Why It Matters

Grid Raster Inc. is significantly escalating its defense lobbying strategy at a critical moment for military technology adoption. The company shifted from a modest $16,000 engagement with Strategic Capitol Group LLC to a three-person team at Vogel Group LLC, signaling serious commitment to shaping defense spending priorities.

This expansion matters because Congress is actively prioritizing extended reality and AI integration into military operations. Key legislation including the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act, the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act, and the Defense Technology Hubs Act create opportunities for companies developing cloud-based spatial intelligence platforms.

Grid Raster’s lobbying team brings substantial insider expertise. Stephen A. Borg served 11 years in the House, including as Chief of Staff to Rep. Tim Johnson (R-IL-15). This team can directly influence how Congress allocates billions in defense modernization funding for XR and AI capabilities.

By the Numbers

Grid Raster initiated federal lobbying in April 2025, initially engaging Strategic Capitol Group through July for $16,000 focused on defense appropriations and the FY26 NDAA.

In February 2025, Grid Raster expanded its operation by retaining Vogel Group LLC, tripling internal lobbying capacity. The team comprises three registered lobbyists: Robert Emmett Cunningham III, Nikhil Dhingra, and Stephen A. Borg.

Cunningham has represented defense technology clients including Empirical Systems Aerospace Inc. on appropriations matters. Dhingra has lobbied technology vendors on defense AI applications, including Tagup Inc..

Competitors are investing heavily: Mass Virtual Inc. maintains $30,000 quarterly spending on spatial reality advocacy, while Red Six Aerospace Inc. spends $10,000-$20,000 quarterly on augmented reality military applications.

The Agenda

Grid Raster is lobbying on defense and budget matters focused on spatial intelligence, AI, and extended reality for military applications. The company targets the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act and defense appropriations bills—the primary vehicles for defense funding and policy.

The shift to Vogel Group represents significant escalation, adding three experienced lobbyists. Congress is considering relevant legislation, including the United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act and Defense Technology Hubs Act, which prioritize geospatial intelligence and AI capabilities aligned with Grid Raster’s platform.

Broader Context

Congress is moving aggressively to modernize military technology amid competition with China. The extended reality market for defense applications is projected to reach $4.34 billion by 2030. The Pentagon has transformed acquisition processes to prioritize "speed to capability" and commercial technology solutions.

Defense spending on AI and autonomy reached $13.4 billion in FY2026, the largest single-year investment. The Pentagon is expanding cloud competition beyond dominant providers through initiatives like JWCC Next, creating market entry opportunities.

Congressional champions including Rep. Pat Fallon and the bipartisan House Defense Modernization Caucus have secured technology modernization wins in the FY26 NDAA.

Between The Lines

Recent hearings before the House Armed Services Committee have examined DoD IT modernization, acquisition reform, and AI integration—all central to Grid Raster’s platform. Members like Rep. Fallon, Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Pat Ryan (D-NY), and Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) have championed technology integration.

The FY26 NDAA reflects broad bipartisan support for accelerating capability fielding and leveraging commercial tech solutions. A Resolution Affirming U.S. AI Dominance demonstrates consensus that American AI leadership is essential for national security.

Competitive Landscape

Grid Raster enters a crowded lobbying space where other technology firms compete for defense XR dollars.

Mass Virtual Inc. lobbies for "extended spatial reality technologies" with consistent $30,000 quarterly spending targeting the FY26 NDAA and Defense Appropriations bills.

Moth+Flame Inc. advocates for military training technology, reporting $30,000 in third quarter 2025 spending on similar legislation.

Grid Raster’s sophisticated lobbying operation—including Borg’s 11+ years of House experience—suggests the company is banking on insider expertise to differentiate itself in this competitive field.

The Bottom Line

Grid Raster is positioning itself to capture defense spending on emerging technologies through strategic lobbying expansion. The timing aligns with substantial congressional momentum on immersive technology adoption and DoD acquisition reform toward "speed to capability." While facing competition from other XR advocates, bipartisan support for tech modernization suggests room for multiple players. The addition of veteran House insider Borg provides significant expertise in navigating appropriations processes as billions flow toward military AI and XR capabilities.

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