When DIU Came to Town: How Austin Became a Defense Innovation Hotspot
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

When DIU Came to Town: How Austin Became a Defense Innovation Hotspot

In 2016, something big quietly reshaped Austin’s future — and it wasn’t just another tech startup or music festival. The Department of Defense (DoD) launched a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) outpost right in the heart of the city at Capital Factory, and the ripple effects have been anything but subtle.

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Major Changes in GSA’s MAS Solicitation Refresh 0026 (April 2025)
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

Major Changes in GSA’s MAS Solicitation Refresh 0026 (April 2025)

The General Services Administration (GSA) has released Refresh 0026 to the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation 47QSMD20R0001. This update introduces several important clause changes, new category structures, SIN retirements, and enhanced sustainability initiatives you should be aware of.

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The Most Competitive Federal Contracting NAICS Codes of 2024 (and How Small Businesses Can Still Win)
Jameson Barlow Jameson Barlow

The Most Competitive Federal Contracting NAICS Codes of 2024 (and How Small Businesses Can Still Win)

Federal contracting can feel like a crowded race, especially for small businesses trying to break in. Some contract opportunities get swarmed with bids, while others fly under the radar. Using fresh Fiscal Year 2024 data, our team has analyzed which NAICS codes to see the fiercest competition (measured by the number of offers per solicitation) and which might offer small firms a better shot. Knowing where the crowd is (and isn’t) helps you strategize which opportunities to chase.

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DIU Decoded: The Startup’s Guide to Winning with the Department of Defense
Joshua Lawton Joshua Lawton

DIU Decoded: The Startup’s Guide to Winning with the Department of Defense

Thanks to the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), startups and commercial tech companies now have a direct line to the Pentagon. This isn’t some slow-moving, red-tape-filled procurement process where contracts take years to materialize. DIU moves fast—by government standards and even startup standards—connecting innovators to the DoD’s most urgent needs.

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Your Bridge to a New Career: The DoD Deferred Resignation Program
Joshua Lawton Joshua Lawton

Your Bridge to a New Career: The DoD Deferred Resignation Program

Imagine stepping away from your current job with several months of pay, full benefits, and the freedom to explore a new career path—no strings attached. For many Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees, this dream is real thanks to the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP).

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Get to Know DoD’s Software Acquisition Pathway
Joshua Lawton Joshua Lawton

Get to Know DoD’s Software Acquisition Pathway

The Department of Defense (DoD) has recognized the critical role of software in modern warfare and has implemented the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) to streamline and enhance its software procurement processes.​

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The State of DoD SBIRs: Funding, Policy, and Future Outlook
Joshua Lawton Joshua Lawton

The State of DoD SBIRs: Funding, Policy, and Future Outlook

Despite ongoing uncertainty in federal funding discussions, SBIR has maintained strong bipartisan support due to its role in fostering innovation, particularly in critical technology areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and energy resilience.

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Reinventing Defense: Transforming Innovation and Research at the DoD
Joshua Lawton Joshua Lawton

Reinventing Defense: Transforming Innovation and Research at the DoD

The Pentagon is undertaking a comprehensive transformation of its approach to innovation and research. In response to evolving threats and the rapid pace of technological change, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is merging several of its technology and acquisition offices, adjusting funding models, and adopting agile acquisition strategies to deliver advanced capabilities faster and more efficiently.

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