Tag Archives: defense contractors

Everyone’s budget is being cut.

We all have to be more creative with less. But is cutting resources the best option for long term recruiting and employer branding strategy? While there is significant pressure to cut resources as budgets tighten, there are some key things to consider.

Loss of Brand in the Marketplace

Pulling your company name and recruiter presence out of the marketplace will erode the employer brand. Once you have stopped supporting your employer brand, it may take a long time to rebuild. If you’ve just won a contract and need to staff up fairly quickly, that’s a critical business challenge. Particularly for small- and mid-size…

Veterans Agency Can Ignore Vets Status in Contract Awards

Tom Schoenberg and Kathleen Miller, Bloomberg. A Federal Claims court judge in Washington has ruled that the Department of Veterans Affairs does not have to give preference to veteran owned small businesses in all contracts setting aside a ruling by the Government Accountability Office. The case is a milestone that could impact nearly $3 billion in federal contracts a year that could go to veteran owned businesses. The issue hinged on a loophole in the law that allows the government to use the general schedule of contractors and the discounts they often provide for contracts. The government’s concern is the challenge…

Defense Armageddon Prediction Clashes with Profits, Optimism

Nik Taborek and Brendan McGarry, Bloomberg Businessweek. The predictions of doom from sequestration continue from the Aerospace Industries Association and major defense manufacturers. But the stories clash with the realities of continuing profits and rising revenue. The top five defense manufacturers reported higher than expected profits for the second quarter and analysts estimate that four of the five will see rising earnings next year. The danger continues that investors will flee if the industry continues to pound the drum of danger, and the public will sour if it looks like the fight is nothing more than an effort to protect profits. Coupled with…

Robots Go to War:  March of the Robots

The Economist. This is an interesting look at the growth of robotics in the military around the world today. It is a growth market with billions likely to be spent in coming years as various types of new robots are brought to market including throw able recon robots to mule like logistics machines for combat squads on foot. The story touches on the usual ‘what happens when humans aren’t in the loop’ routine a bit even though no one is even suggesting letting robots make decisions without human guidance. Still it’s an interesting read.

Contractors Concerned About Proposed Rule for Workers with…

General Dynamics CEO Sets Sights on Further Growth, Acquisitions

Andrea Shalal-Esa, Reuters. GD CEO and former Chief-of-Naval-Operations Jay Johnson discusses with Reuters last week his views of the future of General Dynamics and the industry. He offers an insight that most analysts agree with. This is actually a ripe time for major defense manufacturers like GD to acquire other companies to expand their offerings, while leveraging emerging markets like China and South America. While the worries are real about the future of the U.S. defense market, major programs will have to continue and support for most remains strong. 

Obama Administration Urges Flat 2013-2017 Defense Spending Plan

Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg. The White…