spending and contains several provisions that will be of interest to companies across industries that do business with the U.S. government."

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