Weekly Roundup
Nov 21 – Dec 4 2014

Leaders at GovCon firms and federal agencies returned from the Thanksgiving holiday this week and soon after learned of two potential developments that could lift some uncertainty.
Ashton Carter, formerly the Pentagon’s number two official and a long-time defense leader, is reportedly in the frame for an appointment as the successor to the departing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.
Carter is recognized throughout the sector for his experience in management of large budgets and acquisitions and would, if confirmed, be responsible for leadership of the military through one of the largest transformations it has ever seen.
On Capitol Hill, House and Senate leaders have hammered out a compromise defense authorization bill for fiscal year 2015 that adds $5 billion funds to combat the Islamic State group and maintains the Air Force’s fleet of A-10 jets.
The House is set to vote on the bill this week and the Senate will likely hold its vote next week.
From an industry point of view, Huntington Ingalls CEO Mike Petters has attributed uncertainties over government spending to how GovCon firms have approached research and development spending.
Petters told Reuters that contractors need “clear signals” from government on where its investment priorities are in order to identify potential growth areas and sales leads.

                 

To start its 2015 calendar of events, the Potomac Officers Club will host ‘2015 Intel Summit’ onJan. 21. and National Intelligence Director James Clapper will deliver the keynote address in a half-day forum for GovCon executives and agency leaders in attendance.
POC has also secured Acting DIA Director David Shedd, Defense Intelligence Director Jim Martin, INSA President Ambassador Joe DeTrani and Michael Allen of Beacon Global Strategies as speakers for this must-attend forum.
Click here to register and save your seat at this summit and to learn more about our future events.