In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley demystify government contracting in aerospace and defense, showing how contract models quietly dictate risk, margins, engineering choices, and cash flow across programs. They walk through firm fixed price, incentive fee, cost-reimbursable, IDIQ, time & materials, and performance-based logistics structures, explaining where each fits and how they shape both business and technical decisions. Using real-world examples from current missile and radar programs, they lay out a practical decision framework for matching contract type to technical maturity, customer risk appetite, and scope clarity—while designing incentives that actually drive performance. They wrap up with emerging trends like outcome-based availability contracts, digital twins, increasing compliance burden, and the rise of COTS and hybrid funding models that every engineer, program manager, and finance leader needs to track.

Key Takeaways: 01:04 – Newsreel: Boeing Chinook award, hybrid airships, and the impact of a prolonged government shutdown

03:15 – Why contract types matter: aligning risk, incentives, and performance

05:09 – Fixed price and incentive fee models: predictability vs. engineering risk

08:05 – Deep dive into fixed price and fixed price incentive fee (FPIF)

15:18 – Outcome-based and performance-based logistics: paying for results, not deliverables

18:00 – Building a decision framework for selecting the right contract type

25:22 – Real-world examples and lessons from major primes

26:58 – Future trends: digital twins, compliance, and hybrid funding models

30:03 – Closing insights and key takeaways

Resources: Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS): https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars FAR 16.2-16.6: Types of Contracts (U.S. Government Publishing Office): https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-16 Lockheed Martin JASSM Contract (U.S. DoD Press Release, 2024): https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on LinkedIn

Robert Wesley on LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen (P&L) and Rob Wesley (technical) pull back the curtain on the real business of deep space. We connect market momentum—massive IPOs, fresh capital, and Big Prime partnerships—to the engineering breakthroughs that make multiyear missions and off-world industry possible. We cover the four core technical hurdles (radiation, propulsion, life support, ISRU), the bonus frontier of autonomy & laser comms, and the strategic playbook for investors eyeing lunar infrastructure, Mars logistics, and future resource markets. We leave you with crisp business takeaways: why the Moon is the proving ground, where the value pools form, and which players are poised to define the next economy beyond Earth.

Key Takeaways:

01:37 – Newsreel: Firefly IPO, Axiom raise, U.S. leads private capital

03:26 – Main Segment Kickoff: Who’s funding it, who’s building it

03:44 – Macroeconomics: Market size, growth, VC flows, unicorns & primes

05:42 – Follow the Money: SpaceX, Firefly (Northrop tie-ins), Rocket Lab & more

07:18 – Prime & Tier-1 Roll Call: L3Harris, Boeing, Northrop/Orbital, etc.

08:22 – The Four Technical Pillars (setup)

08:36 – Pillar 1: Radiation protection (storm shelters, materials, future magnetic shields)

11:07 – Pillar 2: Propulsion beyond chemical (DRACO/NTP, electric, early fusion)

13:53 – Pillar 3: Life support & habitability (ECLSS, recycling, artificial gravity; dual-use on Earth)

16:52 – Pillar 4: ISRU (lunar ice, regolith printing, MOXIE oxygen on Mars)

19:47 – Bonus Frontier: Comms & autonomy (DSN/DSOC lasers, AI for real-time ops)

22:18 – Business Takeaways: Moon as stepping stone; who owns the depots owns the market

23:19 – Personal Updates & Wrap

Resources:

Space Foundation Announces $570B Space Economy in 2023, Driven by Steady Private and Public Sector Growth

Space economy | World Economic Forum

Space industry trends: PwC

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on LinkedIn

Robert Wesley on LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

Produced by NOVA

Duane Allen and Rob Wesley break down America’s Golden Dome Defense Program—an AI-powered, multi-layer missile shield integrating satellites, radars, interceptors, and lasers. They explore its rapid detection and response capabilities, the $25B budget commitment, the industry heavyweights and disruptors driving it, and the sweeping changes it’s sparking across defense tech, supply chains, and the workforce. This is the future of integrated national defense, and it’s already taking shape.

Key Takeaways:

01:06 – July 2025 defense headlines

02:19 – Anduril’s interceptors, SAF milestones & industry trends

05:00 – Golden Dome overview and how it works

08:34 – Technical challenges and limitations

10:42 – Budget, funding allocations & key contractors

17:02 – Industry shifts, supply chain changes & new opportunities

20:09 – Strategic implications, partnerships & workforce evolution

23:38 – Closing thoughts

Resources:

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Statement on Golden Dome for America

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on LinkedIn

Robert Wesley on LinkedIn

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley explores America's Golden Dome Defense Program, a highly ambitious defense initiative. They delve into the technical workings of the program, the key companies involved, and its reflection in the defense budget. The discussion highlights the fusion of space-based sensors, artificial intelligence, and layered interceptors designed to detect and destroy various missile threats. 

Key Takeaways:

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

In this episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve into the critical topic of aerospace cybersecurity. They discuss the evolving landscape of cyber threats targeting aerospace and defense systems, the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, including zero-day exploits and AI vulnerabilities, and the significant impacts on national security. Additionally, they explore the burgeoning business opportunities in cybersecurity and the growing demand for skilled professionals in this domain. 

Key Takeaways:

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

Welcome to a special edition of Brothers in Aerospace & Defense, recorded live at NSBE 2025! In this episode, we explore cutting-edge advancements in aerospace, energy, and defense with leaders from NSBE’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Our powerhouse panel shares insights on industry challenges, career strategies, and how Black engineers are shaping the future.

Hear them discuss:

Special Guests:

🎙️ Enanga Daisy Fale – Director, Aerospace Special Interest Group

🎙️ Natasha Herring – Director, Energy SIG

🎙️ Seth Graham – Program Chair, Young Technical Professionals SIG

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

In this special episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley tackle a crucial and timely discussion—how professionals in the aerospace and defense industry can navigate the elimination of DEI initiatives. For over two decades, DEI programs have fostered mentorship, created opportunities, and strengthened the pipeline for Black technical talent. With recent policy changes leading to their reduction or elimination, many professionals are asking: What’s next? How do we continue to excel and support the next generation?

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

In this special episode, hosts DeWayne Allen and Rob Wesley take a deep dive into the most impactful events in the aerospace and defense industry in 2024. From groundbreaking technological advancements to sustainability efforts and workforce developments, this episode highlights the key moments shaping the future of the industry. Plus, a look ahead at what’s coming in 2025!

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

In this episode, hosts Dewayne Allen and Rob Wesley delve into the latest innovations and trends within the aerospace and defense industry. They discuss the increasing focus on sustainability, highlighting groundbreaking technological advancements in electric propulsion and hydrogen-based fuel systems. Key newsmakers include the U.S. Army's autonomous surveillance drone and NASA's Artemis 3 lunar mission preparations. Throughout the episode, they cover the technical and business challenges and opportunities presented by green aviation initiatives, emphasizing the potential for reduced carbon footprints and the future of sustainable air travel.

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley

In this episode, hosts Dewayne Allen and Rob Wesley dive into the intersection of technology and business within the dynamic aerospace and defense industry. They discuss major events and newsmakers from September 2024, including the Global Aerospace Summit, India's successful drone flight, and NASA's Earth Science Mission. They explore each agency's unique missions, technical needs, business priorities, and current challenges, such as NASA's ambitious Artemis program. 

Connect with us:

DeWayne Allen on Linkedin

Robert Wesley on Linkedin

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

The StoryTeller by DeWayne Allen

Autonomous Platforms of the Future by Robert Wesley