Ep 85: Defense Acquisition Trends with Jay Tamsett - EY

Ep 85: Defense Acquisition Trends with Jay Tamsett - EY

In modern warfare, speed is the ultimate currency—but can a defense acquisition system built for predictability keep pace with rapid battlefield evolution? In this episode, host Mike Shanley is joined in person by Jay Tamsett, Managing Director of Aerospace and Defense at EY, to explore why today's geopolitical realities demand a return to decentralized decision-making, rapid prototyping, and software-centric parallel tracks. This episode is designed for defense technology founders, aerospace executives, and growth leaders looking to transition from slow-moving RFP cycles to high-utility field deployment. Understanding this structural shift from rigid compliance to real-time execution is critical for any team hoping to bridge the gap between commercial tech and actual warfighter needs. Main Topics Covered — The Speed Imperative in Acquisition — Why time has eclipsed all other variables to become the primary driver of value and battlefield relevance in the modern era. — McNamara vs. Packard — A historical look at how centralized "management by control" created our current bureaucracy, and why we are experiencing a modern "Packard moment" of decentralized accountability. — Lessons from the Ukrainian Frontlines — How real-time adaptation and rapid feedback loops directly from combat zones are challenging traditional, slow-moving testing schedules. — A Plurality in the Defense Industrial Base — Why the legacy acquisition system isn't necessarily "broken" but needs a parallel track for software-centric systems (like drones and AI) next to traditional capital platforms. — Rethinking Systems Engineering — Why the linear planning models used since the 1960s fail to address current threats, and how "orchestration engineering" offers a more composable design alternative. — The "Sensemaker" Role in Business Development — How growth leaders must shift from chasing RFIs on SAM.gov to active market sensing and predicting geopolitical trends. — Drowning in the Knowledge Glut — How executive teams can cut through dashboard complexity to separate overwhelming data noise from actionable, qualitative insights. — Acquisition Officials vs. Warfighters — The critical importance of building deep relationships with military end-users instead of relying solely on contracting officers bound to bureaucratic rules. Key Takeaways — Structure Dictates Culture — Simply changing leadership or introducing superficial policies won't reform defense acquisition; the underlying structural incentives and systems engineering training must change first. — Embrace Uncertainty as an Input — The most successful modern defense tech companies treat battlefield uncertainty as a design asset to iterate on, rather than an administrative risk to avoid. — Action Beats Analysis — In a world overwhelmed with data, the market increasingly rewards organizations that focus on rapid execution, continuous learning, and prototyping rather than mere compliance. — Connect with the Real End-User — Relying purely on traditional contracting offices misses the strategic mark; growth-oriented companies must learn from the frontline warfighters who actually use the technology. Connect with the Guest * LinkedIn: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytamsetthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-tamsett * EY Profile: https://www.ey.com/en_us/people/jay-tamsett [https://www.ey.com/en_us/people/jay-tamsett] If you found these insights valuable, don't forget to follow the GovDiscovery AI podcast, like this episode, and share it with other defense innovators in your network! Connect with the Host * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeshanley/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeshanley/] * Website: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/ [https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/]

Ep 84: Inside SpaceWERX's $500M Venture Model and Space Warfighting Priorities with Arthur Grijalva

Want to know how to break into the U.S. Space Force and scale your technology with over half a billion dollars in annual funding? In this episode, host Mike Shanley sits down with Arthur Grijalva, Director of SpaceWERX, to demystify how the Space Force's innovation arm acts as a venture capital fund to buy down technical risk and field dual-use commercial tech faster. This episode is a must-listen for defense tech CEOs, venture capitalists, and aerospace founders trying to navigate the shifting government R&D landscape. You will learn exactly how to align your commercial capabilities with urgent space warfighting priorities and leverage newly reauthorized strategic breakthrough programs to bridge the valley of death. Main Topics Covered * The Venture Capital Model of SpaceWERX: How the organization leverages $500 million annually to buy down risk, accelerate bright ideas, and transition them directly into the hands of warfighters. * Navigating the Defense R&D Ecosystem: Understanding the strategic differences and partnerships between SpaceWERX, AFWERX, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). * Beating the Valley of Death: A case study of K2 Space, tracing their evolution from an initial Phase I conceptual study to a massive $60 million STRATFI co-investment. * The New Rules of SBIR/STTR Reauthorization: What the latest legislative changes mean for preventing "SBIR mills," increasing due diligence on foreign investments, and expanding strategic breakthrough programs across agencies like NASA and the DOE. * Redefining Dual-Use Technology: How tweaking an existing commercial asset, like Muon Space's wildfire satellites, can rapidly deliver critical capabilities like space weather monitoring and missile warnings to the Space Force. * Deep Space Collaboration with NASA: Inside the joint efforts on the Orbital Prime program, Starfish Space's satellite-servicing mission, and upcoming investments with the Cislunar Coordination Office. * Co-Designing Solicitations through Challenges: How upcoming events like the On-Orbit Logistics Challenge bring together industry, venture capital, and operators to write contract requirements collectively. * The Power of Industry Partnerships: Why small startups are joining forces with traditional defense primes and mid-tier firms to successfully compete and deliver full end-to-end capabilities. Key Takeaways * Follow the Money to Find the Demand Signal: The clearest indication of what the Space Force prioritizes is where they spend money; companies should look at current challenges and funding lines to understand real mission needs. * Proliferated Architectures Are the Future: Space Force leadership is shifting away from exquisite, multi-billion-dollar satellite systems that take a decade to build in favor of cheaper, mass-proliferated architectures that refresh every two to four years. * Strategic Co-Investment Drives Massive Value: Leveraging programs like STRATFI to combine funding from private venture capital and programs of record has yielded a massive 9x valuation increase for participating companies. * Don't Navigate the System Alone: SpaceWERX offers specialized accelerators, pitch sessions, and a new database registry designed specifically to demystify government contracting and help commercial firms get a foot in the door. Connect with the Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurgrijalva [https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthurgrijalva] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacewerxdod/ [https://www.instagram.com/spacewerxdod/] Connect with the Host LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/early-defense-opportunity-identification/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/early-defense-opportunity-identification/] Website: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/ [https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/] If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, hit the like button, and share it with your network so you never miss an episode packed with actionable market intelligence!

Ep 83: General Mike Minihan (ret.)

In this episode, retired four-star General Mike Minihan shares his experiences in military leadership, the importance of industry collaboration, and the strategic role of AI, data, and UAVs in modern warfare. Discover key lessons on decision-making, innovation, and national security from a top military leader. key topics Military leadership and decision-making at the four-star level The importance of industry collaboration and relationship-building The strategic role of AI, data, and quantum in modern warfare Chapters 00:00 The Weight of Command: Insights from a Four-Star General 04:52 Building Relationships with Industry: The Marco Polo Approach 10:05 Navigating Yes, No, and Maybe: The Art of Pitching 14:53 Data and AI: Challenges in the Operational Environment 28:29 Cyber Deterrence and the Current Landscape 30:36 Decision Advantage in Command 35:07 The Role of UAVs in Modern Warfare 38:34 Lessons from Ukraine and Iran 41:24 AI in Forecasting and Preparedness 45:24 Surprising Innovations and National Security Threats 51:51 The Importance of American Industry resources Mavericks Advisors LLC - https://mavericksadvisorsllc.com

Ep 82: Iain Boyd, Director, Center for National Security Initiatives, University of Colorado-Boulder

This interview with Ian Boyd, director at the University of Colorado Boulder, explores the strategic and technological landscape of hypersonics, missile defense, and space domain awareness. It highlights current threats, industry opportunities, and the role of academia in national security innovation. * Hypersonic missile capabilities and threats from China, Russia, Iran * Defense industry opportunities in hypersonic weapon scaling and defense systems * Golden Dome program for global missile tracking and interception * Role of space assets in missile defense and command control * Academic contributions to national security and industry collaboration https://www.colorado.edu/aerospace/iain-boyd

Ep 81: Col. Jahara Matisek - Rethinking Warfare around Space, Civil Society, Arctic Domain, and Critical Minerals

Disclaimer: Views are guest's own and not the official position of the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense, or any part of the U.S. Government. Visit www.govdiscoveryai.com [https://www.govdiscoveryai.com] to learn more about our Defense Business Intelligence Solutions Rethinking Warfare & The Role of Civil Society in Modern Conflicts Guest: Lieutenant Colonel Jahara Matisek Episode Summary In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of modern warfare and the often-overlooked element crucial to national security: civil society. Joining us is defense strategy expert Lieutenant Colonel Jahara Matisek, who sheds light on why military might—munitions, strategy, and troop deployments—is no longer enough on its own. Drawing on recent events in Ukraine, we discuss how everyday citizens, NGOs, and community networks are stepping in to fill logistical gaps, bolster societal resilience, and act as a critical force multiplier in times of crisis. Key Topics Discussed * The Changing Face of Warfare: Why modern conflicts require a broader perspective that goes beyond traditional military deployments to include civilian contributions. * Insights from Ukraine: Lt. Col. Matisek shares his observations from his August 2021 trip to Ukraine, discussing civilian morale, the psychological impact of government actions, and how NGOs are directly supplying drone units. * Hybrid Defense Explained: A look into the collective security approach that blends conventional military efforts with unconventional community support to counter modern threats. * Civil Society as a Force Multiplier: How local knowledge, networks, and civilian manpower enhance military effectiveness (with parallels drawn to domestic disaster responses like Hurricane Katrina). * Institutional Adaptation: The urgent need for the defense industrial base and military planners to integrate civil society actors into war games and strategic planning. Key Takeaways * Community is Critical: Civil society is no longer a bystander in war; it provides vital logistical support, resources, and local intelligence that traditional military structures may lack. * Integration is the Future: A "hybrid defense" approach that seamlessly integrates civilian efforts is essential for enhancing overall military effectiveness. * Adaptation is Required: Defense organizations must evolve, creating adaptive frameworks and hiring personnel who understand the complex intersection of military and civilian operations. Resources Mentioned * Old and New Battlespaces [https://www.rienner.com/title/Old_and_New_Battlespaces_Society_Military_Power_and_War] by Jahara Matisek: Discusses the growing prominence of sociopolitical-information warfare (Lynne Rienner, 2022). * Lt. Col. Jahara Matisek's insights on the concept of Hybrid Defense.