Defense Business Briefing -- July 20, 2021

Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.

This week's top story

Judge pauses HH-60W CRH upgrade contract award, siding with SNC protest

A federal judge has barred the Air Force from moving forward with awarding Sikorsky a $980 million sole-source contract for rolling upgrades to the HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter, arguing the service failed to justify the length and timing of the planned deal.

News & notes

Intrepid acquires Darkblade Systems

Intrepid, an intelligence agency contractor backed by private-equity firm Bluestone Investment Partners, said it has acquired Darkblade Systems.

Lockheed-backed Red 6 relocates to Florida

Red 6, a training technology company, said it has relocated its headquarters from Santa Monica, CA to Miami and opened a new technology hub in Orlando, FL.

Appointments & promotions

Shockey joins Raytheon

Raytheon Technologies has announced Jeff Shockey will join the company as senior vice president of Global Government Relations.

Momentus hires Rood

Momentus, a commercial space company, said it has named former Pentagon official John Rood chief executive, effective Aug. 1.

Booz Allen hires Tarascio

Booz Allen Hamilton said it has named Matt Tarascio senior vice president in its strategic innovation group, leading the company's Pentagon analytics and artificial intelligence business.

What's happening

The week ahead

The Senate Armed Services Committee marks up its version of the fiscal year 2022 defense authorization bill this week.

For Inside Defense subscribers

Marine Corps selects Textron Systems and General Dynamics for ARV prototypes

The Marine Corps announced it has selected Textron Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems to build Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle prototypes.

GAO: More consistent communication could expand Army's wheeled industrial base

Better communication with industry and more consistent messaging of requirements could allow the Army to expand the tactical wheeled vehicle industrial base, the Government Accountability Office said in a July 15 report, echoing the Army's analysis of the issue.

Single-source contract best for JLTV follow-on, Army says

After considering alternative acquisition strategies, the Army determined a single-source acquisition was best for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle follow-on contract, a service official told Inside Defense.

Brown withdraws nomination for Pentagon acquisition chief

Michael Brown has withdrawn his nomination for Pentagon acquisition chief amid a Defense Department inspector general investigation, according to a letter he has sent Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.