Defense Mavericks

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.

Are rules the biggest barrier to government procurement?In this replay episode, Jonathan Mostowski, a trailblazer in government procurement and co-author of the TechFAR Handbook, unpacks the truth about “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting and how agile acquisition, strategic contracting, and responsible risk-taking can transform procurement into a driver of innovation.He also shares insights on creating culture change through contracting, his experiences authoring the TechFAR Handbook, navigating the pitfalls of SBIR, and tackling the dreaded “Valley of Death”.Learn why contracting should be a business advisory role, not just compliance, and how funding models can better reward innovation.Tune in now for a refreshing conversation on defense procurement!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (01:00) Meet Jonathan Mostowski(03:10) What is a Scaled Agile Framework?(04:08) Origins and intent of the TechFar Handbook(07:55) The biggest challenge contractors face(10:37) Why Jonathan doesn’t “hack” bureaucracy?(14:07) The culture change needed in contracting(15:53) Jonathan’s writing process(17:00) The purpose of Jonathan’s book Leading Agile Acquisitions(19:46) What would Jonathan change if he were to be a king for a day?(22:44) How impact–not speed—should drive incentives(26:30) Are SBIRs sustainable?(34:14) The reality behind the Valley of DeathAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericksConnect with today’s guests:💥Follow Jonathan Mostowski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmost/💥Grab a copy of his book Leading Agile Acquisitions: https://www.agileacquisitions.com/product-page/leading-agile-acquisitions— Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

What if the biggest barrier to innovation in government contracting isn’t bureaucracy–but mindset?In this replay episode, Ryan Connell sits down with Major General Alice Treviño, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, to discuss how the Air Force is rethinking procurement with digital tools, leadership strategies, and streamlined processes.With over 32 years of experience, Major General Treviño shares how to lead effectively in acquisitions, delegate strategically, and foster innovation within a structured system.She highlights why patience, positivity, courage, and curiosity are essential for driving real change in contracting.From AI-powered procurement to leadership tactics, this episode is packed with insights.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (00:56) Major General Treviño’s background and journey in contracting(07:09) How to delegate authority in high-visibility projects(10:10) The critical role of contracting in mission success(13:15) A day in the life of a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting(19:55) Building and scaling tools across the Air Force(28:56) Advice on change agency for junior members in the Air Force(35:28) Final thoughts on leadership, positivity, and mentorshipAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericksConnect with today’s guests:💥Follow Major General Alice Treviño on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicetrevinoali/— Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Military procurement is known for its slow, bureaucratic processes, but what if it didn’t have to be? In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell sits down with Major General Edward Vaughan to talk about how the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC) redefines how warfighters get the tools they need—fast.With over 40 years of military experience, Major General Vaughan shares his perspectives on balancing speed and perfection in defense acquisitions.He walks us through how JRAC accelerates the procurement process, the role of Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUONs), and how AI and digital tools are reshaping decision-making in defense.Tune in to learn how the Department of Defense is cutting through bureaucracy to boost innovation and efficiency in modern warfare.Let’s get started!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (00:53) Major General Vaughan’s background and career journey(02:24) What JRAC does and how it supports warfighters(06:13) How urgent needs get validated and funded(08:45) Why speed matters more than perfection in urgent military acquisitions(13:46) The role of iteration and AI in military procurement(17:17) How small businesses and defense startups contribute to rapid innovation(20:02) The barriers to fast-tracking military technology(22:30) How JRAC facilitates funding without direct acquisition(32:53) Final thoughtsAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericksConnect with today’s guest:💥Follow Major General Edward Vaughan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/relentless/—Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Would you trust AI to review your proposals?AI is now streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and reducing bureaucratic roadblocks. Yet, while 80% of industry professionals use AI to draft proposals, almost none are comfortable with AI evaluating them.In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, host Ryan Connell lets ChatGPT take the interviewer’s seat for a deep dive into AI’s growing role in defense acquisitions.They unpack how AI enhances proposal evaluation, document generation, and market research—all while keeping human oversight in check.Ryan also shares his insights about the industry’s double standard on AI, the biggest barriers to AI adoption, and why policies must evolve to keep up with AI-driven solutions.If you’re curious about how AI is reshaping government contracting, this episode is a must-listen.Let’s jump right in!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (00:42) Ryan Connell’s DoD acquisition journey(01:49) Why AI is critical in modern defense contracting(04:01) Challenges in AI adoption(04:45) The truth about AI proposal evaluation(06:11) AI’s evolving role in government acquisition(09:41) Long-term AI adoption in DoDAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks— Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Approximately 99.5% of available data is unclassified. Yet, intelligence agencies often focus on the 0.5% that is classified. How can the U.S. government bridge this intelligence gap? In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell speaks with Sammy Semwangu, CEO of Bazze, about how his startup is transforming intelligence with commercial data solutions.With over a decade of national security experience, Sammy shares his early entrepreneurial challenges and how he founded Bazze in 2019 to provide an efficient data query model for defense intelligence agencies.Today, we dive into Bazze’s “super API”, the balance between privacy and security, and how shifting intelligence incentives can help close critical intelligence gaps using both classified and unclassified data.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (00:50) Sammy Semwangu’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned(04:44) How Bazze’s platform queries commercial data(08:38) Challenges with the SBIR process and contracting(18:29) The future of intelligence sharing in government(22:47) Privacy and ethical concerns with data access(26:54) Incentivizing intel gaps with classified or unclassified data(29:59) The efficiency of unclassified data aggregationAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericksConnect with today’s guest:💥Follow Sammy Semwangu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/semwangu/💥Visit Bazze for more information: https://bazze.io/— Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!

Ever wonder why critical military resources get lost in the“fog of war”?In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, Ryan Connell sits down with Beowulf’s founders, Mark Hammonds and Ryan Perez, to discuss how Bulldog—a logistic and planning tool—was developed to streamline military logistics.Drawing from their firsthand experiences in Ukraine, they discuss how real-time feedback from soldiers transformed Bulldog into a game-changing tool for efficiency, accountability, and survivability on the frontlines.They also dive into the evolving role of AI in software engineering, the lessons they learned while navigating U.S. government contracting, and Beowulf’s partnership with Carahsoft to deploy their solution.If you’re interested in technology’s role in defense or the journey of a startup tackling massive logistical problems, this episode is a must-listen.Key Takeaways:(00:00) Introduction (01:10) The story behind Beowulf’s creation(05:09) Initial problem identification in Ukraine’s military logistics(11:16) Real-world impact of poor inventory management(14:47) Progress and challenges with scaling Bulldog (18:28) Regulatory hurdles for small businesses contracting with the government(21:30)  AI’s evolving role in software engineering(25:54) Importance of early, direct feedback from users(27:46) How to get actionable feedback from software pilots(30:19) Episode wrap-upAdditional Resources:👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here:https://www.tradewindai.com/👉Visit CDAO for updates:https://www.ai.mil/👉Follow us on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericksConnect with today’s guests:💥Follow Mark Hammonds on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mhammonds/💥Follow Ryan Perez on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-perez1/💥Visit Beowulf for more information:https://beowulfgroup.com/— Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.Follow us on your favorite streaming platform so you won’t miss an episode!