Dan Cruz

Attention industry leaders! The USAF is seeking input for a potential 10-year contract for operation & maintenance services at Eglin Air Force Base. Responses to the RFI are due May 20. CRG stands ready to support the right firm in providing valuable feedback, crafting a winning strategy, and developing a competitive proposal. Let CRG be your trusted partner in navigating this opportunity. Learn more at https://crgroupinc.com/ - contact@crgroupinc.com. The Eglin Operation and Maintenance Services II Program will support research and development, training missions and test and evaluation of military weapons and military aerospace equipment, according to a request for information published Friday. EOMS II covers five major areas: general support services; range support services; range instrumentation; explosive test facilities; and major ground test facilities. Work on the recompete contract is expected to kick off in April 2026. #AirForceContracting #EglinAFB #OperationAndMaintenance #GovernmentContracts #ContractingOpportunity #CRGExpertise #WinningSolutions #CaptureToCloseOut

4

The top challenge that transitioning military members face when leaving the service is the lack of information on starting their A&P (Airframe and Powerplant certification) process. If you or someone you know is experiencing this challenge, your first step should be to contact the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in your local area. Click here to find your nearest FSDO: [https://lnkd.in/gjfDMYws). For aircraft mechanics looking to obtain their A&P, please note that there are minimum requirements – notably, 30 months of practical experience. If you meet this requirement, there is no need to attend school; you also do not need to go through the military's A&P certification process. While you can choose this route, it will ultimately result in the same 8610-2 forms and authorizations. I personally recommend using the program mentioned above if you don’t have enough practical experience. For instance, if you specialize in avionics and lack powerplant experience, I highly recommend either going through the program or gaining the required experience. If you are a recruiter, HR professional, or director of maintenance, it's valuable to note that the military offers numerous resources. I suggest getting in touch with the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technical Certification Council. They have extensive knowledge to support service members in their A&P certification process. Here's a PDF https://lnkd.in/gWm8HHyQ For those aspiring to obtain their A&P, feel free to DM me. I am available for FREE one-on-one guidance to set you on the right path. I am with Tucson Aviation, and we are building a community for aspiring Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) aiming to get their A&P certification. The community is over 100 members and we continue to grow! Join us here: [https://lnkd.in/gjU-3h3S).

6

1 Comment

The Space Force, already facing its first-ever budget cut in fiscal 2025, would face an additional 3 percent cut if House appropriators get their way. The combined cut would be 5 percent compared to 2024. In their version of the 2025 defense appropriations bill, House lawmakers moved to slash $900 million from the Space Force’s proposed $29.6 billion budget, primarily in procurement and research and development. The biggest single cut would hit GPS III, with lawmakers seeking to save $185.9 million by cutting the buy from two to one satellite in 2025, lawmakers project. The House Armed Services Committee proposed a similar cut in its draft of the 2025 National Defense Authorization bill. Reducing funding for the more robust GPS IIIF comes as the Space Force eyes alternate solutions for providing position, navigation, and timing from space. In February, Space Systems Command solicited industry for ideas on smaller, cheaper satellites that could rapidly go into orbit to test new technologies, and in April, the Department of the Air Force announced it was taking advantage of new “quick start” authorities from Congress to work on a jam-resistant PNT solution. The program, initially dubbed GPS Lite, is now called Resilient GPS. But while House Armed Services Committee members expressed enthusiasm for the idea, appropriators remain skeptical. “The Committee has several concerns about the R-GPS plan and the use of this authority for this project,” lawmakers wrote. Lawmakers rejected the Space Force’s request to reprogram $77 million for Resilient GPS in the 2025 budget. Lawmakers pushed back on other programs, as well. Missile warning/missile tracking satellites were among the major areas of investment in the Space Force budget request, to the tune of $4.7 billion. The House appropriations bill would trim more than $150 million from that. Among the cuts: $54.5 million for the Space Development Agency’s MW/MT efforts in low-Earth orbit, and $95.9 million for Space Systems Command’s MW/MT constellation in medium-Earth orbit, citing “vendor termination.” An SSC spokesman, asked if the command is cancelling an existing contract or reducing requirements for a future one, declined to comment on pending legislation. Evolved Strategic SATCOM, a new nuclear command, control, and communications satellite constellation, would be cut by $44 million, while Protected Tactical SATCOM, for jam-resistant communications, would be cut by $85 million, including some reprogramming of funds at the Space Force’s request. #SpaceForce #Budget #GPSIIIF In Sept. 2018, the U.S. Air Force selected Lockheed Martin to build up to 22 additional GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) satellites with new capabilities starting at Space Vehicle (SV) 11. This Lockheed Martin rendering portrays GPS III SVs 11+. (Lockheed Martin)

44

1 Comment

Opportunities for Industry w/ CRG's Advisory on Key Differentiators: The current hesitancy in committing to the NGAD program opens up significant opportunities for industry to demonstrate their capabilities in emerging technologies and cost-effective solutions. CRG advises clients to focus on the following high-level differentiators to secure work in this evolving landscape: 1. Innovative Cost Management: --Technical Approach: Develop advanced financial modeling and cost-reduction strategies to offer more budget-friendly solutions for defense projects. Emphasize modular designs and scalable systems that can adapt to evolving requirements without substantial cost overruns. --Operational Methods: Implement agile project management and continuous improvement processes to enhance efficiency and reduce delays, thereby building trust with the Department of Defense (DoD). 2. Advanced Technology Integration: --Technical Approach: Invest in R&D for next-generation technologies, such as AI-driven systems, autonomous platforms, and advanced materials. Ensure these innovations can be seamlessly integrated into existing defense ecosystems to enhance operational capabilities. --Operational Methods: Collaborate with tech startups and research institutions to stay at the forefront of technological advancements, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge solutions that meet the DoD's stringent requirements. 3. Enhanced Supplier Network Resilience: --Technical Approach: Strengthen supply chain resilience by diversifying suppliers and incorporating robust risk management frameworks. Focus on localizing critical supply chains to reduce dependence on foreign sources and mitigate geopolitical risks. --Operational Methods: Develop strategic partnerships and alliances to create a more resilient and responsive supply network, capable of withstanding disruptions and ensuring continuous delivery of essential components. CRG’s Expertise & Client Support: Leverage CRG’s expertise in defense technology, cost management, and supply chain optimization to navigate the complexities of modern defense contracting. Our proven strategies in winning and managing defense projects ensure that clients can effectively meet the DoD’s needs while staying ahead of technological and operational challenges. #CRG #DefenseInnovation #AirForce #NGAD #DefenseContracting #DoD #MilitaryTech #SupplyChainResilience #CostManagement #DIB #USAF #AdvancedTechnology #CRGExpertise #Aerospace #NextGenAircraft #RandD #TechIntegration #BudgetEfficiency #AircraftDesign #Engineering #USMIL #Aviation #AircraftEngineering

2

Partnering with PEO Aviation’s project offices, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center conducts government-executed Crew Station Working Groups to assess the avionics requirements through human-factors engineering, utilizing early #Soldier evaluations. The key mission of the DEVCOM AvMC Aviation Crew Stations Branch is conducting CSWGs comprising Army and industry partner stakeholders, all with a vested interest in ensuring that Army aviators have the best solution at their fingertips. “We support the end user,” said Jena Salvetti, lead human factors engineer for the Crew Stations branch. “We evaluate prototype interfaces, with users-in-the-loop, while addressing human factors principles, aviation mission tasks, and sub-system conventions to ensure that final designs are intuitive. The CSWG process was designed to ensure aviators have a say in their interfaces rather than pushing an interface to the field and saying, ‘You’ll figure it out.’ One of the things we hear from the field is that systems are not being used because they’re too hard to use. The CSWG was created to mitigate this issue.” #Partnership | #WeAreAvMC

47

Airbus developing an unmanned Lakota helo for Marine resupply mission Read more on the link below. #defense #sbir #military #jointwerx @jointwerx @blackhaysgroup #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #consulting #strategy #leanstartups #startup #growthhacking

2

Joining the Military: EOD vs Flying Career Options In this video, we discuss the pros and cons of pursuing a career in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or becoming a military pilot. We provide guidance on education, physical fitness requirements, and career prospects in both fields. If you're torn between EOD and flying, this video will help you make an informed decision. #MilitaryCareers #EODvsFlying #MilitaryPilot #ExplosiveOrdnanceDisposal #MilitaryTraining #CareerOptions #PhysicalFitness #EducationRequirements #MilitaryLife #DecisionMaking

3

Joining the Military: EOD vs Flying Career Options In this video, we discuss the pros and cons of pursuing a career in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or becoming a military pilot. We provide guidance on education, physical fitness requirements, and career prospects in both fields. If you're torn between EOD and flying, this video will help you make an informed decision. #MilitaryCareers #EODvsFlying #MilitaryPilot #ExplosiveOrdnanceDisposal #MilitaryTraining #CareerOptions #PhysicalFitness #EducationRequirements #MilitaryLife #DecisionMaking

1

As the U.S. Air Force and U.S Navy prepare for potential conflicts in the Pacific, they face contrasting financial strategies shaped by modernization needs and budget caps. The Air Force is reducing its 5th-generation fighter aircraft purchases to invest in Research & Development, aiming to future-proof its capabilities amidst fiscal constraints. Conversely, the Navy prioritizes current operational readiness and personnel, maintaining a robust presence despite flat procurement budgets. This strategic divergence highlights the challenges and decisions facing our military branches in an era of fiscal austerity. Will these approaches align with the looming threats by 2027? #Defense #MilitaryStrategy #USNavy #USAF #NationalDefense #Budgeting #MilitaryReadiness #FutureOfDefense

9

1 Comment

How The Marines Plan To Fly The MV-22 Osprey Into The 2060s Software, cockpit, and maintenance improvements are all on the cards, as is a potential optionally piloted configuration. #PhoenixDelivers #usma #osprey https://lnkd.in/ejE_NftU

2

Lack of standards slows allied tech-sharing, Space Force official says Read more on the link below. #defense #sbir #military #jointwerx @jointwerx @blackhaysgroup #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #consulting #strategy #leanstartups #startup #growthhacking

1

The United States Air Force announced that Anduril has been selected as one of two vendors to move forward on the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Over the next phase, Anduril will design, manufacture, and test production-representative CCAs. Autonomy and affordable mass have been central tenets of Anduril’s approach since the company’s founding in 2017. Anduril is committed to transforming US and allied defense capabilities by combining modern software expertise with a rapid and differentiated approach to hardware development and manufacturing. From cutting-edge counter drone systems to extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles, Anduril has proven it can deliver highly-performant, next-generation, software-defined capabilities on a timeline and scale that matters. Anduril Industries, Inc. is an American defense technology company that specializes in advanced autonomous systems. It was founded in 2017 by inventor Palmer Luckey with investors and founders associated with Palantir and SpaceX. Anduril Industries is named for Andúril, the fictional sword of Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings. Translated from the novels’ constructed language Quenya, the name means Flame of the West. Anduril aims to sell technology including artificial intelligence and robotics to the U.S. Department of Defense. Anduril’s major products include unmanned aerial systems (UAS), counter-UAS (CUAS), semi-portable autonomous surveillance systems, and networked command and control software. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gkAGYE2M

3

1 Comment

As the Pentagon wonders whether United Launch Alliance (ULA) will keep its launch schedule, co-owners Lockheed Martin and Boeing have formed an “independent review team” to help keep things on track. Last month, United States Space Force acquisition czar Frank Calvelli laid out his concerns about ULA’s Vulcan heavy-lift rocket, which first flew in January and is slated to launch 25 national-security missions by the end of 2027. In a May 10 letter, Calvelli noted that ULA has yet to prove it can build Vulcans fast enough to handle the 70 total launches that the company has on order—and that the company has recently averaged fewer than a half-dozen launches a year. Read more from Defense One https://lnkd.in/gTEfKUJK

7

DCI Solutions Skillbridge Review ⭐️ ⭐️ Rating 2.0 / 5 Review by anonymous: “If you are looking for an internship where you learn very little, and are ok with mundane task this is the place for you. If you are actually trying to learn a transitioning job traits, and expect this company to help you this is not the company for you. There are great people at this small business like Crissy, Kristin, Angela and Ted who actually teach you. Unfortunately the upper leadership of this company who is also a veteran has lost the purpose and intent of the skill bridge internship. Christopher and Caedan just look at you as FREE LABOR and don’t think they should take time out of their busy schedule to help you with interview prep or teaching you any tangible traits to help you transition . This is a recruiting company and that’s what you will do as an intern.” See the full review here : https://lnkd.in/gxr9spf7 🚨 Make sure to follow us for more reviews! #skillbridge #dodskillbridge #skillbridgeprogram #militarytransition #transitioningmilitary

7

2 Comments

While lawmakers are pressing the Pentagon to move faster in developing a new missile defense system for intercepting hypersonic weapons, the Missile Defense Agency should focus on developing more immediate, make-do solutions now and not rush to field the more advanced weapon, its director suggested June 6. The in-development Glide Phase Interceptor “is a tip-to-tail designed system to counter the threats out of 2035, not today,” Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath A. Collins said during an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Yet there is growing concern regarding China and Russia’s hypersonic capabilities—Russia has used hypersonic weapons in its war with Ukraine, and a 2023 Department of Defense report described China as having the world’s leading hypersonic weaponry. In response, Congress passed a provision late last year mandating that GPI reach initial operational capability by 2029. MDA’s budget documents don’t project delivery of the interceptor to even start until 2035. And Collins, who previously served as the Air Force’s program executive officer for weapons, seems less interested in trying to hurry the program along than he does in finding another solution. “It is an important program to get us where we need to, but it’s going to take some time,” Collins said. “But to bring that long-look capability to the hypersonic fight, we’ve been tasked to think creatively and bring capability sooner—2029, ’30. And that is really going to take maybe some different style of thinking than the traditional ‘start a new weapon.’ It’s most likely going to be a weapon that already exists today. What can we do to get the most out of it?” The Pentagon fields a variety of interceptors already, from THAAD to Aegis to SM-6 to the Ground-Based Interceptor. Collins offered few hints on which, if any, could be used for hypersonic defense. “We do need to sharpen our pencils,” he said. “I was the weapons buyer for the Air Force. There are other things that are being purchased by other agencies. Can any of those be brought to bear?” Whatever MDA decides, it likely won’t be perfect or capable of matching every threat, Collins added. But it could be crucial given the pressing danger. #MDA #Defense #Hypersonic An artist’s rendering of the Glide Phase Interceptor. (Northrop Grumman)

77

2 Comments