By Scott “Scooter” Altman, �鶹��Ƶ Federal EVP, Strategic Engagement

Updated. Original article ran on November 22, 2024 in GovExec Space Project, now DefenseOne.

As the U.S. ramps up orbital launch activity, the need for additional space launch sites has become more urgent.�� Momentum is building across military and civilian missions, and the launch pads are getting more crowded. In addition to NASA exploration, the White House recently set an ambitious goal of enabling more than 1,000 U.S. space launches per year by 2030, commercial launches are expanding, and the Space Force has announced U.S. space weapons initiatives.��

While successful launches present great opportunities for scientists, researchers and critical government missions, the accelerating pace of launches also presents challenges. Congested launch dates are testing the government’s resources in terms of the limited facilities, personnel and funding available to support these missions.

While Congress and the White House explore policy and program changes, agencies like NASA and the Space Force have made progress in developing new approaches to addressing those challenges. However, there are specific opportunities to sustain successful space operations while ramping up the country’s ability to accommodate the growing demand for space launches.

• Expand the number of launch sites. Most of the country’s launch activity to date has taken place at Cape Canaveral, which houses the Kennedy Space Center, testing the limits of the infrastructure there. The government should continue to consider expanding the number of launches from other locations, including Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, Wallops Island in Virginia and the Kodiak Spaceport Complex in Alaska. Besides the obvious benefit of providing accommodations for a greater number of launches, more sites also would alleviate issues that arise from the current “first come, first served” approach to scheduling launches that can result in delays for those who aren’t able to reserve their spots early.
• Determine U.S. space launch prioritization guidelines. The government could consider creating a U.S. launch priority framework. This would include current criteria such as advancing payloads related to national security as well guidance for prioritizing launch schedules for other missions, i.e. those that have immediate benefit to the Nation, such as GPS communications satellites, vs. less urgent research programs.
• Build up existing infrastructure at Canaveral, with help from the private sector. Increasing the number of launch sites won’t be sufficient on its own unless we also ensure that all sites, including existing ones, have sufficient infrastructure in place to support the explosive growth we expect. Infrastructure at Cape Canaveral has been taxed to the point that NASA sometimes prohibits companies like SpaceX from launching due to conflicts with other range customers or other limiting factors such as shortages of propellants or ground support. The government should consider upgrading infrastructure related to commodities to handle the expected volume of future payloads. The private sector is helping by building facilities, both onsite at Canaveral and offsite, to help boost the infrastructure needed to process payloads and hardware. For example, Blue Origin now provides its own power lines coming into Canaveral. Fortunately, the government has recognized this challenge and is already making progress in addressing it. In a prominent example, the Space Force’s “Range of the Future” initiative was established in 2022 to increase launch capabilities by enhancing infrastructure and streamlining processes. The program is moving support contractors from the middle section of Cape Canaveral to the south end to eliminate costly and time-consuming evacuations of personnel in the area when launches take place – an issue which will be exacerbated as more powerful rockets like the SpaceX Starliner are deployed. (This issue can also be addressed by expanding the number of launch sites, as suggested above.)
• Use the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System program as a model. Spaceports could operate under similar cost sharing models as airports, where airlines lease space and are billed for commodities such as oil, fuel and water. Such a pricing model would forecast what it will cost to maintain capabilities and spread that cost among the various “tenants” at the spaceport. This approach could ensure that resources are available to support the explosive growth in the number of launches.

This approach would also help the U.S. maintain its leadership in the world of commercial space missions and as a future leader in space tourism. And by integrating space missions into traditional airports, space programs will be able to leverage the established success we’ve achieved in air travel in terms of security and customer experience.

The systems and technology used to ensure safe and secure air travel can serve as models for what we do in space. Again, we have examples of government agencies doing just that. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) may be viewed as an air traffic control system in space providing situational awareness for private sector and civil space operatives. TraCSS delivers the added benefit of relieving the Defense Department’s overburdened Joint Space Operations Center which currently provides these services, while allowing non-Defense space operations to transition to a more commercial approach for traffic coordination.

This is a momentous time for space missions, from both scientific and commercial perspectives. Through a combination of redirected resources, updated processes and collaboration with the private sector, the U.S. government can ensure that our nation remains at the forefront. By doing so, we can continue to push the boundaries of science while making our country safer and more productive.

Learn more about our Space capabilities!

The post Four Ways to Accommodate Massive Growth in Space Launches appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

Under this $494 million, five-year contract, the company will further DCSA’s evolving mission under Trusted Workforce 2.0, helping the agency modernize and transform its personnel vetting and security clearance process. The company will provide DCSA with application ingestion, case maintenance, item level processing and post-closing support. This includes aiding the transition and modernization of future systems implementation, supported by cost-efficient business models with the capacity to adapt to iterative policy and process changes — such as those outlined in Trusted Workforce 2.0 and anticipated in the future IT system.

This contract builds upon the company’s previous CPOC work, where it was responsible for providing DCSA with program management, case processing and facility monitoring.

“We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with DCSA,” said Mike Manzo, president and CEO of �鶹��Ƶ Federal. “Our ability to deliver high-quality, timely and compliant investigative services helps DCSA safeguard the integrity and trustworthiness of the federal workforce — one of the most essential responsibilities in national security.”

For more information, please contact PR@asrcfederal.com.

The post �鶹��Ƶ Federal Selected for DCSA Case Processing Operation Center 2.0 Support Services Contract appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

�鶹��Ƶ Federal’s fifth annual Tech Summit brought together technologists, innovators and company leaders to navigate customer challenges, sharpen technical skills and strengthen community. The summit included a , sessions on artificial intelligence, digital engineering, cybersecurity and the latest emerging technologies combined with opportunities to connect and engage with other technical experts from different programs and disciplines.

Attendees had a front-row seat to trends reshaping the federal technology landscape. In addition to technical deep dives on the organization’s key capabilities and skill-building workshops, they also experienced hands-on challenges that pushed teams to collaborate and think creatively – activities aimed at helping them stay agile in a fast-moving field.

The event brought together a broad cross-section of �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s workforce, including Technical Fellows and interns from the Summer Technology Readiness Intern Development Experience (STRIDE) program. “Bringing together our technology experts under one roof created an opportunity for a richer exchange of ideas, learning and collaboration,” said Eric Velte, �鶹��Ƶ Federal Chief Technology Officer. “The energy and curiosity on display were remarkable, and I’m excited to see the momentum from the summit drive real impact for our customers.”

Here’s what attendees had to say about this year’s Tech Summit:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to meet with both my teams from the Civilian & Health and Defense & Intelligence divisions. Loved engaging in insightful discussions, sharing ideas and exploring new avenues for innovation together. Looking forward to bringing these learnings and fresh perspectives back to our ongoing work for our customers’ mission-critical initiatives!” – Debika Das, program manager, Civilian & Health Operating Group

“�鶹��Ƶ Federal’s Tech Summit is the only conference I can attend that touches on the topics of heritage and legacy in Alaska communities that were so important to my early career, while also reflecting interests such as mapping and geospatial technologies that I’ve pursued through professional organizations. I can jump between sessions on risk and governance, AI, software development, cybersecurity and systems engineering. I appreciate this opportunity to internally publish, present and discuss diverse topics, while meeting great people from across the country. Inspiration comes in many different forms, and it’s events like this that are highly meaningful to me.” – Matt Altman, �鶹��Ƶ Federal Tech Fellow

Want to join a team that invests in your growth and puts your skills to work on meaningful missions? Explore our open tech positions on the �鶹��Ƶ Federal Careers page.

Looking for an internship program where you can apply your technological interests and knowledge to exciting real-world missions? Visit our STRIDE page for more information.

The post Building Skills, Solutions and Community at �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s 2026 Tech Summit appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

Mehall has worked for �鶹��Ƶ Federal for 10 years, having previously served in a dual role as senior vice president and general manager of the combined Professional Support Services and Broadleaf Divisions and Defense & Intelligence Operations lead. In that position, she oversaw professional support services and cyber expertise to key Department of War (DOW) customers, including Army, Navy, and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), where she helped drive double digit growth year-over-year.

During her more than 25 years of federal contracting experience supporting DOW and civilian agencies, Mehall has served in a variety of positions, including senior vice president Operations at CACI and vice president of Operations at Chenega Corporation.

“Jen is a proven leader with a keen understanding of our defense and intelligence customers’ mission needs,” said Mike Manzo, president and CEO of �鶹��Ƶ Federal. “In her time at �鶹��Ƶ Federal, she has delivered mission-critical solutions to further our national security posture.”

For more information, please contact PR@asrcfederal.com.

The post �鶹��Ƶ Federal Elevates Jen Mehall to Defense & Intelligence Operating Group President appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

According to a , the nationwide maternal and infant health crisis is not improving – and in many U.S. communities, it’s getting worse.

For the fifth consecutive year, �鶹��Ƶ Federal participated in March for Babies, a campaign dedicated to ensuring every family has the opportunity for a healthy start. More than 400 �鶹��Ƶ Federal employees, friends and family members joined March for Babies walks organized in New Jersey, Washington, DC, Alabama, Ohio, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. .

Pregnancy challenges and preterm births can impact any family. However, these issues place a heavy burden on people of color and those of Alaska Native and Native American descent. As a subsidiary of an Alaska Native corporation serving over 14,000 Iñupiaq shareholders from the North Slope of Alaska, the mission of the March of Dimes is one that matters to �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

Did You Know
The highlights the following maternal and infant health stats.

• The U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for families of color.
• The preterm birth rate was 10.4% for the third year in a row.
• Half of all U.S. states received a preterm birth grade of D or F.
• Preterm birth rates were highest for Black infants (14.7%), followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives (12.5%), Hispanics (10.1%), Whites (9.5%) and Asian/Pacific Islanders (9.3%).
• The maternal mortality rate – death from complications of pregnancy or childbirth that occur during pregnancy or within six weeks after the pregnancy ends – was 18.6%.

Supporting the March of Dimes is a core part of how the company gives back, while also demonstrating their values and deepening employees’ ties to the communities where they live and work. Learn more about �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s corporate responsibility programs.

The post �鶹��Ƶ Federal Steps Out for a Cause that Matters appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

This summer, �鶹��Ƶ Federal welcomed 22 enthusiastic interns into STRIDE—a program designed to launch early-career professionals into the fields of technology and information systems. Among the diverse cohort were �鶹��Ƶ shareholders Jacob Ahmaogak, an IT major from the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, and Ashley Horner, a rural development major, both contributing their skills to our IT and talent acquisition teams respectively.

The STRIDE experience began in June with a three-day onboarding in Reston, Vir., giving interns an immersive introduction to �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s mission, technical expertise, values and culture. This kickoff fostered valuable connections with company leaders and among the interns themselves, setting the stage for a collaborative summer.

The program wrapped up in early August at our annual Tech Summit. Interns participated in technical sessions, shared their experiences and took part in a STRIDE panel to reflect on their journey and discuss their future aspirations.

Jordan Lin, a recent graduate from the University of Maryland with a degree in information science, described her internship as deeply rewarding.

“I was able to use the skills I learned in school and apply them to real situations to help our customers,” she shared.

Jordon interned on the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE) contract in Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Tom Then, a Towson University computer science graduate, contributed to the Bouncy Beluga contract. He appreciated the opportunity to learn about government contracting and valued the support from his manager and mentor.

“They offered me great guidance throughout my internship,” Tom said.

Mentorship was a core element of STRIDE, with every intern paired with a mentor for regular meetings. These sessions helped interns explore their career goals, receive guidance and gain insights into the industry.

We’re proud to announce that Jordan Lin and three other interns have accepted full-time positions with �鶹��Ƶ Federal, continuing their professional journey with us.

These newest team members include:

• Maha Larhmari, a George Mason University graduate in information management systems, joining the Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service contract.
• Alex Gallardo, who graduated from University of Colorado in cybersecurity management, joining the Wing Information and Communications Support II (WICS II) contract.
• Chloe Greenbaum, an aerospace engineering graduate from University of Central Florida, joining the Orion contract.

In addition, 11 STRIDE interns will continue working part-time with �鶹��Ƶ Federal as they finish their degrees.

Congratulations to the exceptional 2026 STRIDE class! Their dedication, curiosity and teamwork have made this summer unforgettable—and we look forward to seeing continued success from this year’s cohort.

Learn more about �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s STRIDE program.

The post STRIDE 2026: Celebrating a Summer of Growth and Opportunity appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

This $1.5 billion, 10-year contract (5-year base plus two option periods) delivers a comprehensive supply chain management program to support depot maintenance requirements across three major Air Logistics Complexes located at Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma), Hill Air Force Base (Utah), and Robins Air Force Base (Georgia), as well as multiple geographically separated units.

“Our team is honored to partner with DLA to support this vital readiness mission,” said Jennifer Felix, president and CEO of �鶹��Ƶ Federal. “With decades of IPV experience, a strong supplier network, and onsite presence at Air Logistics Complexes, we are prepared to provide reliable aircraft maintenance support for the U.S. Air Force.”

Delivering Mission-Critical Supply Chain Support

Through this program, the company will:

• manage more than 36,000 national stock numbers,
• ensure timely delivery into 150,000 bins across more than a hundred buildings,
• build and deliver more than 1,450 unique kit configurations,
• perform full-spectrum demand planning, sourcing, procurement, and inventory management to maintain strict first-pass acceptance (FPA) standards.

Operations will leverage �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s Integrated Logistics Toolkit — a mature, proven management information system equipped with supply chain automation capabilities and a customer portal used across multiple long-standing DLA IPV programs.

Decades of Experience Supporting DLA and Military Readiness

�鶹��Ƶ Federal brings more than 25 years of experience supporting DLA’s IPV programs and currently serves as the provider for the Navy IPV program, as well as IPV programs supporting both Anniston and Red River Army Depot. The company’s long-standing partnership with DLA Weapons Support – Richmond spans nearly two decades through programs including ChemPOL and Navy IPV. For ChemPOL, �鶹��Ƶ Federal fulfills the global demand for Department of War for chemical and packaged petroleum, oils and lubricant commodities servicing more than 5,000 global U.S. installations and allied partners. Through the Navy IPV program, the company lifecycle supply chain and forecasting for three (3) Navy Fleet Readiness Centers and ten (10) remote sites supporting depot maintenance activities for approximately 20 aviation weapon systems and components.

For more information, contact PR@asrcfederal.com.

The post �鶹��Ƶ Federal Awarded Major U.S. Air Force Industrial Product Support Vendor Contract appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

��

Washington Technology | June 29, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security awarded a $640 million contract to four companies, including �鶹��Ƶ Federal. Under this 5-year contract, the awardees will provide highly specialized technical support across cloud services, enterprise application development and delivery, and platform management. The scope includes requirements management, system integration, performance and compliance monitoring, and operations and maintenance, along with architecture, governance, user experience, and financial operations support.

SIGNAL Magazine | June 17, 2026

The Defense Logistics Agency awarded �鶹��Ƶ Federal a contract worth up to $150 million for facilities maintenance, repair and operations supplies.

GovCon Wire | June 9, 2026

The Air Force awarded 19 spots on its potential 10-year, $4 billion IDIQ contract for Air Education and Training Command base operations support services. �鶹��Ƶ Federal received three of the spots awarded.

WashingtonExec | June 7, 2026

WashingtonExec profiled Mike Manzo, President of �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s Defense and Intelligence Operating Group to learn more about what his team will focus on in the year ahead, including aligning the company’s programs and capabilities with the Golden Dome mission.��

OrangeSlices.ai | June 4, 2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded �鶹��Ƶ Federal a 3-year IDIQ contract to provide systems engineering services in support of NOAA’s National Weather Service Radar Next program.

ExecutiveBiz | May 26, 2026

�鶹��Ƶ Federal has achieved level 2 certification under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification framework, which the Department of War established to ensure that defense industrial base contractors are capable of protecting sensitive government data, such as federal contract information and controlled unclassified information, from various cyber threats.

SIGNAL Magazine | May 1, 2026

Eric Velte, �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s Chief Technology Officer spoke with SIGNAL Magazine about the impact that the maritime industry, including the U.S. Navy can play in America’s Golden Dome missile defense initiative.

OrangeSlices.ai | April 29, 2026

The DEA awarded �鶹��Ƶ Federal a single blanket purchase agreement to continue providing software development, modernization, and operations/maintenance for applications that support DEA law enforcement programs.

OrangeSlices.ai | April 29, 2026

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded �鶹��Ƶ Federal a two-year task win to provide records management services for the Information Services Branch (ISB) of the Superfund and Emergency Management Division (SEMD) Records Center in EPA Region 10

citybiz | April 28, 2026

�鶹��Ƶ Federal appointed former NASA astronaut, Scott Altman, as executive vice president of strategic engagement, a new enterprise leadership role focused on government relationships, partnerships and mission alignment. Scott previously led the company’s Space Operating Group for the past. To succeed him, �鶹��Ƶ Federal named Mike Mazzella as the company’s new president of the Space Operating Group.

Aviation Week | April 16, 2026

Eric Velte, �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s Chief Technology Officer met with Aviation Week TV during Space Symposium to discuss the company’s rich history in supporting the US government’s space-based missions and initiatives, its role with the Artemis mission, and the much talked about Golden Dome.

NASA.com | April 15, 2026

NASA profiled Rebekah Tolatovicz, a mechanical technician lead at �鶹��Ƶ Federal, to learn more about her experience supporting the Orion spacecraft’s main contractor Lockheed Martin.

KISS-FM | April 13, 2026

KISS-FM profiled Ivan Palacios, senior spacecraft electrician at �鶹��Ƶ Federal and local El Pasoan to learn more about his journey to supporting the historic Artemis mission.

WashingtonExec | April 12, 2026

Clay Morad, vice president of NASA and NOAA operations at �鶹��Ƶ Federal joined Washington Exec for a Q&A, where he discusses how mentorship shaped his path, why turning sensor data into usable intelligence is the defining challenge for his customers right now and what it means to build a career inside a company where your success and your community’s success are the same thing.

Military Embedded Systems | April 9, 2026

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command awarded Kratos Defense & Security Solutions a $446.8M Other Transaction Agreement to support Ground Management and Integration effort for the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking program. Under the agreement, Kratos will serve as prime contractor, acting as a system integrator and leading a team that includes Northrop Grumman, Auria, �鶹��Ƶ Federal Systems Solutions, and Rise8.

Homeland Security Today | April 8, 2026

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded �鶹��Ƶ Federal a potential five-year, $437.2 million contract to continue its engineering and professional services work at a key FAA office that houses training for air traffic controllers.

The post �鶹��Ƶ Federal In The News – Q2 2026 appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

New EVP of Strategic Engagement������

Scott “Scooter” Altman has led �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s Space Operating Group as president for the past 6 years, with nearly 16 years at �鶹��Ƶ Federal. The newly created role of EVP of Strategic Engagement aims to improve enterprise-level stakeholder engagement by fostering stronger government and customer connections, building strategic partnerships, and aligning the workforce more closely with the company’s mission, including shareholder programs.����

“Scott has been��shaping���鶹��Ƶ Federal’s��aerospace solutions��for��more than��a decade��with��customers such as��NASA, NOAA and the U.S. Space Force,”��said Jennifer Felix, president and CEO of �鶹��Ƶ Federal. “His��reputation,��strategic insights and��credibility have helped��to secure��numerous��key partnerships with our��government and��strategic prime��partners, and we are seeking to optimize his��impact��across the enterprise with this new position.”��

Altman was a key part in winning and growing engineering contract work for �鶹��Ƶ Federal at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, FAA National Airspace System Engineering in Oklahoma City, and NASA Orion work in support of the Artemis missions. Prior to his work with �鶹��Ƶ Federal, Altman was a NASA astronaut and shuttle commander, as well as a Navy aviator, retiring as a Captain. For his tremendous work in support of NASA’s mission, he was inducted in the Astronaut Hall of Fame and most recently was awarded the distinguished George C. Marshall Award in Ethical Leadership.������

Mike��Mazzella��to Lead��Space Operating Group��

Mike Mazzella spent over 30 years leading space and other civilian businesses at SAIC and has most recently been serving as Chief Operating Officer for the Space Operating Group for the past 18 months. During his time at SAIC, he led some of the fastest growing operating units. He steps into this role with deep knowledge of and respect for �鶹��Ƶ Federal’s history including its operations, culture and space team customers.����

Mazzella��holds an MS in engineering management from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in computer science from the State University of New York��at Oswego.��

“Mike��Mazzella��is an extremely��capable and experienced business leader��who��will focus our team’s growth and continued excellence in��program��operations in his new role as president of the Space Operating Group,” Felix added.����

For more information, please contact��PR@asrcfederal.com.��

About �鶹��Ƶ Federal����

The �鶹��Ƶ Federal family of companies delivers solutions and services to more than 30 U.S. government agencies. We support our Nation’s most critical missions – from space exploration to cyber defense to military base operations and public health. Our capabilities include IT modernization, software applications and analytics, engineering solutions, critical infrastructure and base operations, supply chain management and��logistics��and professional services.��As a family of Alaska Native-owned companies, our work��helps secure an enduring future for more than 14,000 Iñupiaq shareholders from Alaska’s North Slope. Over time, �鶹��Ƶ Federal has contributed to $2 billion in shareholder dividends through its parent company,��.

The post Scott Altman Charts New Role as EVP of Strategic Engagement at �鶹��Ƶ Federal, Mike Mazzella Elevated to Space Operating Group President appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.

�鶹��Ƶ Federal Advanced Research (AFAR), a subsidiary of �鶹��Ƶ Federal, has secured a competitive award to continue providing critical engineering support and technical expertise to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Second Level Engineering Services (SLES) program will maintain navigation, power, communications, surveillance, automation, weather systems and infrastructure for the National Airspace System (NAS) under a potential five-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The �鶹��Ƶ Federal team will deliver 24/7/365 field support, configuration management, systems integration, acquisition support, and program management services ensuring reliability, safety, and operational continuity across the NAS.

“We are honored to be selected once again to support the critical work of maintaining and enhancing the world’s most sophisticated air travel system,” said Jennifer Felix, president and CEO of �鶹��Ƶ Federal. “Our selection demonstrates the crucial experience, expertise and unwavering commitment brought by our talented employees to the FAA mission of safe and efficient aviation service for the flying public.”

The $437 million SLES program plays a critical role in supporting ongoing NAS modernization efforts. Through this work, �鶹��Ƶ Federal will help strengthen the resilience, scalability, and performance of air traffic control systems that serve millions of passengers and stakeholders each year.

�鶹��Ƶ Federal has supported the FAA since 2007, bringing deep institutional knowledge and engineering and technical support to a broad range of FAA systems that consist of more than 74,000 individual pieces of equipment across the NAS.

For more information, contact PR@asrcfederal.com.

The post �鶹��Ƶ Federal Selected for FAA Second Level Engineering Services Contract appeared first on �鶹��Ƶ Federal.