GovConJudicata Weekly Debrief (6/30–7/4)

This week's Weekly Debrief covers defense acquisition reform, Space Force's strategic communications program, and a bid protest challenging a SBIR award for satellites.

Policy

FedNewsNet – House leaders aim to replace rather than fix DoD acquisition system

• "After a few years’ lull on Capitol Hill, it’s time again for Defense acquisition reform. And this time around, reform might not be a strong enough word. The backers, the leaders of the House Armed Services Committee say they’re aiming for a wholesale replacement of the DoD acquisition system. The goal is mainly speed, but also a more empowered acquisition workforce, a willingness to fail fast, and a more diversified defense industrial base."

Space

DefenseNews – Space Force picks Boeing for $2.8B strategic communications program

• "The Space Force on Thursday awarded Boeing a $2.8 billion contract to provide secure, survivable communications for strategic missions through the service’s Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications program. Boeing edged out Northrop Grumman for the contract, which funds two initial satellites with options for the Space Force to buy two additional satellites. The two companies have been building prototype satellites for the effort under 2020 contracts."

Payload Space – York Takes Legal Action Against DoD’s SBIR Award to Apex

• "What’s the purpose of a SBIR award? That’s the question at the heart of a legal complaint York Space Systems has filed against the military, over a contract awarded to fellow satellite builder Apex Space. Tick tock: The conflict began in February, when the Air Force announced a $45.9M Phase II Small Business Innovation Research contract for Apex under SSC, to build multiple satellites that could operate 'in two space orbits.'"

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