Jordon Sims

Pleased to share Alex Bresler and my latest Acquisition Research Program at Naval Postgraduate School paper, which I present in Monterey next week. While our previous research focused on how United States Department of Defense procurement initiatives, like SBIR, enable new capabilities to reach the warfighter, DoD directs billions in R&D funding annually through grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of “Federal Financial Assistance” (assistance). This paper leveraged data from USASpending & SAM (FY2018-FY2023) to understand how DoD-funded assistance is directed in general & how it contributes to military innovation.  A few top-line findings: - DoD obligated $51.7B+ in assistance from FY2018-FY2023 through 90 assistance programs  - Assistance is extremely broad, so many of these programs were unrelated to R&D (ex: “Air Force Academy Athletic Programs,” “Troops to Teachers Grant Program”)  - Based on their name/award details, 22 assistance programs–accounting for $31.3B– appeared related to R&D ("DoD R&D assistance") - The # of entities that received DoD R&D assistance grew 14.4%--a stark contrast to consolidation trends in the broader DIB - Consortia, universities, States, and other “allocators" receive the majority of DoD R&D assistance, which they then distribute to subawardees - “Medical R&D” assistance programs accounted for 30%+ of all DoD R&D assistance–including $1.9B for “cancer” (10x more than hypersonics) and hundreds of millions for obesity, heart disease, & other general health fields. In short, DoD R&D assistance for broad medical R&D has eclipsed projects explicitly linked to DoD priorities To enhance our analysis, we leveraged Ryan Hafen's amazing Trelliscope, an open-source tool for managing, sorting, and visualizing data. We built two Trelliscopes: one with 26K+ unique R&D assistance awards & one with to 2K+ entities that received R&D assistance awards Awardee Trelliscope. I'll link to the Trelliscopes in comments--feel free to play around & reach out with questions/if you need a tutorial. Given the magnitude of DoD funded assistance, this paper is the first of many deep-dives we plan to take. Look forward to feedback & seeing familiar faces in Monterey!

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USC SHIELD Innovates Security For Land, Earth and Beyond Maria Vittoria Borghi | May 9, 2024 USC SHIELD: Executive Program in Global Space and Deterrence has new tools to preserve peace everywhere and anywhere, together Deanna Ryals, the director of international affairs at the U.S. Space Force in Los Angeles, was ecstatic to be selected for the USC SHIELD Executive Program in Global Space and Deterrence. To her, it presented a unique opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on forging global partnerships for space access and defense. “I had heard about the program from my counterparts who had been in previous cohorts,” she said. “I knew how much they enjoyed it, how much they learned, and was really excited to be considered for it.” On April 27, Ryals and her 23 classmates, high-level professionals from the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, The National Guard, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon Technologies, concluded USC SHIELD program. This year’s session, jointly run by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, in collaboration with the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), took place between September 2023 and April 2024, culminating with a three-day residency between April 25 and 27 and group presentations at USC. The program’s hybrid curriculum on integrated policy and technology readiness for peace and stability equipped top-ranked defense experts from America and beyond with critical skills, especially with international conflicts surging around the world. “I think working with other students has been most beneficial because you see similar challenges in different organizations and realize that we’re struggling with the same things,” said Col. Minpo Shiue, the Warfighting Integration Office director at the Space Systems Command in Los Angeles. “It makes you want to work together to make a whole government solution on different issues.” In groups of four and five, the cohort came up with policy and technology solutions to deter war on land, sea or space. Topics included how to leverage assets of non-governmental organizations to ramp up capabilities in space, how to establish joint defense solutions in absence of treaties, and how to use Ukranian acoustic sensors that detect low-flying threats underwater. Importantly, the USC SHIELD program allows professionals to think outside the box to accelerate innovation. This is facilitated by the multidisciplinary background of the participants; USC’s strong academic resources; and access to a network of leaders provided by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA). For example, students could visit SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force, on their first day in Los Angeles in April. USC SHIELD fosters “one of the rare environments where there’s trust to convey ideas and concepts for the military,” said Riki Ellison, founder and chairman of the MDAA and a Trojan https://lnkd.in/ezs6dWCU

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Leveraging commercial space will be critical to success in any future conflict. The CASR constructing an innovative approach that will allow us to access capabilities on demand. ““Our first one is a mission area analysis for commercial SATCOM for the Indo-Pacific region, and that is ongoing right now, but that's going to help us really form the basis of the amount that we will put on contract so that we are not buying commercial for commercial sake and we're giving the warfighter exactly what they need to do their business, but also through these contracts will have the ability to onboard innovation, so we're not planning on long-term contracts,” he said.”

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Thanks for the NewSpace Nexus Sadler Report shout-out by Mike French of the newly formed Space Policy Group! "Sign-up for the excellent newsletters from Space News, Payload, CNBC, and the Sadler Report." For more information, check out this page!

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New AIA #cheatsheet! This time, it's the #supplemental The team at the Aerospace Industries Association put together a quick reference #cheatsheet for the funding in the approved Ukraine/Israel/Indo-Pacific supplemental appropriations. Details below. My take: The reporting has been focused mostly on aid to Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific. I read this #supplemental funding bill very differently. It's not just assistance funding. It's a significant investment in the U.S. industrial base and domestic manufacturing in the United States. It's an underreported, understated fact of the legislation. It starts to reverse years of underinvestment in the industrial base and sets the stage for future investments that are needed. H/T: Kayla Renner, Elizabeth Patterson, Emma Hamilton for this work. #supplemental #appropriations #ukraine #israel #indopacific

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Hot off the presses: "Building an Enduring Advantage in the Third Space Age." Some key findings: - The United States accounted for roughly half of global launches in 2023, and it made up 81% of effective launch capacity. - More satellites were launched in the past five years (2019–23) than in all previous years combined. - In 2023, 78% of satellites launched were from the United States and 84% were for commercial missions. - The US advantage in space rests largely on America’s lead in space technology. - To turn this temporary lead into an enduring advantage, the United States must build on sources of national power that run deeper than technology: the combination of free markets, an open society, and access to capital, which enable the engine of innovation behind this technology. Three Areas of Recommendations: 1. Reduce obstacles for new launch vehicles and companies. - Expand the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation. - Increase Space Force funding for launch-range operations and infrastructure modernization. - Revise the Space Force’s launch acquisition strategy to create more opportunities for new entrants. 2. Press the advantage to accelerate US military and intelligence space missions. - Develop much larger intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office. - Deploy a tactical ISR layer as part of the Space Force’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). - Accelerate the development and use of space logistics, in-space servicing, and spacelift. - Begin using commercial ISR capabilities for immediate combatant command support and to better inform PWSA tactical ISR layer requirements. 3. Enhance the lure of international partnerships with NASA to achieve broader space policy goals. - Expand opportunities in the Artemis program. - Develop novel deep-space missions that take advantage of new super-heavy launch vehicles. - Negotiate a new multilateral agreement that builds on the Artemis Accords and includes more specific and binding requirements. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gy7aiUT3

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Make sure you check this episode out - some great insights from Peter Levine

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It was my pleasure to have a conversation this week with my friend Nick Gvosdev (FPRI, Orbis, Navy War) on my framework for a responsible energy transition. Balancing the (de facto) mandates for 1) Green Transition, 2) Sufficient, reliable power during transition and 3) Not creating/exacerbating strategic dependencies on unfriendly/authoritarian states will be the challenge over the next decade or so. https://lnkd.in/eTvjbJYz

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🛡️ Driving Innovation and Growth: Expanding the Defense Industrial Base 🚀 As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the expansion of our defense industrial base is more crucial than ever. Strengthening our capabilities not only enhances national security but also drives innovation and economic growth. ✨ Why Expand? Expanding the defense industrial base fosters resilience against emerging threats, promotes technological advancement, and creates high-skilled jobs. It's about equipping our forces with cutting-edge capabilities while bolstering our industrial and innovation base. 🌐 Global Impact In a connected world, collaboration and strategic partnerships are key. By expanding our defense industrial base, we foster international cooperation, enhancing interoperability and strengthening alliances to address global security challenges collectively. 🔍 Opportunities Ahead From cybersecurity to advanced manufacturing, expanding the defense industrial base opens doors to new opportunities in technology development, research, and infrastructure investments. It fuels a cycle of innovation that benefits not only defense but also commercial sectors. 🤝 Collaboration is Key By fostering collaboration between government, industry leaders, and academia, we can drive forward-thinking initiatives that propel our defense capabilities into the future. It's about harnessing diverse expertise and resources to build a secure and prosperous future. At Ombra we embrace this pivotal moment to expand our defense industrial base, driving innovation, safeguarding our nation, and creating a resilient foundation for generations to come. Together, we can shape a stronger, more secure future. #DefenseIndustry #NationalSecurity #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #GlobalSecurity #Collaboration #TechnologyAdvancement #FutureReady

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Icebreakers 🚢 vs Pathfinders 🧭 In opposition to the much-abused term “Pathfinder” to describe new projects, the idea of an “Icebreaker” initiative seems better-suited to much of the innovation efforts ongoing in the DoD. Unlike the idea of charting new territory with a Pathfinder, many of the ideas involve breaking through legacy process and policy barriers. In the interest of preventing symbol drain (terms rendered meaningless by over-use), defining new projects as either Pathfinders (truly new approaches) or Icebreakers would help us better communicate our end goals to leadership and stakeholders. Credit for this thought goes to Bob Lutz’s “Car Guys vs Bean Counters”.

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Nicholas Nelson, Senior Fellow for Emerging Tech & Policy at CEPA and is a Partner at MD One Ventures. Andrew Stiles, advisor on emerging technologies as a management consultant for nearly a decade. Kyra Terenzio, Management consultant specialising in emerging technology at a leading professional services firm. "Domain awareness is an ongoing challenge in countries with large Arctic land masses such as Alaska, where strained connectivity, power access, and extreme weather all hinder unmanned systems. NASA’s drone, Vanilla, flew for six hours in the Arctic totaling over 130 miles. Unique technology such as its internal heating system and anti-icing coating, if adapted to other robotic systems, could help make them more resilient, durable, and interoperable within the Arctic. Additionally, space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (SB-ISR) sensors are critical. However, satellites historically struggle with connectivity, signal fidelity, and resolution quality due to snowfall, cloud coverage, wind, and precipitation. To tackle these, Canada funded the Enhanced Satellite Communication Project – Polar (ESCP-P), which will enable narrowband and wideband satellite communications including beyond line of sight. Polar-orbiting satellites, and the infrastructure to launch them, are also increasingly vital. Russia launched its Arktika-M satellite in December, the second of nine it plans to send into orbit by 2026. The seven NATO countries in the High North will need to expand their own space-based and ground-based communications, such as durable and portable 5G systems and polar-orbit satellites, to provide ubiquitous, rapid data transmission for NATO activity in the High North."

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I enjoyed this compelling report by American Enterprise Institute's Senior Fellow, Mackenzie Eaglen, in which she discusses the scope of Beijing’s military spending and how it should influence the way the U.S. approaches not only its strategic competition with China, but its role across multiple theaters. Mackenzie’s analysis and advice is always of the highest caliber, and this is no exception. I highly recommend this to anyone concerned about our national security, as we all should be. https://lnkd.in/dpjvhKbU

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Very timely and great news to see United States Department of Defense endorsement of a Statement of Principles for #indopacific #Defense Industrial Base Collaboration following extensive consultations with US Federal Government allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.   The following principles will guide these collaborative actions among likeminded participants: - Ensuring shared defense industrial resilience is vital to the continued regional security, economic security, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific. - Strengthening defense industrial resilience requires collaborative action to expand industrial base capability, capacity, and workforce; increase supply chain resilience; promote defense innovation; improve information sharing; encourage standardization; reduce barriers to cooperation; and otherwise mitigate potential vulnerabilities and facilitate collaboration. - Optimizing collaboration requires accounting for the needs, capabilities, and comparative advantages of participants' industrial bases consistent with free and fair market competition and protection of intellectual property. - Conducting collaborative action will not be limited to governments, but also include industry, capital providers, academia, and other forms of partnership. Importantly, "fostering further dialogue is needed to promote collaboration and increase shared defense industrial resilience". This is a key mission of Armatus.ai and will be the focus of our next event in #tokyo from 3-4 June. Check out the website for details. But we go beyond dialogue. Our Symposium’s goal directly engages US, #Japanese, #Australian, U.K. and other Allied Nation #dualuse #technology companies with U.S. government contracting and funding leaders. #defence #defense U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Japan Ministry of Defense US Army Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Japan - The Government of Japan Defence Australia Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN National) United States Air Force US Navy U.S. Space Command United States Marine Corps Bernice Glenn Kissinger Mica Imamura Frank Clark Jeremy Knopp Kristian Ryan The Japan Times Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Pacific International Center For High Technology Research - PICHTR CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) Beaten Zone Venture Partners Guy N. Jason Vella Kylah Limmer ManTech https://lnkd.in/gn4Dp2QQ

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🚨 The Aerospace Industries Association has released its Fiscal Year 2025 international legislative priorities. 🚨 In a rapidly changing world, the legislative authorities underpinning our defense trade and export systems need to modernize. This year's priorities cover key aspects of the processes governing U.S. industry's contributions to U.S. foreign policy goals, including support to partners and allies. So, what's on the list? ➡ Congressional notification (#CN) threshold modernization ➡ Special Defense Acquisition Fund (#SDAF) support ➡ More defense financing options ➡ Funding for the security cooperation enterprise ➡ Supply chain resiliency These are common sense opportunities that would make a huge difference for the United States, U.S. industry, and our foreign partners and allies. Link to #AIA legislative priorities here: https://lnkd.in/e_EScW7J

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The People’s Republic of China (PRC) poses significant threats to the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) through espionage, sabotage, and disruption. Here's why we should be concerned: •Intellectual Property Theft: The PRC is actively stealing US intellectual property, hindering our technological advancements and potentially compromising military capabilities. •Infrastructure Infiltration: China seeks footholds in critical infrastructure, potentially creating vulnerabilities and disrupting operations. •Supply Chain Manipulation: China's dominance in global manufacturing and shipping allows them to disrupt the flow of vital supplies to the DIB. •State-Sponsored Espionage: Thousands of Chinese personnel are deployed to steal US secrets, influence markets, and disrupt DIB supply chains. With China's global manufacturing dominance, heightened vigilance and strengthened defenses are crucial within the DIB to combat these sophisticated cyber threats. #CyberSecurity #Defense #NationalSecurity #TechNetCyber #AFCEA #SupplyChain

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ICYMI - The United States Department of Defense released a significant defense industrial base “Statement of Principles” at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shanghai-La Dialogue today. Industrial base resiliency in the Indo-Pacific is a key enabler in any potential conflict. The “tyranny of distance” in the region means industrial base capability, capacity, and supply chain integration are more important than ever, demanding strategic-level attention from policymakers. We see that in the partner and ally focus of the U.S. National Defense Industrial Strategy (#NDIS). Today’s announcement is further evidence of the U.S. DoD leaning in on aligning industrial base considerations with the overall national security strategy. It’s very much welcome from U.S. industry. Indo-Pacific industrial base resiliency is built on a few key pillars: consistent regulatory structures and equal application of rules in aligned countries, freedom of movement for goods, services, and workforce that support industrial base growth, fair tax structures, access to regular funding and outside capital, and most of all, clear policy objectives from partner governments. It’s these type of things that allow U.S. and partner industries to build resiliency. In many ways, the commercial aerospace industrial base in the Indo-Pacific can and should lead the way in further strengthening the defense industrial base in the region. The Statement of Principles hat tips to that very notion. The intent in the Statement of Principles gives a good steer. It’s the “what” in this equation. Working with the U.S. DoD and partner governments, industry can deliver the “how”. That’s what we do best. #SLD24 #DIB #industrialbase #supplychain

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EVelution Energy applauds Jeffrey Nadaner’s precise grasp of the steps necessitated to orchestrate public and private capital to secure allied supply chains. This effort also requires support from U.S. Department of the Treasury and United States Department of Commerce to ensure American manufacturing has a path to sustainable economic prosperity. Software is important, but hardware operated by an American workforce is critical. It is incumbent on private capital (ie, investment fiduciaries to #pensionfunds) to participate in defending the national security interest underpinning our capital markets. Alliance for American Manufacturing

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