This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Steve Barva, federal acquisition consultant, to discuss the importance of breaking rules and cutting through red tape in the DoD. Steve shares his insights on competition in contracting, innovative solicitation practices, and the value of listening to fresh ideas from junior team members. He dives into numerous examples and insights on how to challenge norms and implement meaningful changes in acquisition practices. Tune in to this inspiring episode on how to affect change in the DoD.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:29) Why every rule is meant to be broken

(2:29) Finding innovative contracting solutions

(3:51) How to overcome bureaucratic hurdles

(6:02) Why leaders become risk averse over the years

(10:40) Encouraging innovation in younger generations of procurement analysts

(15:45) Are you gold-plating your requirements?

(20:04) Why is it so hard to break the norm?

(23:55) Leaders need to allow their teams to break the rules

(28:12) If you’re not disrupting, you’re not trying

LINKS:

Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

Follow Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-b-14459860/

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

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