Defense Mavericks

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 rigid acquisition processes slowing down your innovative solutions? Tradewinds is here to change that. This week on Defense Mavericks, I’m joined by Stephanie Wilson, Kristina Botelho, and Tony Kwag at this year’s NCMA Conference to explore how Tradewinds is revolutionizing AI and digital solution procurement for government agencies.  With flexible contracting options and open, candid collaboration, Tradewinds is simplifying the path for both vendors and buyers. Learn how a TRL-agnostic approach and pitch videos are opening the door for small businesses and experimental technologies. We also tackle the challenges and successes of modernizing acquisition processes–from ATO reciprocity to rapid contract awards. Don’t miss this insightful conversation and find out how Tradewinds can help your organization innovate faster. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (01:12) What is Tradewinds? (07:20) Submission process and pitch-video specifics (13:43) Key performance indicators and metrics for success (17:20) Traditional vs. non-traditional acquisition pathways (21:48) From prototype to production contracts (24:58) Challenges of low TRL technologies (31:24) Managing video libraries and differentiating solutions (36:32) Government engagement and educational efforts (44:29) The benefits of relational contracting (51:59) Exploring different contract types (56:06) Addressing misconceptions and expanding adoption across agencies (01:04:14) OT vs. FAR-base contracts  (01:08:40) Tradewinds program nuances for international sellers and buyers and non-DoD (01:13:17) Final thoughts Additional 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 Connect with today’s guests: 💥Follow Stephanie Wilson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wilson-790902237/ 💥Follow Kristina Botelho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-botelho/ 💥Follow Tony Kwag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonykwag/ —  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!

Did you know the right network could be the DoD’s most powerful tool? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we’re joined by Jesse Levin, Executive Director of the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF); Jay Long, COO and Founder of Parlay; and Brad Halsey, CEO of Building Momentum. These innovators dive into the importance of leveraging networks–both formal and informal–as a strategic advantage in military and entrepreneurial spheres. We explore how networks have become a weapon system both in national security and business. Plus, we dive into the evolution of military strategies, the power of human capital, and the role of decentralized decision-making. Tune in now to learn how to turn your network into a weapon! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (01:38) Why networking is crucial for success (05:28) Challenges in building effective networks (09:33) Network building is teachable (14:50) Leveraging talent for national innovation (21:39) The Power of Trap Capacity explained (22:57) Breaking military talent stereotypes (29:39) Tackling dual-use technology challenges (35:40) Embracing the military’s entrepreneurial spirit Additional 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 Connect with today’s guests: 💥Follow Jay Long on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayllong/ 💥Follow Jesse Levin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-levin/ 💥Follow Brad Halsey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-halsey-74109933/ —  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! DISCLAIMER: The views reflected are not a representation of an official position of the Department of Defense.

Imagine a Marine stranded on an island, needing a critical part to continue their mission. What if that essential part could be produced on the spot? In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, we sit down with Matt Pine, Innovation Officer for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune, to explore how additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing military logistics. Matt shares how point-of-need production cut supply chain delays in half, illustrated by a groundbreaking success story aboard the USS Somerset. We also discuss the challenges of integrating AM into military systems, how these innovations offer significant cost savings and faster part delivery, and more. Tune in now to learn how AM is shaping the future of defense logistics. Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (00:59) Meet Matt Pine and his experience in the Marine Corps (02:28) The Blue List for drones (03:13) Benchy’s role in 3D printing (06:39) A success story on additive manufacturing (AM) deployment (08:57) Importance of tech data for AM adoption (10:22) Are AM innovations cost-effective? (13:57) What does the future look like for AM? (15:53) Future vision for military AM integration (19:47) Episode wrap-up Additional 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 Connect with Matt: 💥Follow Matt on Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-pine-123755b8/ 💥Check out the official website of the Marines for more information here —  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! DISCLAIMER: The views reflected are not a representation of an official position of the Marine Corps, Navy, or the Department of Defense.

With deepfakes and misinformation on the rise, distinguishing truth from lies has never been more challenging. A recent Harvard paper stated how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is increasingly showing up in academic journals, archives, and repositories. So, how can we fight back against this growing misinformation crisis? This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Nathan Manzotti, Managing Director of Data Analytics and AI Centers of Excellence at GSA, to explore groundbreaking ideas for combating misinformation using blockchain and AI. Learn how an AI training program is empowering thousands and how a government-wide AI model repository could transform federal efficiency. If you’re passionate about the future of technology, truth, and public service, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (00:59) Meet Nathan Manzotti and his journey into AI (04:14) The rise of deepfakes and the misinformation crisis (06:08) How to combat deepfakes with blockchain technology (10:12) The role of personal passion in driving government innovation (15:21) Expansion of AI training program across the federal workforce (19:18) Building collaborative community platforms for progress (24:22) GSA’s fee-of-service consulting model (29:58) Nate’s vision for a government-backed model repository  Additional 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 Connect with Nathan Manzotti  🔹Follow Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmanzotti/ 🔹Harvard’s publication on GPT-fabricated papers: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/gpt-fabricated-scientific-papers-on-google-scholar-key-features-spread-and-implications-for-preempting-evidence-manipulation/ 🔹Visit Harvard’s Misinformation Review for more information: https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/ —  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!

Can AI help you bid on more government contracts? In this week’s episode, Ryan Connell sits down with Alex Cohen, an AI expert and founder of GovPro AI. Alex is on a mission to help small and medium-sized contractors streamline their proposal process. He walks us through how AI tools are transforming how proposals are submitted–making them faster and more compliant. However, Alex is clear about the limitations of AI, too. If you’re ready to level up your proposal strategy without cutting corners, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now! Key Takeaways: (00:00) Introduction  (00:49) Meet Alex Cohen and his career journey (03:21) How Alex started using AI in proposal writing (07:11) AI’s role in drafting proposals  (08:54) Success rates for AI-generated proposals (10:45) The limitations of AI in GovCon (21:19) Predictions for increased AI adoption in GovCon (23:21) The untapped potential of voice-interactive AI (28:49) Challenges of integrating secure AI solutions (32:11) Why human oversight is still necessary (34:55) Alex’s thoughts on AI-assisted oral presentations Additional 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 Connect with Alex 🔹Follow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akcohen/ 🔹Visit GovPro AI for more information: https://govpro.ai/ —  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!

This week, Ryan Connell is joined by Keith Scheffler from Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to discuss the role that blockchain plays in their manufacturing division. Keith dives into the evolution and broader applications of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency, AFRL's approach to addressing technology gaps, the integration of digital tools in modern manufacturing, and the critical interplay of cybersecurity and the supply chain. He also shares insights into the complexities of the defense industrial base and the innovative use of graph theory to predict industry trends and interconnections. Tune in to learn all about how blockchain is transforming the defense industrial base. TIMESTAMPS: (1:20) AFRL's Role in Manufacturing (3:22) How blockchain plays a role in manufacturing (6:20) Blockchain beyond crypto (8:54) How blockchain ensures data integrity and security in manufacturing (13:33) Importance of cybersecurity in defense manufacturing (17:34) Commodity parts in the defense industry and supply chain considerations (24:19) Scaling advanced manufacturing across the DoD (26:48) How to embrace innovation and break from traditional approaches LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Keith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scheffler-a2823920/ AFRL: https://www.afrl.af.mil/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/