Defense Mavericks
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© Bonnie Evangelista | Tradewinds × CDAO
Description
Welcome to Defense Mavericks, the podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government. Join us as we dive into authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds, offering a fresh perspective on how to gain an unfair advantage through the adoption of new, emerging technology. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge, education, and best practices you need to shorten the learning curve toward government transformation.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
119 Episodes
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On today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we sit down with John Ferry, President at Trenchant Analytics, LLC, and Co-Founder/CEO of userogue.com. John sat down with Bonnie to discuss one of Tradewind’s success stories, working with the CDAO on applying AI to the acquisition process. Listen in to hear more about semi-automating the entire contract pipeline, from AI powered contract writing, improving workflow, and a faster acquisition process.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
On this episode of AI Proficiency, Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by author and consultant JL Hancock. JL describes how his background in the Navy exposed him to cutting-edge resources, serving as the foundation for his interest in spearheading his own projects. Tune in to learn more about why he was inspired to take risks in the field of emerging technologies, his detailed process for assessing them, and the threat that mitigating those risks often pose to modernization within the government.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Join us for another episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today to hear a conversation with Ben McMartin, Senior Fellow at the Center for Government Contracting, George Mason University. Ben shares his introduction to Other Transitions (OTs), their steady evolution over the last decade, and the future of government contracting within the Department of Defense.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Alexandr Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI. Alexandr has been a leading force in the future of AI innovation and sat down with us to discuss what challenges inspired him to start his company. Join us to learn more about the rising demand for high-quality data in the field, how AI should be properly utilized as a tool to solve modern issues, and the projects Scale AI plans to tackle next.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
In today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Dr. Joshua Elliott; Program Manager at DARPA. Dr. Elliot sat down with us to discuss how he works to integrate AI as a way to create modern opportunities and target issues. Stay tuned to learn more about his role in creating technologies that make human workflows more efficient and the importance of proper education in giving us the tools to remain current with these advancements.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
In today’s episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we are joined by Dr. Brooke Ellison, President of Brooke Ellison Leadership and Inclusion Strategies, LLC and associate professor at Stony Brook University. Dr. Ellison has spent her life advocating for those with disabilities, creating change through policy and education, and continues to inspire others with her story. Listen in to hear how accessibility-focused technology has had a profound impact on her life and career, how it can become a resource in providing opportunities for those living with disabilities, and the role AI plays in conversations surrounding the future of healthcare.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Join us on this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today as we chat with co-founder and CEO of Valid Evaluation Adam Rentschler. We'll be unpacking the importance of providing feedback for complex problems and data analysis as he shares his company's success in creating a culture of open communication. Listen in as we discuss how these resources can be used to solve issues in the government as well.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
On this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today, we sat down with Colonel Scott Helmore, the Joint Robotics and Autonomous Systems Enterprise Acquisition Manager under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to discuss the need for AI literacy in the workforce. He went into detail about his background and how he's been successful in using AI as a reliable solution to current issues in academia, industry, and the workforce. Stay tuned to hear his insight on how shifting the focus can best utilize a digital future.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Learn how to manuever and enjoy the changes being made in the constantly evolving world of technology with today's guest, Motivational Improvisor, Avish Parashar, from Avish Parashar Productions! Listen in as he shares his approach solving complex technical problems using lessons he has learned through years of improv work, especially as it relates to AI. Disruptive ideas for innovation have helped his AI expertise develop throughout his career and he now uses that knowledge to develop challenging mindsets in upcoming technology experts, inspiring those that follow to get creative in their problem-solving.
Avish Parashar:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/avishparashar/
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Listen in as we hear from guest speaker Marshall Brain, the Director of the Engineering Entrepreneurs Program at North Carolina State University and the founder and creator of Howstuffworks.com. He shares how his creative mind looks to figure out how everything around him works and finds opportunities to improve solutions to issues he sees. Hear how he turned this hobby into a startup company and made the writings an award-winning success! Marshall explains the challenges and resources needed with incorporating AI into situations where it did not previously exist and how those automations can benefit the systems they join.'
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Listen in as we hear Stephanie Wilson, the Contracting and Agreements Officer in the U.S. Army, detail how to create and handle improved contracting practices necessary to acquire AI and emerging technology. She shares her years of experience in dealing with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and how proper use and understanding of OTAs have helped her be successful. Hear how asking questions and challenging the existing policies has helped develop new ways of accomplishing goals within federal contracting. Wilson also details the value in an influential and memorable quote she coined some time ago regarding the benefits of using OTA's!
Tune in to this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today as we hear from our guest speaker, Igor Jablokov, the CEO and founder of Pryon. He delves into how important it is to be disruptive in technology and how the results can be both evolutionary and revolutionary. Hear the firsthand story of how Igor started the creation and software we now know as Amazon's Alexa and kept the solution to a known problem going as he got Pryon started. He also shares his take on how we can continue to enable innovation as technology progresses in the world around us.
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
Join us for this episode of AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today as we hear from guest speaker Bonnie Evangelista, the Tradewind Execution Lead at the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). She will introduce the efforts and goals of the CDAO and the enabling concept of Tradewind. Hear as Bonnie further details the purposes and benefits of having Other Transaction Authorities (OTA) and some of the key features they were designed to include as well as sharing her personal experiences with procurement transitions.
Links:
Tom Suder:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsuder/
Bonnie Evangelista:
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO:
https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewind AI:
https://www.tradewindai.com/
ATARC:
https://atarc.org/
The AI Proficiency: Turning Tomorrow into Today podcast is a series of casual discussions with Artificial Intelligence experts as we create resources for increased training and learning opportunities for individuals within the industry. This podcast will focus on the risks, policies, capabilities, trends, use cases, tools and technology used within AI, as well as providing the opportunity for hearing experts challenges, solutions, and passion projects. Each episode will host a guest from within government, industry, or academia and will discuss topics ranging from AI acquisitions to implementation to existing or upcoming programs and everything in between.
We have a special announcement this week! Meet our new Defense Mavericks host, Ryan Connell. Bonnie and Ryan chat about Bonnie’s departure from the show and what you can expect going forward. Tune in for a short, fun listen in this official hand-off episode!
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:30) Why Bonnie is leaving
(1:12) Ryan's vision for the podcast
(2:42) Who is Ryan Connell
(4:01) Future topics and potential format changes
(8:49) The final grilled cheese debate
LINKS:
Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, we’re sharing a panel discussion from SchoolHouse where Bonnie joined Gene Ebersole from BVVC, Mike McGuire from SpaceX, and Lisa Sanders from Special Operations Command to talk about defense innovation. Together, they dive into the challenges of transitioning defense projects, overcoming bureaucratic and cultural barriers within the DoD, and using existing policies to fast-track technological advancements. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation on harnessing the power of partnerships and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in defense.
TIMESTAMPS:
(4:08) The goal of this panel discussion
(9:50) How to tailor the acquisition process for speed
(12:45) Problem statements vs. requirements
(14:42) Prioritize relationships, not transactions
(20:26) Why VC's and founders should partner with innovators
(26:54) Why feedback may not always lead to a purchase
(35:20) How to avoid niche products & solve fundamental problems instead
(40:07) Connect people with solutions for better outcomes
(44:33) Why failure should be a budget line item
(48:00) The role of VCs in defense funding
LINKS:
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
Follow Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-sanders-17b37067/
Follow Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mcguire-66569a111/
Follow Gene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-ebersole-1bb62615b/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
SchoolHouse: https://govexec.com/
This week, Bonnie joins the GovExec’s AI Spotlight Series hosted by George Jackson for a roundtable discussion on the DoD’s role in AI with Tyler Sweatt from Second Front Systems, Jason Preisser from DARPA, and Alexis Bonnell from AFRL. Together, they explore the transformative potential of AI, focusing on AI adoption, process innovation, and the cultural shifts that need to happen within the DoD to leverage AI capabilities. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how AI can revolutionize the defense space, if we let it.
TIMESTAMPS:
(4:25) How do we increase acquisition speed?
(6:02) The unsexy reality of government’s use of AI
(8:49) Why the department still operates from an industrial age approach
(12:13) How to cheat time in procurement
(18:10) Why we need to focus on governance and attention as a currency
(20:05) Three key decision-making traits to push innovation forward
(27:22) Integrating AI with mission and people at scale
(30:20) Why the DoD needs to guide industry
LINKS:
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
Follow Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylersweatt/
Follow Alexis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisbonnell/
Follow Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-r-preisser-05878220/
Follow George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-jackson-70b37b2a2/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
GovExec: https://govexec.com/
This week, Bonnie sits down with Brian Morrison, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force Reserve, for a candid conversation on innovation in the DoD. Brian dives into his unique (and some might say “weird”) journey from active duty to innovation leader and the keys behind translating ideas into operational success on the battlefield. He shares his insights on pushing for excellence, navigating the complex acquisition process, and becoming a true defense innovator. Tune in for a raw and honest conversation on the highs and lows of bringing innovative solutions to life.
TIMESTAMPS:
(0:57) Brian’s unique journey from active duty to innovation leader
(4:32) The stark difference between pre and post AFWERX innovation
(13:04) How to push past the theatrics of innovation in the DoD
(20:21) Practical strategies for deploying ideas to the field
(26:12) The best advice for aspiring defense innovators
(30:52) What does true innovation look like in defense acquisition?
LINKS:
Follow Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-morrison-ab5595109/
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/
This week, Bonnie sits down with Casey Perley, Director of Army Applications Lab, to talk about how to accelerate tech transfer and innovation within the military. Casey shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning commercial technologies to benefit our soldiers. From the importance of collaboration and cross-functional teams to the pressing need for speed in accessing new tech, this episode dives into the strategies and approaches to drive impactful change. Tune in for a deep dive into military innovation and problem-solving.
TIMESTAMPS:
(3:15) Lessons learned from DIU 1.0
(6:48) Why cross-functional teams are a must for successful tech transfer
(10:22) Navigating funding sources for innovation and acquisitions
(14:50) Balancing end user needs with budget constraints
(18:37) How Catalyst Pathfinder is empowering soldiers with low-cost solutions
(22:19) How to build relationships with transition partners
(25:56) Measuring success in tech innovation projects
(30:10) Why listening to both soldiers and industry is key
LINKS:
Follow Casey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyperley/
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/
Army Applications Laboratory: https://aal.army/
This week, Bonnie sits down with Emma Bates, founder of PaaS tool Cachai and a veteran DoD strategy thinker, live from South by Southwest 2024. Emma shares her journey from a DIU fellow to founding Cachai, driven by her mission to tackle complex coordination challenges in computer systems for national defense. They dive into the significance of human connections, the reality behind SBIR STTRs for dual-use companies, and the importance of clear communication when working with the DoD. Tune in for a great discussion on modernizing technology in defense and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
TIMESTAMPS:
(3:28) The bottleneck in state management for distributed systems
(9:17) How the name “Cachai” came to be
(15:25) Why dual-use startups should not focus on government first
(18:23) The challenge of translating military requirements into tech terms
(23:31) The missing piece from DoD that could streamline private sector innovation
(30:15) Why most transition funds are unusable
(35:25) How collaboration empowers clear next steps for innovation
LINKS:
Follow Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmasophiabates/
Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/
CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/
Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/
Cachai: https://cachai.io/
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