On this edition of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, retired DISA Director Lt. Gen. Robert “Bob” Skinner breaks down who will truly win the AI race—and why the edge belongs to organizations that deeply understand both operations and emerging technology. Skinner explains how DISA’s upcoming 2025 Forecast to Industry equips companies to anticipate challenges, align with agency strategy, and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for the warfighter. He emphasizes the power of problem-based requirements, tighter industry collaboration, and the innovative spirit that keeps the United States ahead of adversaries who may have scale, but not creativity.

Skinner details AI’s sweeping influence across cloud, cyber, and mission operations, noting that advantage will come to teams able to merge operational insight with AI-driven agility. He also discusses acquisition reforms—like OTAs and accelerated proof-of-concept pipelines—that aim to get cutting-edge technologies into government hands faster, even as contracting workforce shortages pose new obstacles.

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