It’s been a busy start to the year! Primes are locking in their IDIQs, new technology is also hitting the market, and small businesses are making a strong ramp. In today's newsletter, we will dive into a few of these areas associated with the DoD market.

In a collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, Collins Elbit Vision Systems has recently delivered the 3,000th F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) to the Joint Strike Fighter.

This state-of-the-art technology offers pilots unparalleled situational awareness and vital flight, tactical, and sensor information day or night.

The F-35 Gen III HMDS is the world's most advanced helmet-mounted display system, providing pilots in combat zones unmatched situational awareness. Its next-generation user interface is a pilot's primary display system, ensuring quick and accurate decision-making.

The delivery of the 3,000th HMDS marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, highlighting their commitment to innovation and keeping pilots safe and battle-ready.

In a significant development for the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Marine Hydraulics International LLC, based in Norfolk, Virginia, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $91,632,639 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract. The contract involves repair, maintenance, and modernization efforts as part of the Chief of Naval Operations fiscal 2024 Selected Restricted Availability.

The contract scope encompasses all necessary labor, supervision, facilities, equipment, production, testing, and quality assurance to prepare for and execute the USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) fiscal 2024 Selected Restricted Availability.

With options included, the total value of this contract could reach $147,248,303. Work is expected to be completed by August 2025, with the bulk of the work taking place in Norfolk, Virginia.

Fiscal 2024 funding has been allocated for this project, with $41,403,567 (92.3%) coming from other procurement (Navy) funds, $1,750,682 (3.9%) from operations and maintenance (Navy) funds, and $1,722,353 (3.8%) from fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds.

The contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(3) (Industrial Mobilization). The Naval Sea Systems Command, located in Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity under contract number N0002424C4406.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is inviting small businesses to learn more about the Navy's 24.4 Direct to Phase II SBIR topics.

The event, organized by SOFWERX, will focus on the topic of "Cybersecurity/CUI" and allow attendees to engage with the Navy's SBIR/STTR Program Director, Bob Smith, and other experts in the field.

This event is a great opportunity for small businesses to understand the requirements and potential benefits of participating in the SBIR program.

On this day in 1942, the U.S. Navy's first aircraft carrier, the USS Langley, met its tragic end during World War II. Originally commissioned as the collier USS Jupiter, the Langley was a vital part of the Navy's early aviation development.

However, on February 27, while en route to deliver Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighters to Java, the Langley was targeted by Japanese land-based aircraft. Despite valiant efforts by the U.S. destroyers USS Whipple and USS Edsall, the severely damaged ship was ultimately sunk to prevent its capture by the enemy.

The loss of the Langley marked a somber moment in U.S. naval history as the Navy mourned the loss of its first aircraft carrier and its symbolic significance.

As we continue our analysis section of our newsletter, we will dive deeper into DoD and the opportunities available and to come. If there are areas you would like us to evaluate and add sign up for our newsletter and reach out. We would love to hear from you.