FBI pulls the trigger to acquire ultra-long-range business jet

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is moving forward with plans to “lease purchase” an ultra-long-range business jet to support rapid global transportation of Department of Justice (DOJ) personnel.

The agency first announced an interest in purchasing or leasing a jet in April. On Friday, the FBI released a contract solicitation to move forward with that plan.

The jet will be used to facilitate the rapid, worldwide transport of DOJ personnel for high-stakes missions, including counterterrorism efforts, high-risk operations, and other sensitive assignments. The aircraft will also support executive transportation requirements for the FBI Director and the U.S. Attorney General.

The contract documents specify the lease purchase of one ultra-long-range business jet. The selected contractor will bear full responsibility for the aircraft's delivery and meticulous configuration. This includes ensuring absolute compliance with stringent operational, safety, and certification requirements mandated by the solicitation. These requirements typically encompass secure communication suites, advanced navigation systems, and potentially specialized compartmentalization for sensitive equipment or personnel.

The urgency of this acquisition is evident in the specified timeline: the aircraft must be available for government acceptance no later than June 24, 2026. This relatively short timeframe for such a complex asset suggests the FBI is prioritizing the swift integration of this capability into its operational framework.

From a business perspective, this contract represents a highly sought-after deal within the specialized government aviation market. Manufacturers of top-tier business jets, such as Gulfstream or Bombardier, known for their long-range capabilities, will likely be key contenders. Beyond the initial acquisition, the contract could entail ongoing maintenance and support services, securing a long-term revenue stream for the successful bidder.

According to contract documents, the aircraft will be delivered to the FBI’s Manassas Aviation Operations Hangar at Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia.

NAVAIR orders additional E-2D Hawkeye planes from Northrop Grumman

The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has signaled its intent to award a significant sole-source, fixed-price contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. (NGSC) for the procurement of four E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The move underscores the highly specialized nature of defense procurement and highlights Northrop Grumman’s unique position as the sole developer and manufacturer of this critical airborne early warning platform.

Northrop Grumman is poised to deliver not only the four advanced aircraft but also provide an extensive range of associated support services from its facility in Melbourne, Fla. The company will provide comprehensive program management, systems engineering, non-recurring engineering, production engineering support, production management, quality assurance, integrated logistics support, and various configuration and software support activities. The contract will also cover the provision of technical, administrative, and financial data crucial for the ongoing lifecycle support of these sophisticated assets.

NGSC is the exclusive designer, developer, and manufacturer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye weapon system. Northrop Grumman is the "only source with the requisite knowledge, experience, and technical data required to successfully manufacture the aircraft without causing unacceptable delays in meeting the Navy’s operational requirements,” the Navy said in contract documents.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye plays a vital role in providing airborne command and control for the U.S. Navy, offering critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities essential for fleet operations worldwide.

Betr Sportsbook to cease mobile sports betting operations in Virginia

Virginia sports betting enthusiasts using Betr Sportsbook will need to find a new platform for their mobile wagers. The company has announced its decision to discontinue mobile sports betting operations in Virginia, effective July 1.

The company stated the difficult decision was made after carefully considering the current market and prospects for Betr's specific business model within the commonwealth.

"We want to thank you for being a loyal customer of Betr,” the company said in an email to customers. “Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to shut down mobile sports betting operations in Virginia.” Sporting events starting on or after July 1 will not be available for betting on Betr.

The company is providing ample time for customers to manage their accounts. The company will release any deposits locked due to sign-up bonus terms and conditions by 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 20, ensuring customers can access their funds.

Account access will remain available until Sept. 30. This extended timeframe allows users to finalize any outstanding bets and withdraw their remaining account balances. Customers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Betr's support team.

Despite the closure of the mobile sportsbook, Betr will maintain its Betr Picks platform for Virginia customers. Betr Picks offers a different type of sports prediction game and will continue to be available within the state. The company’s sportsbook went live in Virginia on Sept. 6, 2023.

This announcement marks a shift in the Virginia sports betting landscape, leaving residents to explore alternative mobile betting options currently available within the commonwealth.

Currently, there are 12 online sportsbooks available in Virginia for betting:

• Bally Bet
• bet365
• BetMGM
• Betr Sportsbook
• BetRivers
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• ESPN BET
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• Hard Rock Bet
• Sporttrade

Gold mining stocks shine as market volatility persists: NAK and BTG in focus

As global markets continue to navigate economic uncertainty, gold remains a sought-after asset, drawing attention to mining companies involved in its extraction. Two companies, Northern Dynasty Minerals (NYSEAMERICAN: NAK) and B2Gold Corp (NYSEAMERICAN: BTG), are attracting significant investor interest, each for distinct reasons.

Northern Dynasty Minerals

Northern Dynasty Minerals, a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, is primarily focused on developing the Pebble Project, a vast copper, gold, and molybdenum deposit located in southwest Alaska. While still in the exploration phase, the Pebble Project holds immense potential, estimated to contain one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold resources. However, the project has faced significant environmental scrutiny and regulatory hurdles, contributing to volatility in NAK's stock price. Investors are closely looking for updates on permitting and potential partnerships that could unlock the project's value.

NAK shares are up 335.71% over the last 52 weeks (June 17, 2024 to Jan. 13, 2025). Shares closed at $1.22 on Friday, down 0.81% for the day. NAK has a 52-week low of $0.27 and a high of $1.36. Currently, the company does not pay dividends.

On the other hand, B2Gold Corp, a Canadian gold producer with operations in Mali, Namibia, and the Philippines, presents a more established profile, but its dividend is on life support.

B2Gold Corp.

BTG boasts a robust production history and a strong balance sheet, making it a potentially attractive option for investors seeking stability within the gold mining sector. Recent quarterly reports have highlighted consistent gold production and cost management, further bolstering investor confidence. The company's focus on responsible mining practices and a clear growth strategy adds to its appeal.

BTG shares are up 48.43% over the last 52 weeks (June 17, 2024 to June 13, 2025). Shares closed at $3.77 on Friday, up 1.62% for the day. BTG has a 52-week low of $2.20 and a high of $3.83.

Dividend History

On May 7, B2Gold's board of directors declared a cash dividend for the second quarter of 2025 of $0.02 per common share, payable on June 24 to shareholders of record as of June 11. At least there still is a dividend, if not much of one.

In January, BTG’s management and board of directors said they had completed a comprehensive review of its existing dividend level and approved a change in its intended quarterly dividend rate from $0.04 per common share to $0.02 per common share.

Since payment of its inaugural dividend in 2020, B2Gold has paid a sector-leading dividend, principally funded through the strong free cash flow generation from its three existing operating mines. In total, B2Gold has paid approximately $870 million in dividends to shareholders since 2020.

The company is scheduled to deliver approximately 265,000 gold ounces from July 2025 to June 2026. The price of gold at 9:20 a.m. EDT on Friday stood at $3,440 per ounce, a jump of $1,107 from a year prior.

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stock mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any stock mentioned in this post.

NASA and NOAA start work on new space weather prediction instrument

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are collaborating on a critical project to improve space weather forecasting capabilities. The agencies are preparing to release a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Space weather Observations at Lagrange 1 (SOL) X-Ray Irradiance Sensor (XRIS) instrument.

The SOL mission is a joint high-priority initiative. Two SOL observatories are planned. One will provide NOAA with continuous solar wind data and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) imagery. The second observatory (SOL-B) will house the XRIS instrument, which will provide crucial X-ray irradiance data.

XRIS Instrument

XRIS will measure the energy output of solar radiation, enabling scientists to detect changes in solar activity, such as solar flares, and better predict solar energetic particle events. Monitoring X-ray flares is critical as they can disrupt the Earth's ionosphere, leading to radio bursts that interfere with satellite communication and navigation systems. Solar flares are also sometimes associated with CMEs, which can trigger geomagnetic storms.

Top Priority

Under the planned procurement, NASA will acquire one flight-ready XRIS instrument and one spare. These instruments will guarantee the continuity and resilience of X-ray irradiance observations, a "high availability product" considered a top priority for space weather monitoring by the National Weather Service. The SOL-B observatory, carrying XRIS, is currently scheduled for launch in October 2032.

Contract Details

The selected contractor will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the instrument, including design, development, fabrication, integration, testing, and calibration. Support for launch activities, on-orbit checkout, ground support equipment, ground processing algorithms, and support for the Mission Operations Center at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility are also included in the contract.

The overall contract period is projected to run from the award date through January 2034, encompassing the operational handover of the instrument to NOAA.

Interested contractors are encouraged to review and comment on the Draft RFP upon its release, which is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. The final RFP is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2025, with contract award anticipated in the second quarter of 2026.

How to fix the US Army's inefficient flight training

The United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) is embarking on a pivotal initiative to modernize its Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Flight Training program, also known as Flight School Next (FSN), based at Fort Novosel, Ala.

The Army is actively soliciting innovative proposals from the commercial sector to revolutionize how future Army aviators are trained. The Army announced how contracting opportunities will be handled in a Special Notice document released Friday.

Army flight training has been located at Fort Novosel for over 50+ years. It operates with “inefficiencies” from years of change and multiple disparate contracts, the Army said in December.

Departing from its traditional approach, the AVCOE is pursuing a Contractor-Owned Contractor-Operated (COCO), commercial, turnkey solution. This ambitious undertaking aims to replace the existing IERW Common Core flight training with a comprehensive, industry-led program. The Army also highlighted the potential replacement of the current training helicopter (Lakota LUH-72) to reduce costs, gain efficiency, and maintain or increase aviation training quality.

The Army is casting a wide net, encouraging industry leaders to present groundbreaking solutions and methodologies encompassing all facets of flight training. This includes:

• Contractor-provided academic instruction: Modernizing the classroom learning experience for aspiring Army pilots.
• Flight instruction: Implementing cutting-edge flight training techniques and methodologies.
• Training Aids and Devices: Utilizing the latest advancements in training technology to enhance learning.
• Simulation (if required): Exploring the potential of advanced simulation to augment real-world flight experience.
• Aircraft: Supplying a fleet of reliable and technologically advanced rotary-wing aircraft.
• Aircraft parts: Ensuring readily available and high-quality components for aircraft maintenance.
• Aircraft maintenance: Providing comprehensive maintenance services to guarantee the operational readiness of the training fleet.

This bold move signifies the Army's commitment to harnessing the expertise and ingenuity of the commercial aviation sector. By embracing a COCO model, the AVCOE seeks to streamline operations, accelerate innovation, and ultimately, provide the best possible training for the next generation of Army aviators. The initiative represents a significant opportunity for industry players to contribute to the future of U.S. Army aviation and shape the training landscape for years to come. The Army is expected to release further details and solicit formal proposals in the coming months.

Acquisition Method

The government anticipates utilizing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to:

1. Reduce the time and complexity of a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based procurement, allowing for quicker selection and deployment of needed technologies.

2. Leverage innovative commercial solutions that might not be readily available through FAR-based contracting approaches.

3. Streamline the acquisition process by eliminating traditionally burdensome FAR requirements and utilizing a phased selection approach with merit-based reviews and outcomes.

Significant Dates

The following upcoming dates are subject to change; however, they have been vetted and are set as significant milestones in the Flight School Next procurement timeline:

1. Registration opens for FSN Site Visit at Fort Novosel 6/02/2025

2. Draft CSO posted / question & answer period opens 7/01/2025

3. Registration closes for FSN site visit at Fort Novosel 7/14/2025

4. FSN site visit at Fort Novosel 7/30/2025 -8/01/2025

5. Final CSO posted 9/08/2025

6. Question & answer period closes 10/01/2025

7. Final question & answer responses posted 10/15/2025

8. Phase 1 CSO solutions due 10/31/2025

The above proposed acquisition action release dates are estimates. The proposed dates are targets and are subject to change.

In April, Army Brig. Gen. Kenneth Cole, deputy commanding general of the AVCOE, said, “Flight School Next is an opportunity for our aviators to get more time at the controls, understanding the basics of flying the helicopter, especially during their core foundational aviation experience, and at cost savings. This foundational training is the building block our aviators need before they step into their graduate-level aircraft of either the AH-64, UH-60 or CH-47.”

US Marshals Service seeks contractor for maintenance on prisoner transport aircraft

The United States Marshals Service (USMS), responsible for apprehending fugitives, protecting federal judges, and operating the Justice Prisoner Air Transportation System (JPATS), has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for “heavy maintenance” on one of its Boeing 737-400 aircraft. The contract will cover a comprehensive range of service checks designed to ensure the continued airworthiness and operational readiness of the aircraft used in transporting federal prisoners across the country.

The JPATS, often referred to as "Con Air," plays a critical role in the U.S. justice system by safely and efficiently moving prisoners between detention facilities, courthouses, and other locations. This network relies on a fleet of aircraft, primarily Boeing 737s, specifically configured for this purpose.

The aircraft in question is a Boeing 737-4Q8 series, bearing Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 26279, and Registration Number N279AD. As of the RFP's release, the aircraft has accumulated approximately 64,148.5 hours of total time in service and 33,189 total cycles (take-offs and landings).

Scope Of Work

• Structural Inspections: Detailed examinations of the aircraft's fuselage, wings, and tail for signs of corrosion, fatigue, or other damage.
• Engine Maintenance: Inspections and potential repairs or overhauls of the aircraft's engines to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
• Avionics Systems Checks: Testing and calibration of the aircraft's navigation, communication, and flight control systems.
• Landing Gear Overhaul: Inspection, repair, and replacement of components in the landing gear system.
• Cabin Refurbishment: Potential upgrades or repairs to the aircraft's interior, including seating, lighting, and other passenger amenities.

JPATS will deliver the aircraft to the contractor’s facility on Feb. 9, 2026. The aircraft will return to service on March 23, 2026.

Contractors have until July 7 to submit a quote/offer to the Marshals Service to perform the work. The final date to submit questions is June23.