GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (4/21–25)

This week's Weekly Debrief covers the Golden Dome, the Air Force's IT modernization efforts, an NRO-Space Force secret launch, and DOGE cuts.

Defense

SpaceNews – L3Harris gains edge in race to build Golden Dome missile sensors

• "A missile-tracking satellite developed by L3Harris Technologies demonstrated its ability to track hypersonic missiles from space, giving the defense contractor a potential key advantage in the Golden Dome program directed by the Trump administration to bolster U.S. defenses against advanced aerial threats."

DefenseNews – Boeing looks to existing production lines for Golden Dome pitch

• "The head of Boeing’s space mission systems business envisions at least two of the company’s product lines as a clear fit for the Pentagon’s Golden Dome homeland missile defense capability — the X-37B spaceplane, or a system like it, and a fleet of missile-tracking satellites the firm is developing for the Space Development Agency’s “Foo Fighter” program."

MirageNews – Air Force Advances IT Backbone Modernization

• "Department of the Air Force senior leaders from across the IT and acquisitions community emphasized the importance of investing in critical infrastructure and information systems across Air and Space Force installations. They highlighted the need for robust networks, information technology architecture and command and control (C2) systems at the base level as essential components to maintain combat readiness and resilience in an era of renewed threats from geopolitical adversaries."

TheDebrief – The NRO and the U.S. Space Force Just Conducted Another Secret Launch

• "The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space (SSC AATS) initiative have launched another secret mission payload from Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on April 20, 2025, at 8:29 a.m. EDT."

DOGE

Reuters – IBM says 15 contracts impacted by DOGE cost cuts, shares drop

• "International Business Machines said 15 of its government contracts were shelved under a cost-cutting drive by the Trump administration, a setback that eclipsed its upbeat revenue forecast and dragged its shares down over 6% after hours."

DefenseScoop – Navy Secretary Phelan terminates IT contracts, grants amid DOGE drive

• "Secretary of the Navy John Phelan on Thursday ordered the termination of hundreds of millions of dollars in IT contracts and unrelated grants as part of a broader push at the Defense Department to slash spending that the Trump administration deems wasteful."

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