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A Galaxy (Not) FAR Away? NASA Awards New Contracts in Space Privatization Program

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 08.17.12

On August 3, NASA announced the award of three new Space Act Agreements to provide funding for the public-private development of spacecraft to launch crew and cargo into low-earth orbit, pursuant to NASA's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative. The agreements, which are not subject to FAR, are intended to develop "reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low Earth orbit" and ultimately allow NASA, and other government and commercial customers, to purchase spaceflight services from a private space industry.

Insights

Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.11.25

Director Squires Revamps the Workings of the U.S. Patent Office

In March 2025, President Trump nominated John A. Squires for the positions of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 20-2, Squires was confirmed by the Senate on September 17, 2025, by a vote of 51-47 after anti-filibuster measures were invoked. During and after the confirmation process, Squires emphasized several goals for the USPTO during his time as Director. Such goals included:...