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.

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/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Therman Trotman, a.k.a. "Mr. SharePoint," to talk about the powerful ways SharePoint can transform workflows and enhance team efficiency. Therman shares his journey from the Bronx to becoming an expert in SharePoint, diving into his unique take on branding, confidence, and overcoming imposter syndrome. He breaks down practical ways to leverage SharePoint’s full capabilities, discusses the importance of people-first technology, and gives his insights into building a successful career in tech, including how he started SharePoint Helpdesk. Tune in to this fun conversation on SharePoint and self-branding success. TIMESTAMPS: (1:09) Therman’s journey to “Mr. SharePoint” (3:12) Building a personal brand (6:13) Overcoming imposter syndrome (9:49) What SharePoint can do today for DoD (15:04) The power of automation (17:24) Therman’s “CMD” framework (20:41) Creating internal sites (22:51) Making data-driven decisions (28:49) Therman’s favorite success story (29:07) Advice on confidence & branding LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Therman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therman-trotman-15790b33/ SharePoint Helpdesk: https://thesphelpdesk.com/ Freebie: https://sharepointfreebie.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about the advancements and challenges of integrating autonomous systems in defense and industrial sectors. Scott shares his insights on the deployment of full stack and ground autonomy, balancing human and machine roles, and accounting for the diverse terrains of war zones. He also dives into the financial feasibility and operational reliability of autonomous solutions, the nuances of defense acquisitions in this space, and the importance of balancing cost, safety, and efficiency in both military and industrial applications. Tune in to learn all about the future of autonomy in defense. TIMESTAMPS: (0:43) Scott’s journey from Marine Corps to Forterra (1:25) What is full end-to-end autonomy? (3:52) How to ensure reliability and safety in autonomous systems (7:17) Balancing hardware and software in autonomy (11:37) Pricing strategies for DoD vs. commercial markets (16:31) The future of autonomy and human roles (19:10) How to manage risk in autonomous system (23:51) What are the acquisition strategies in this space? (28:02) Tip for navigating defense acquisition as a small business LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbsanders/ Forterra: https://www.forterra.com/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/

This week, Ryan Connell sits down with Lori Wade, Chief Data Officer for the Intelligence Community, to talk about the pivotal role of quality data in driving AI and emerging technologies in the IC. Lori shares her insights on data interoperability, public-private collaboration, and the complexities of managing data across the 18 Intelligence Community elements. She also shares her journey implementing the IC Data Strategy, preparing the workforce, and achieving data readiness by 2025. Tune in for a deep dive on the challenges and opportunities the Intelligence Community faces when it comes to data and emerging tech. TIMESTAMPS: (1:03) Meet Lori Wade (4:25) Key challenges in data management (8:28) How to use Smart Data Questions (12:31) What is the role of the Chief Data Officer? (16:33) How AI plays a role in the digital c-suite (18:51) Managing data reference architecture and quality (20:47) Why mission reliance is on data (23:26) Creating end-to-end data management plans (29:19) What does the future of data in the IC look like? LINKS: Follow Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/ Follow Lori: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-wade-212551221/ CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/ Tradewinds: https://www.tradewindai.com/