WASHINGTON : The Department of Defense and General Services Administration announced several multi-billion dollar initiatives this week, signaling a significant shift in national defense and procurement policy. These updates include major satellite awards for homeland defense, new compliance mandates for federal contractors, and a record-breaking reduction in the veterans' benefits backlog.
Section 1 : Government Contracts
The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded L3Harris Technologies and Sierra Space a combined $1.75 billion in government contracts under the Accelerated Missile Defense Tranche 3 (AMDT3) program. This initiative aims to develop 36 missile-warning and tracking satellites for the Golden Dome missile defense shield.
L3Harris will receive up to $955 million to deliver 18 missile defense variant satellites across two orbital planes. Sierra Space will receive approximately $798 million for 18 missile warning and tracking variant satellites. Delivery of these space vehicles is targeted for the end of 2028.
SDA officials said the satellites will provide the fire-control-quality data necessary to intercept advanced ballistic and hypersonic threats. The AMDT3 satellites are designed to be interoperable with existing SDA tranches and will operate through a common ground system. This expansion follows a separate $3.5 billion award to expand the Space Force's Tracking Layer constellation.
In naval procurement, the Navy awarded TOTE Services LLC a $2.2 billion Vessel Construction Management contract. This agreement tasks TOTE with overseeing the procurement of up to eight Medium Landing Ships (LSMs) for the Marine Corps.
Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine are designated subcontractors for the project. The first delivery of an LSM is currently targeted for the fall of 2029. These vessels are intended to enhance the Marine Corps' ability to conduct amphibious operations in contested environments.
Additionally, the Pentagon’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program announced more than $500 million in new procurements. These awards focus on innovative software, uncrewed platforms, and counter-drone systems. Defense officials said the APFIT program is designed to bridge the "valley of death" between prototype development and full-scale production.
Section 2 : GSA Schedule Updates
The General Services Administration (GSA) GSA schedule MAS Refresh 32 went live on June 4, 2026. This update introduces several critical changes for federal contractors, including a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) clause.
The new clause, FAR 52.222-90, implements Executive Order 14398. It prohibits federal contractors from engaging in race-based or ethnicity-based disparate treatment in their DEI programs. Contractors must certify they do not operate non-compliant programs and must flow this clause down to all subcontractor tiers.
Refresh 32 also establishes new End-of-Support (EOS) product documentation rules. Products reaching their EOS date within three years of an offer may be excluded from the MAS contract. GSA officials said contractors are solely responsible for managing the EOS lifecycle and all associated costs of replacement or migration.
A new Special Item Number (SIN) 518210GM was created for the Grants Quality Service Management Office (QSMO) Marketplace. This SIN supports cloud-based tools and services for federal grantmaking. Conversely, GSA officially retired SIN 311423, which covered non-perishable foods. Contractors have a 30-day window to accept these mass modifications.
Section 3 : SDVOSB Opportunities
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced multiple active SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) set-aside contracting opportunities for July 2026. These solicitations are part of the agency's commitment to prioritizing veteran-owned enterprises in federal procurement.
The North Texas VA Health Care System is seeking bids for a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) services contract. The solicitation, identified as 36C25726Q0676, is due on July 21. This contract covers the delivery and maintenance of medical equipment for veterans in the North Texas region.
A second opportunity involves the service and maintenance of CCTV systems for the VA San Diego Healthcare System. This contract ensures the continued security of VA facilities in Southern California. Procurement notices indicate a focus on modernizing surveillance infrastructure.
Additionally, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston issued a solicitation for exterior window and canopy washing. This contract is due on July 20. VA procurement officials said these set-asides are essential for meeting agency-wide veteran participation goals.
Section 4 : Veterans Affairs News
The VA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on July 13 to accelerate cooperation on psychedelic drug trials. This collaboration focuses on treating serious mental illness among veterans, in alignment with a recent Presidential Executive Order.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the MOU ensures effective cooperation with HHS to turn research into life-changing treatment. The research will explore the efficacy of controlled substances in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression. Collins said the goal is to provide veterans with innovative healthcare options.
In a separate update, the veterans affairs news cycle reported that the benefits claims backlog dropped below 70,000 for the first time since February 2020. Average processing time has reached a record low of 77.7 days. Secretary Collins said this milestone reflects faster decisions and improved service for those who served.
Legislative developments continue as the "Take Care of America’s Veterans Act" nears a House floor vote. The package includes more than 60 individual veterans’ bills. Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) said the package is a once-in-a-generation effort that remains fiscally responsible.
However, the bill faces opposition from some lawmakers who expressed concern over funding mechanisms. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said the bill pays for veterans' benefits today by cutting benefits tomorrow. The debate centers on the long-term sustainability of the VA's budget.
Finally, the annual Veterans Outdoor Challenge begins today, July 15, and runs through August 8. The event invites all veterans to participate in outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling. Dr. Leif Nelson, the VA task force co-chair, said the challenge opens the door for veterans to build stronger bonds and improve physical health through nature.
