Why it matters

Istari Digital Inc. has shifted from external lobbying to an in-house operation. The move signals the digital engineering company is deepening its Washington presence. After spending $300,000 through an external firm since 2023, bringing lobbying internal suggests long-term commitment to federal engagement.

By the numbers

  • Q2 2025 spending: $80,000 in internal lobbying costs
  • Historical activity: 15 total disclosures worth $540,000 since January 2023
  • Previous external spending: $300,000 through A1.9 Strategies LLC from 2023-2025
  • Lobbying team: Jenette Morell as sole in-house lobbyist

Broader context

Congress is showing increased interest in digital engineering infrastructure. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) recently highlighted a new Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility. The facility provides students hands-on experience in digital engineering and fusion energy. This signals congressional appetite for funding STEM programs that supply talent to defense contractors.

The agenda

Istari Digital is lobbying for “appropriations for digital engineering and certification platform.” The company targets five issue areas: Budget/Appropriations, Defense, Aerospace, Science/Technology, and Energy/Nuclear. Their focus has expanded since moving lobbying in-house from purely defense issues.

Competitive landscape

Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman compete for digital engineering funding. Commercial tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google lobby for DoD cloud contracts. Industry associations like the Aerospace Industries Association advocate for digital transformation policies across the defense industrial base.

Between the lines

House and Senate Armed Services Committees control the National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation can mandate digital engineering practices for new defense programs. House and Senate Appropriations defense subcommittees control DoD budgets. Istari needs both committees to secure Research, Development, Test & Evaluation funding.

The bottom line

Istari Digital’s in-house lobbying operation reflects a maturing government affairs strategy. The company is positioning itself to compete directly with larger contractors for federal digital engineering contracts. Success depends on navigating complex appropriations processes while differentiating from established defense and technology companies.

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