Defense Mavericks

Today, Bonnie Evangelista sits down with the founders of Distributed Spectrum, Alex Wulff, Ben Harpe, and Isaac Struhl, to dive into their defense tech startup journey. They share their insights on developing a product for end users, the challenges of navigating defense contracts, and the importance of networking and seeking guidance from experienced founders. Tune in to learn from a group of young, driven entrepreneurs who are revolutionizing radio frequency sensing for warfighters.

TIMESTAMPS:

(4:45) How a serendipitous discovery led to a defense-focused product

(7:27) Understanding users can reshape your direction

(9:01) Developing a product for sale

(13:31) How to find success within the DoD with an early-stage idea

(16:36) Navigating the government sales process

(21:11) How to position yourself for a SBIR Phase III

(25:23) What is RF Vision technology?

(33:02) Why innovation has no age

(37:23) Tips for startups who want to sell to the government

LINKS:

Follow Alex: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-wulff/

Follow Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-harpe-a94ba9148/

Follow Isaac: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-struhl/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Bonnie sits down with Alex Miller, Senior Science and Technology Advisor for the Army Chief of Staff, for a deep dive into data architecture, AI implementation, and the ever-evolving landscape of technology in the military. Alex shares his insights on the concept of data meshes, bridging the gap between tactical and strategic operations, and the need for continuous transformation. Tune in to explore the challenges and potential solutions to harnessing the power of AI while ensuring data integrity and mission effectiveness.

TIMESTAMPS:

(5:38) Bottoms-up versus top-down data architecture

(7:45) What is the difference between data mesh and data fabric?

(12:24) How to overcome the challenges of multiple standards

(15:08) AI has a sex appeal problem

(21:27) Structured versus unstructured data

(26:02) How to properly train generative AI

(29:37) Building a doctrine bot

(31:38) Removing the acquisition stigma around technology upskilling

LINKS:

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

Mike Pansky, Chief Product Officer at IntelliBridge, sits down with Bonnie Evangelista this week to talk about how to keep up with and scale emerging technology. Mike shares his own journey navigating the challenging landscape of piloting, prototyping, and contracting new technology at scale in the DoD. Tune in to learn all about tangible strategies and tactics for incentivizing systems integrators and the DoD as a whole to bring the best technology forward.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:56) Mike’s career path from defense to commercial tech

(4:27) What chokepoints to avoid when scaling a defense startup

(7:36) How to create quick entry points via piloting or prototyping

(10:07) How to identify the real “sherpas” in the department

(14:05) Is it fair to ask industry to be the knowledge source?

(18:00) Working with the right Systems Integrators

(24:24) Why the government can’t pivot fast

(28:00) Key wins we’re seeing in defense innovation

LINKS:

Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikepansky

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

In this bonus episode, Bonnie Evangelista discusses the inefficiencies in government contracting and how we can leverage the power of AI and LLMs to reduce workflows from 3 months to 30 minutes. She shares insights on defining requirements, using the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace, and getting clear on your value proposition. Tune in to this special crossover episode with Andrew Camel, VP of OpenView and host of Closing the Loop podcast, as they dive into the challenges of procurement workflows and the future of defense contracting.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:15) How does government contracting work

(6:45) Opportunities to accelerate contracting timelines

(9:37) Why we need to stop defining requirements

(10:46) How to use the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

(20:05) Reducing workflows from months to minutes

(31:49) Advice for entrepreneurs wanting to sell to the government

LINKS:

Follow Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcamel/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

Closing the Loop: https://ctlresearch.com/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, retired Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan, the first director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, joins Bonnie Evangelista to discuss the beginnings and momentum of the JAIC. They explore the challenges and hard work that paved the way for opportunities in AI and acquisition within the Department of Defense and the importance of building relationships, taking risks, replicating successes, and the ultimate goal of getting technology into the hands of warfighters. Tune in to hear Jack’s trailblazing journey in the DoD.

TIMESTAMPS:

(3:17) Why Project Maven was the “Big Bang” of AI at scale

(10:31) How the JAIC got started

(18:00) Letting go of what’s been done before

(20:12) How to empower your team to take risks

(24:04) Why incentive structures enable change

(27:21) The wake-up call the DoD needs

(30:01) How to build partnerships with startups

(33:12) Why you should have an obsession with the “customer”

LINKS:

Follow Jack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackntshanahan/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

Captain Shawn Cooper, XVII Airborne Corps Innovation Officer, joins Bonnie Evangelista this week to talk about how the Corps is building connective tissue to support bottom-up innovation, scale soldier ideas, and integrate them with development partners across the DoD. He dives into managing soldiers’ time to innovate, maximizing your 20%, and identifying demand signals from your end users. Tune in to learn more about Shawn's journey and the exciting projects happening within the XVII Airborne Corps.

TIMESTAMPS:

(3:19) Shawn’s reputation as the “Apex Nerd”

(5:40) How Dragon’s Lair empowers problem-solving skills

(9:39) Using soldier-driven ideas as demand signals

(16:34) How to manage a soldier’s time to innovate

(17:04) The creation of the Innovation Officer Skill Identifier

(19:38) How to maximize the 20% that drives operational effectiveness

LINKS:

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Bonnie Evangelista is joined by special guest, Lt. Gen. (ret.) Michael Nagata, former Director of Strategy for the National Counterterrorism Center and retired United States Army veteran with a storied 38-year career. Mike shares his insights on the importance of embracing technological military change and the need for collaboration between government and industry to create a risk-tolerant culture. Tune in to learn what it takes to prevail as a nation in this new technological era.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:42) Spending 38 years in the Army

(8:34) Why Special Ops exists

(13:11) How AI tech challenges military leaders to adapt

(17:31) Why digital technology disrupts military affairs globally

(22:23) How to incentivize risk

(28:19) Government and Industry relationships must change drastically

(34:54) How to be solutions-based vs. requirements-based

(39:04) What leaders must do to embrace failure

LINKS:

Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-nagata-4241a419/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Bonnie Evangelista sits down with Bill Wilder, NCOIC for XVIII Airborne Corps Data Activities, to talk about the importance of bottoms-up military innovation. They talk about the current pipeline for soldier-oriented ideas and how it connects end-users with the resources needed to bring projects to life. Tune in to explore the world of military innovation and the vital role it plays in enhancing our defense capabilities.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:49) Connecting end users to money and authorities

(4:26) Why soldier input is vital

(10:30) How to leverage funds for rapid change

(11:52) Why Minimum “Valuable” Products are key to focused execution

(13:09) Getting buy-in from Commanders

(18:17) XVIII Airborne Corps’ approach to change

LINKS:

Follow Bill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-wilder-a87399177/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

In this episode, Stephanie Wilson, Agreements Officer with the Army Contracting Command (ACC) Rock Island, joins Bonnie Evangelista to explore and demystify the complexities of the contracting process. They talk about how to eliminate unnecessary complications, the importance of statutes and guidebooks, and how industry and non-traditional contractors can more easily navigate this world. Tune in to nerd out on all things OTAs and get a crash course on how to stop pounding the round peg in the square hole.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:35) Why creativity is stifled in contracting

(4:51) How to simplify contracts

(7:04) Why creating a similar language among branches is key

(12:58) Decentralizing decision-making

(16:06) Seeking ROI through nontraditional contracting

(21:39) How to find your place and fight for it

LINKS:

Follow Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wilson-790902237/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Bonnie sits down with Vince Pecoraro, Lead Program Manager for the DAF Digital Transformation Office, to explore the concept of speed in government contracting. Vince shares his insights on the need for faster delivery of product to the warfighter and how both industry and government play a role in lowering barriers. Tune in as we explore the challenges in training and educating the workforce, the cultural shift required for speed, and the need for a “burning platform” in the absence of crisis to drive urgency.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:27) The role of industry in lowering barriers to entry

(5:24) Why a burning platform accelerates action

(9:34) How catastrophe revealed Vince’s mission

(11:32) Impact of collaborating with the end user

(17:44) Stop hiding behind a desk

(22:20) Industry is your friend

LINKS:

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/