Emerging Technologies & Policy Initiatives Updates

As the Trump administration drives innovation in critical technologies, several national initiatives present growing opportunities for government contractors across federal and state procurement ecosystems, especially in R&D (Research & Development)! 

The current initiatives listed below create a dynamic landscape for government contractors, with numerous opportunities in AI, quantum computing, and advanced technologies.

Artificial Intelligence

The United States is in the process of implementing policies to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security. 

Source: Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI

5G and Spectrum Auctions

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is modernizing outdated regulations to promote the wired backbone of 5G networks 

The FCC's spectrum auctions are enabling the U.S. to deploy 5G technology. Contractors in telecommunications, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity will benefit from this push toward next-generation wireless systems.

Source: America's 5G Future

Supercomputing Investments

The Department of Energy (DOE) is investing in high-performance computing (HPC) for research and national security. Contractors can engage in providing HPC systems, software, and support services for federal supercomputing needs.

Source: Department of Energy Supercomputing

National Quantum Initiatives

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $625 Million for National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. These centers will accelerate the transformational advances in basic science and quantum-based technology platforms needed in Quantum Information Science (QIS) and in support of the National Quantum Initiative Act. 

Source: National Quantum Information Science Research Center - R&D Update

The DOE has also announced $71 million in funding for 25 projects in high energy physics that will use the emerging technologies of quantum information science to answer fundamental questions about the universe. Awards funded under this program will advance theories of gravity and spacetime, develop quantum sensors that can see previously undetectable signals, and build pathfinder experiments to search for dark matter and other new particles and phenomena.

Source: Department of Energy Announces $71 Million for Research on Quantum Information Science Enabled Discoveries in High Energy Physics

FOCI Frequently Asked Questions

The increasing importance of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) has led to many questions and concerns. To assist with understanding the rules and restrictions of this security measure, here are some FAQs and their respective answers:

1.   Why is FOCI a concern?

Concerns have been raised by Congress and within the Department of Defense regarding foreign governments having financial or other ties to government contractors. The departmental efforts are in place to prevent potential espionage, technology theft, and supply chain disruption.

2.   If FOCI apply to my company, am I immediately disqualified from government contracting?

No, a company under FOCI is not automatically disqualified from government contracting. However, that company needs to follow the guidelines of reporting and developing mitigation measures to ensure continued eligibility. The objective is to assess whether a contractor’s operations could be compromised by foreign influence.

3.   If FOCI apply to my company, can I still apply for Small Business certifications?

Yes, businesses under FOCI can qualify for certifications provided they meet all other applicable SBA eligibility criteria for their certification of interest.

4.   Does this only apply to contractors with Facility Clearance (FCLs)?

You may have heard that FOCI rules only apply to contractors with FCLs, but the scope of FOCI has been expanded. While contractors with FCLs, particularly large defense prime contractors, are often more closely scrutinized for FOCI, the regulations apply to all government contractors.

5.   Who receives reports related to FOCI?

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is the current department handling concerns through its FOCI Operations Division. DCSA also provides guidance and oversight related to FOCI compliance.

Learn more

Govology Article

DOD Approach

DCSA Planning and Implementation

Understanding the New CT DAS Websites

The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has followed in the footsteps of the Federal Government by updating their databases. The state of Connecticut has a few sites; CTSource, Bid Board, Contract Board, and Supplier Registration. This month I am going to focus on CT Gateway.

CT Gateway is the database to submit your CT set-aside applications and to research your competition. You can also set up notifications from this site to inform you when your company is researched, or if a related opportunity is available. In the upcoming months, I will continue to provide insights and tips into the various websites that the CT DAS has for our small business community. Below is a link to a video training that explains CT Gateway.

Watch the training video

Small Business Goals - 2025 Update

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has adjusted its small business contracting goals for federal agencies for fiscal year 2025, which began on October 1, 2024. The overall government-wide goal for small business contracting remains at 37%, but there are shifts within specific socioeconomic categories. Notably, the goal for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) has been decreased to 5%.

Note this is in fact a floor not a ceiling.

The goal for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) has been slightly decreased to 5% from 5.2%. The goals for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and HUBZone small businesses remain unchanged at 3% each.

These annual goal adjustments by the SBA are intended to ensure that federal agencies are actively working to include small businesses in their procurement processes and that these goals are reflective of the current economic landscape and federal priorities. The SBA emphasized that these updated targets are based on the latest data and are designed to be both ambitious and achievable. Federal agencies and primes will be evaluated on their success in meeting these goals, and the changes signal to small businesses the areas of focus for federal contracting opportunities in the upcoming fiscal year. 

Read more

Cybersecurity Resource Partner: Totem Tech

Cybersecurity remains an ongoing challenge, often difficult to navigate without the appropriate resources and tools. Identifying the right solutions can be particularly daunting, especially with the evolving CMMC requirements from the Department of Defense (DoD). Totem Technologies, a resource partner of CT APEX, is a veteran- and minority-owned small business specializing in cybersecurity compliance services and consulting for the DoD.

With decades of experience securing and monitoring U.S. Government and DoD IT systems, Totem’s team of seasoned cybersecurity experts provides specialized support in FAR/DFARS, NIST 800-171, and CMMC compliance, as well as DoD cybersecurity best practices. Leveraging their expertise and resources can help guide your organization toward achieving CMMC 1 or 2 certification.

Totem offers a range of services, including online workshops, gap assessments, policy development, compliance training, and Cybersecurity Account Management. Their website features valuable information, including graphics that clearly outline time and cost breakdowns. We encourage you to explore Totem’s offerings and join us for our upcoming cybersecurity webinar in collaboration with CT SBDC.