Pathways-2-Partnership

Think CMMC certification is just a compliance checkbox for the big defense primes? Think again. In this episode of Mission Ready in 10, we break down why non-traditional businesses — manufacturers, IT firms, staffing companies, logistics providers — are leaving serious money on the table by ignoring the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.

We'll walk you through what CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 actually require, what the 2025–2026 mandate timeline means for your business right now, and how one small manufacturer turned an unannounced DoW audit into a perfect certification score — and a competitive edge their rivals can't touch. If you've ever thought "CMMC isn't for me," this episode was made for you.

Media literacy is no longer a “nice to have” skill, but a foundational and professionally critical one. Using a fictional company and a real-world program scenario, this episode walks through how to distinguish official sources from commentary, avoid costly misunderstandings, and recognize when confirmation bias is driving your decisions. Because in government contracting, information moves fast and the stakes are high — getting the information right the first time matters.

In 2012, Palmer Luckey built a VR headset in his parents' garage. Two years later, Facebook bought it for $2 billion. Then he did something nobody saw coming—he started a defense company. Today, Anduril Industries is valued at over $30 billion and is fundamentally reshaping how the U.S. Department of War builds and deploys weapons systems. In this episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of how a non-traditional business from Silicon Valley broke into the defense industrial base, and shares practical advice on how you can build relationships with prime contractors. Learn why great technology isn't enough—and why relationships are the real key to breaking in.

Rick from MoveAmerica just got back from the National Small Business Conference in Nashville—three days of networking, matchmaking, hot chicken, and handshakes with everyone from federal agency reps to prime contractor executives. In this episode, he breaks down why industry events still matter in a world of Zoom and LinkedIn, what he learned from breakout sessions on SBIR and working with the DoW, and why MoveAmerica believes small businesses aren't just part of the defense industrial base—they're the future of it. Can't make it to every conference? Learn about MoveAmerica's Pathways-2-Partnership virtual networking event on Tuesday, February 24th. Email [email protected] to get the details.

What do you do when a critical part breaks on a Navy ship—and it hasn't been manufactured since the Reagan administration? You print a new one. 

In Episode 2 of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica explores how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing military sustainment, turning 18-month procurement nightmares into same-week solutions. Then he breaks down the U.S. Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)—your fast pass into the defense supply chain. 

Learn how small manufacturers are partnering with major primes to solve the military's toughest logistics challenges, and how MoveAmerica—as the MPP Intermediary—can help match you with the right mentor and guide you through the entire process.

Resources mentioned:

The Department of Defense just went full Marie Kondo on its Critical Technology Areas—looking at fourteen priorities and narrowing them down to six. But what does that actually mean for small businesses trying to break into the defense industrial base?

Whether you're developing AI applications, cybersecurity solutions, advanced manufacturing tech, or something entirely new, this episode will help you understand where the Department of Defense is headed and how you can be part of the solution.

In our debut episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of Shield AI—a company that started with two brothers, a garage in San Diego, and a mission to protect American warfighters. Today they're valued at $2.8 billion and their autonomous drone technology is being integrated into fighter jets. But here's the part nobody talks about: they didn't do it alone. Learn how SBIR funding works, why smart founders build support networks, and how MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator and APEX Accelerator programs can help open doors for your business. Because the warfighter needs small businesses like yours—we're just here to help you find the way.

In the this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, MoveAmerica Program Manager Athena Powell pulls back the curtain on the critical question of “what’s next” once you’ve selected a mentor, signed your Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA), and received a contract award.

With Athena's guidance, you’ll learn how to set your business up for success when it comes to executing the contract, including how to:

In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership (P2P), we speak with Mariano Mattei, VP of Cyber Initiatives for Eccalon and Project Spectrum, the DoD OSBP-endorsed cybersecurity platform supporting companies entering or operating within the defense industrial base. Mariano breaks down the evolving cyber landscape, the rising expectations around compliance, and the essential steps organizations must take to protect themselves and remain competitive. From CMMC readiness to practical cyber hygiene, this conversation offers a clear and accessible roadmap for companies of all sizes.

Listeners will learn:

Whether you’re already in the defense sector or looking to become part of the defense industrial base, this episode provides the insight you need to get cyber-ready … and stay that way.

In this episode, Solomon Stavis, Director of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator - Miami (RIA-M), joins us to discuss how the RIA-M is helping emerging and non-traditional businesses and universities successfully navigate and access the federal contracting space. This podcast unpacks the 'so what' behind the RIA-M’s impact, from helping companies submit proposals to building critical partnerships across government, academia, and industry.