Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! In this episode, Chelsea sits down with Giles Walger, CEO of OODAx, who transitioned from 20 years in the Marine Corps to founding a startup that helps dual-use tech companies fast-track federal contracting.

From interoperability challenges in uniform to helping pre-Series A founders navigate federal markets, Giles shares candid lessons on accelerating acquisition cycles, building strategic partnerships, and supporting warfighters with cutting-edge solutions.

On this episode, we discuss:

• Transitioning from 20 years of MarGiles Walger: From Marine Corps to OODAx & Fast-Tracking Dual-Use Techine Corps service into entrepreneurship
• How OODAx helps pre-Series A companies break into GovCon faster
• The importance of market research, Sources Sought, and RFIs
• Why veterans bring unique strengths to entrepreneurship, but need “business language”
• National security urgency and why peer threats are already here

Timestamps:

[02:09] - Giles’ background: Marine Corps to AWS to founding OODAx

[04:03] - OODAx’s mission: accelerating contracting for pre-Series A companies

[05:00] - Interoperability challenges and navigating acquisition in uniform

[12:08] - Transition struggles: avoiding GovCon, then jumping back in

[17:25] - Continuous learning: programs like APFIT and acquisition insights

[18:34] - Why veterans are ready for entrepreneurship (with a caveat)

[22:55] - Industry challenges: compliance, ITAR/EAR, ATOs, and BD gaps

[29:08] - National security urgency: peer threats, not “near-peer”

[33:04] - Future collaboration and referral partnership with Chelsea

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Links and Resources:

• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile

• Giles Walger’s LinkedIn Profile

• OODAx Website