Pathways-2-Partnership

Mission Ready in 10: CMMC Is Your Secret Revenue Weapon

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.

Mission Ready in 10: Media Literacy in Government Contracting

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.

From Garage to Guardian: How a VR Kid Built a $30 Billion Defense Giant

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.

Boots on the Ground in Nashville - Why Showing Up Still Matters

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 communications@moveamerica.org to get the details.   Resources Mentioned: * National 8(a) Association / National Small Business Conference: n8asbc.org * MoveAmerica Pathways-2-Partnership: communications@moveamerica.org [communications@moveamerica.org] * MoveAmerica.org * Dearborn APEX Accelerator: dearbornapex.com

Ctrl+P for the Fleet: How 3D Printing is Saving the Navy

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: * SAM.gov * MoveAmerica.org * Rapid Innovation Accelerator-Miami (gogovnow.com) * Dearborn APEX Accelerator: (dearbornapex.com) * Find an APEX Accelerator near you: (apexaccelerators.us)