| San Diego Business Journal

GA Designs Novel Rocket

TECH: Sends NASA Propulsion Concept

Nuclear-powered spacecraft may be moving from science fiction to reality, with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems helping with the engineering details.

Kratos to Help Build ICBM Replacement

Northrop Grumman Plans Some Local Work on Missile

Northrop Grumman Corp.’s new contract to build a replacement for the Minuteman III nuclear-tipped missile system includes work for San Diego-based Kratos Defense.

General Dynamics NASSCO Gets $35.6M Deal to Expand Berthing on Sea Bases

RQ Construction to Build Child Development Center at Miramar Base

The following are selected defense contracts awarded to San Diego County companies in July, August and September. The U.S. Navy awarded General Dynamics NASSCO a $35.6 million modification to a previously awarded contract.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Remaining Stake in Akcea

BIOTECH: Boston Co. Was Spun Out of Ionis, Had IPO in 2017

Ionis Pharmaceuticals plans to acquire the remaining stake in Akcea Therapeutics that it does not already own for approximately $500 million cash.

Contractor Rules in Flux

EMPLOYMENT: State Voters Mull Drivers’ Fate

The rules governing whether and how California businesses may use independent contractors changed Sept. 4 when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation clarifying contractors’ roles. The evolving rules may change again.

Citadel Defense Gets $12.2M Contract for Anti-Drone Tech

Specific Defense Department Customer Was Not Disclosed

Omnitracs to Buy Vehicle Tech Provider SmartDrive for $450M

TECHNOLOGY: Two Companies’ Systems Complement Each Other

SmartDrive Systems, which offers video safety and telematics technology to operators of big-rig trucks and transit vehicles, has agreed to be bought by Dallas-based Omnitracs LLC.