Strategic Launch Plan for 2026 - SB

Strategic Launch Plan for 2026: Navigating Growth in Space, A&D and Government Contracting

Presenter:

Rich Weber, CPA, Principal, Baker Tilly

The aerospace and defense industry enters 2026 amid continued uncertainty driven by shifting federal procurement priorities, a volatile budget environment, contract delays and terminations, and heightened oversight. Space and A&D companies are balancing near-term execution risk with long-term growth opportunities, all while navigating supply chain pressures and evolving compliance expectations.

At the same time, recent tax legislation has brought welcome stability to several key business provisions—offering improved predictability for planning, capital deployment, and reinvestment after years of legislative change.

In this session, Rich Weber will provide a strategic overview of the federal contracting and tax landscape in 2026, highlighting practical implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for aerospace and defense suppliers. Building on prior industry discussions, this presentation incorporates an updated 2026 lens informed by recent procurement trends, enforcement signals, and real-world A&D and space-sector experiences.

The discussion will focus on sustaining financial health through growth cycles, managing capital and cash flow during ramp-ups and contract disruptions, and strengthening resilience amid supply chain and policy challenges.

Key Topics to Be Covered

• The 2026 Federal Procurement Landscape — volatility, terminations, and heightened enforcement and audit readiness
• OBBBA and Tax Stability — key provisions for A&D companies, including R&D expensing, bonus depreciation, and financing relief
• Cash Flow and Capital Management during ramp-ups and contract delays
• Supply Chain Pressure Points — tariffs, cost escalation, and sourcing strategies
• Resilience in Federal Contracts — diversification, liquidity, and compliance readiness
• Strategic Takeaways — sustaining growth and profitability amid change

Presenter

Rich Weber is a Principal at Baker Tilly and a leader in the firm’s Aerospace & Defense and Government Contracting practices. With more than two decades of experience in public accounting and private industry, he advises A&D companies on federal acquisition compliance, cost accounting standards, and strategic tax planning.

Rich helps clients align financial strategy with growth objectives, focusing on contract optimization, indirect rate management, and sustainable capital planning. His background spans FAR and CAS compliance, DCAA audit support, and complex tax matters impacting federal contractors. He regularly speaks at industry events on resilience, growth, and financial discipline as companies prepare for the next phase of federal contracting in 2026 and beyond.

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