Welcome to today's Defense Business Briefing, your weekly roundup of the latest defense industry news.
New head of SparkCognition government unit says DOD can't be treated 'as a side business'
The newly named head of SparkCognition Government Systems, established to provide artificial intelligence for the public sector, says he's focused on building needed infrastructure for the new business.
TRANSCOM confirms $7.2B award after investigation clears winner of allegations
U.S. Transportation Command confirmed the award of the $7.2 billion Global Household Goods contract to American Roll-on Roll-Off Carrier after clearing the company of improperly withholding information about its parent company.
Red 6 CEO says Lockheed investment is a 'natural fit'
The chief executive of Red 6 says the company -- which last week announced an investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures -- will benefit from Lockheed's expertise while still being able to work with other companies.
Lockheed says it has now flowed down $1.1 billion in accelerated progress payments
Lockheed Martin said it has received more than $1.1 billion in accelerated progress payments from the Pentagon, all of which it has flowed to suppliers.
Booz Allen Hamilton planning innovation center in Huntsville
Booz Allen Hamilton said it is developing a 6,000-square-foot innovation center in Huntsville, AL, that will allow for collaboration and showcase technology such as additive manufacturing.
Redwire, backed by private equity, acquires Made In Space
New space technology company Redwire said it has acquired Made In Space, which provides on-orbit space manufacturing technologies.
AeroVironment reports increased sales, profit
AeroVironment said both sales and profit grew during its most recent quarter.
Maxar to acquire Vricon
Maxar Technologies said it plans to exercise its option to take full ownership of Vricon, a 3D data and analytics firm that was formed as a joint venture between Maxar and Saab in 2015.
NDIA launches second small business survey
The National Defense Industrial Association said it is beginning a second survey of how small defense contractors are faring during the ongoing pandemic.
AE Industrial Partners acquires NuWave; hires former Peraton executives
Private-equity firm AE Industrial Partners said it has acquired NuWave Solutions, which specializes in data management, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and cloud solutions for government agencies.
SOSi CEO says company's engineers are already meeting with AppTek engineers
SOS International's investment in AppTek -- unveiled last week – is already resulting in collaboration, according to SOSi's chief executive.
Parsons adds McDew, Wajsgras to board
Parsons has appointed retired Air Force Gen. Darren McDew and former Raytheon executive David Wajsgras to its board of directors, effective immediately.
The week ahead
The House Armed Services Committee is slated to consider its version of the fiscal year 2021 defense authorization bill this week, while the full Senate may vote on its version of the bill. Meanwhile, senior Pentagon officials plan to participate in several online events.
New bill repeals legislation requiring contractors cover costs of lost bid protests
The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved a fiscal year 2021 defense authorization bill that would repeal a previous provision requiring large defense contractors to reimburse the Pentagon for the cost of processing losing bid protests.
Senate defense legislation primes pump on U.S. industrial policies to counter China
The Senate is advancing legislation to force Pentagon and White House leadership to consider sweeping industrial policy actions in the coming years to boost the resiliency of U.S. supply chains, as lawmakers remain concerned about an overreliance on China.
Senate panel looking at tactical wheeled vehicle supplier base
Senate authorizers are concerned about the Army's move to reduce funding across its tactical wheeled vehicle fleet in favor of developing next-generation systems, as they feel it could negatively impact the industrial base as well as readiness.