OMB Draft Memo Calls for Full Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography!

The quantum future isn’t science fiction anymore , it’s policy. And for federal agencies and contractors alike, the message is loud and clear: it’s time to prepare for the end of classical cryptography. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is drafting a landmark memorandum that outlines how the federal government will transition to post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) standards and the ripple effects will be felt across the entire public-private tech ecosystem.

While the memo is still in draft form, a version reviewed by Nextgov/FCW paints a comprehensive picture of how the government intends to harden its cybersecurity defenses against the threat of future quantum computers. This isn’t a distant concern — it’s a proactive move to safeguard sensitive federal data before quantum capabilities render today’s encryption methods obsolete.

It’s a wake-up call for federal agencies and their partners.The draft memo mandates that all federal agencies begin the process of migrating to PQC algorithms, aligning closely with the standards recently finalized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These algorithms are specifically designed to withstand the kind of computational brute force a quantum computer could one day bring to bear. But this isn’t just a government problem as it’s a vendor problem, too. The memo places significant responsibility on third-party technology vendors that work with federal clients. These vendors must not only prepare their systems to support PQC but also embed quantum-resistant standards directly into new tech deployments, system refreshes, cloud migrations, and software updates. In short, the entire lifecycle of federal IT infrastructure is being recalibrated for a quantum future.

And according to the memo, vendors will be required to disclose their PQC transition timelines, detailing how and when they plan to implement the new cryptographic standards. This is not just a one-time checkbox , it’s part of a phased, transparent shift toward full quantum readiness.The OMB draft memo doesn’t stop at technical instructions.Leadership teams will be expected to create internal PQC task forces or governance boards, monitor their agency’s compliance with transition milestones, and report progress back to central authorities.  Another key focus is inventorying high-risk digital assets , databases, communications systems, authentication processes , anything that would be considered especially vulnerable to quantum-powered attacks. These assets will need to be prioritized during the migration process, ensuring that the most sensitive systems are protected first.This aggressive push toward PQC didn’t come out of nowhere. It builds on a growing body of federal actions dating back over half a decade. In 2018, the Trump administration signed into law the National Quantum Initiative Act, committing over $1.2 billion toward advancing quantum information science and related research. While some of the funding expired in 2023, the broader initiative laid the groundwork for today’s policies.

Since then, both the Trump and Biden administrations have made quantum resilience a national priority. Under Biden’s leadership, NIST finalized several post-quantum algorithms, providing the technical foundation for the current migration push. Trump’s second term has also continued emphasizing U.S. innovation in quantum technologies, encouraging both public and private sectors to invest in quantum research, development, and implementation.

For contractors, systems integrators, software vendors, and cloud providers in the federal ecosystem, the implications are huge. This memo isn’t just a suggestion  it’s a signal that quantum-readiness will soon be a prerequisite for doing business with the government.

While there’s no confirmed release date for the memo just yet, insiders believe it’s only a matter of time before it becomes official guidance. Once that happens, timelines will start moving, expectations will be formalized, and agencies  along with their vendors  will be under pressure to deliver.

So, the quantum revolution is coming. The only question is whether you’ll be ready for it.

📜 COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION UPDATES

When it comes to proposal compliance, precision is the key. It can be termed as a ticket to securing contracts. So, the smart thing to do is to not to  risk proposal compliance by waiting until the last minute to submit, upload early to avoid technical glitches that can derail months of effort.

Vague or generic proposals won’t impress. RFPs demand tailored, detailed responses that demonstrate relevance and depth. Proposal compliance also means being upfront about past performance so that agencies can review your entire CPARS history, so proactively address any concerns to build credibility. When pursuing opportunities like logical follow-ons, understand that incumbents often have the upper hand in complex projects, so strategic proposal compliance is essential to position your bid effectively. Leaning on AI for proposals or protests is a gamble; human expertise is critical to sidestep errors like fake citations. In 2025, proposal compliance isn’t just a requirement; it’s the foundation of winning work. Stay diligent, stay thorough, and win smart.

JLC’s Air Force Solicitation Protest Crumbles

A solicitation related dispute at GAO doorsteps again. Jude & L Construction, LLC (JLC) of Katy, Texas, recently challenged the Air Force’s solicitation process for a construction contract at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia. JLC disputed the agency’s past performance evaluation, claiming it unfairly rejected their affiliate’s solicitation references. The RFP clearly permitted related entities’ past performance if they’d play a key role, and JLC’s reading of the solicitation was spot-on, unlike the Air Force’s flawed take. Interestingly JLC’s protest flopped due to missing Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs). Despite a contracting officer’s email suggesting outreach, the solicitation terms put the onus on JLC to deliver PPQs. Without them, JLC’s neutral rating held firm, sinking their solicitation hopes. Yet again proving that precision is king, and JLC’s oversight grounded their chances.

🔓 How to Sell to the U.S. Government Without Losing Your Sanity! (or Your Socks)

So, you’ve decided to sell to the U.S. government. Congratulations! You’ve officially entered the world of acronyms, regulations, and contract vehicles that sound like they belong in a Transformers movie. But fear not, this isn’t a bureaucratic black hole. It’s more like a mildly confusing treasure map with a few dragons guarding the gold. Let’s decode the madness together.

Contracts, The Government’s Shopping Cart

At its core, a government contract is just a fancy way of saying, “We want your stuff, and we’ll pay you for it.” These contracts come in two flavors: single award and multiple award. The single award is like being the government’s exclusive caterer for taco Tuesdays. The multiple awards? That’s more like being one of several taco vendors at a federal food truck festival. You’ll compete for each order, but hey, at least you’re invited to the party.

Then there’s the matter of how you get paid. Fixed-price contracts are straightforward: you name your price, deliver the goods, and hope you didn’t underbid. Cost-reimbursement contracts, on the other hand, are like dating someone who insists on splitting the bill but keeps forgetting their wallet. You’ll get reimbursed, but you’ll need receipts, patience, and possibly a therapist.

Contract Vehicles, Not Actual Vehicles, Sadly

Now, let’s talk about contract vehicles. These are not literal trucks, although, wouldn’t that be fun? Instead, they’re pre-approved pathways that make it easier for agencies to buy from you. Think of them as VIP passes to the federal procurement concert.

The Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) is the Beyoncé of contract vehicles, widely loved, frequently used, and capable of moving billions in products and services. If you get on MAS, you’re in the big leagues. From there, you might snag a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), which is like a subscription box for government buyers who want your stuff regularly.

Other contract vehicles include MACs (Multi-Agency Contracts) and GWACs (Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts). These are more niche, like indie record labels for IT services and professional solutions. They’re harder to get into, but once you’re in, you’re part of an elite club.

Commercial Platforms, Where Uncle Sam Shops Online

Yes, the government shops online too. Through the Commercial Platforms program, federal buyers use sites like Amazon Business, Staples, and Grainger to make micro-purchases (generally under $10,000). If you’ve ever dreamed of selling printer ink to the Department of Agriculture, this is your moment.

But don’t expect a red carpet. These platforms have their own rules, algorithms, and quirks. You’ll need to play nice, read the fine print, and possibly sacrifice a goat to the gods of e-commerce. Okay, maybe not the goat, but definitely your weekend.

Small Business Set-Asides, David vs. Goliath, Government Edition

If you’re a small business, rejoice! The government has a soft spot for you. Through set-asides, contracts are reserved exclusively for small businesses. It’s like the government saying, “We believe in you, little guy. Now go build that cybersecurity system.”

To qualify, you’ll need to be certified through programs like Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone, or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned. Each comes with its own paperwork, eligibility criteria, and occasional existential crisis. But once you’re in, you’ll compete in a smaller pool, which means better odds and fewer sharks.

Navigating the Maze with Style

Selling to the government isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a journey filled with acronyms, regulations, and the occasional plot twist. But it’s also a chance to grow your business, serve your country, and maybe,just maybe,make sense of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

So grab your metaphorical compass, channel your inner Indiana Jones, and dive into the world of government contracting. Just remember: the dragons guarding the treasure aren’t real. They’re just auditors with clipboards.

💰 Armtec Countermeasures Secures $14.1M Defense Deal to Supply Radar Reflective Chaff

In a significant win that highlights the strategic role of electronic warfare capabilities in modern defense, Armtec Countermeasures Co., headquartered in Coachella, California, has landed a $14.1 million firm-fixed-price contract to produce radar reflective chaff countermeasures cartridges a critical tool in protecting aircraft and enhancing survivability against radar-guided threats.This indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, awarded by the Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, includes a three-year ordering period with work set to continue through December 2029. Notably, all manufacturing will take place at Armtec’s facility in Lillington, North Carolina, reinforcing the company’s deep-rooted presence in U.S.-based defense manufacturing.

The contract calls for the manufacture and delivery of radar reflective chaff cartridges, an essential component of airborne countermeasures used to mislead radar-guided missiles and protect high-value military aircraft. These lightweight, fiber-like metallic strips are ejected from aircraft to create a cloud of false radar signals, effectively confusing enemy tracking systems and redirecting threats away from their true targets.One of the most noteworthy aspects of this award is its international scope. This contract is part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) package, with 86% of the deliveries earmarked for the Czech Republic and 1% for Greece. The remaining 13% will support the U.S. Navy under fiscal year 2024 funding, with an initial delivery order of $301,564 (under contract number N00104-25-F-B001) already issued and funded.The contract was competitively solicited through full and open competition, with Armtec emerging as the sole offeror to secure the award. That speaks volumes about the company’s reputation, technical capabilities, and proven track record of delivering high-performance countermeasure systems. In an industry where margins for error are razor-thin and mission stakes are high, trust in a manufacturer’s reliability and innovation is paramount.All production under this contract will be carried out at Armtec’s facility in Lillington, North Carolina, further contributing to the defense industrial base and supporting jobs in a region with a growing footprint in aerospace and defense manufacturing. With work extending through the end of 2029, this contract ensures long-term stability for the facility and its workforce while advancing mission-critical capabilities for the Navy and its partners.The award to Armtec comes amid growing recognition of the importance of non-kinetic warfare technologies, such as chaff, flares, jammers, and decoys. As adversaries become more sophisticated in their use of radar, targeting systems, and guided munitions, the need for cutting-edge countermeasure systems has never been more urgent.

Electronic warfare, once a niche domain, is now front and center in defense strategy, spanning from traditional air superiority missions to emerging domains like space and cyber. Companies like Armtec, with specialized expertise in countermeasures, stand to play a vital role in the next era of defense modernization.As the global security environment becomes increasingly complex, Armtec’s technologies will help ensure that U.S. and allied aircraft can fly safer, smarter, and more securely. For defense insiders and industry observers, this deal is a timely reminder that sometimes the smallest devices  like radar chaff  can make the biggest difference in mission success.

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