**The big picture:** A joint venture between Artemis ARC and Aptive has won a 3-year, $7.8 million contract to provide marketing support services for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Trusted Traveler Program. This marks another significant win for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business partnership. **Why it matters:** This contract highlights the ongoing demand for specialized marketing and program support within federal agencies, signaling opportunities for firms with niche capabilities and strong government contracting experience. It also underscores the strategic advantage of joint ventures in securing large-scale government projects. **Between the lines:** - The contract is valued at $7,806,565.00 over three years. - The joint venture is comprised of two 2026 Elev8 GovCon honorees. - The services are for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations. **Staffing & HR impact:** This win indicates a sustained need for talent in government-focused marketing and program management, potentially boosting demand for recruiters specializing in federal contracts and specific skill sets. It also reinforces the importance of strategic partnerships and certifications like SDVOSB status for market access and competitive advantage. **The bottom line:** Specialized expertise and strategic alliances are crucial for navigating and succeeding in the competitive federal contracting landscape.