Why It Matters

SplashOne Robotics Inc. is making its first federal lobbying investment to influence defense spending and policy as Congress actively mobilizes around unmanned systems, counter-drone technology, and domestic manufacturing.

The company will likely affect appropriations language for small unmanned aircraft systems procurement, NDAA provisions directing defense spending toward robotics, supply chain incentives, and counter-UAS capability funding.

By hiring a specialized firm with a lobbyist who has House Appropriations Committee experience, SplashOne signals serious intent to compete for federal contracts and influence policy.

By the Numbers

SplashOne registered for federal lobbying on October 21, 2025, with no prior lobbying history. Cognitae represents the company through a single registered lobbyist, Michael W. MacKay, whose client portfolio includes defense-focused firms like CenCore Group LLC ($90,000) and Modern Intel ($48,000). MacKay served as an Assistant to Rep. Ken Calvert on the House Appropriations Committee from April to June 2023 and previously worked as National Security Adviser to Rep. Calvert and Sen. Joni Ernst.

The Agenda

SplashOne is focusing narrowly on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and defense appropriations. The company appears to develop robotic and unmanned systems for military applications, positioning itself to engage with the FY2026 NDAA and related bills that authorize advanced manufacturing, autonomous platforms, and intelligence capabilities.

Broader Context

Congress is mobilizing aggressively around unmanned systems as a national security priority. The Army has directed every squad to be equipped with drones by the end of 2026 and plans domestic production of 10,000+ small drones monthly. Lessons from Ukraine’s drone-intensive warfare have fundamentally reshaped military doctrine, with drones accounting for roughly 70% of Russian casualties.

Congress is responding with bipartisan action through the Drones for America Act (S. 2168), which proposes escalating tariffs on Chinese drones, and the SkyFoundry Program Amendment (S. Amdt. 3098), targeting funding for small unmanned aircraft development. The Pentagon faces an acquisition crisis where major weapons systems take 10-15 years from contract to deployment, prompting Congress to demand accelerated approval pathways.

Competitive Landscape

SplashOne enters a crowded advocacy space. Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the sector’s leading trade association, lobbies broadly on counter-UAS policy and supply chain issues. Skydio Inc., a direct peer, actively lobbies on DoD small UAS acquisition and homeland security applications. Cognitae already represents several defense technology clients pursuing similar goals, including CenCore Group and Modern Intel.

The Bottom Line

SplashOne’s strategic entry into federal lobbying coincides with unprecedented congressional momentum on unmanned systems. With MacKay’s Appropriations Committee experience and Congress prioritizing domestic drone manufacturing through multiple bills, SplashOne is positioned to influence NDAA language and appropriations allocations before fiscal year 2026 spending becomes locked in.

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