Presented by Carahsoft

Original broadcast date February 18, 2025

Strategic Partnerships for Defense: The Race to 2027 Readiness

Rob Pickle, Sales Director at Carahsoft, discusses the importance of leveraging technology to ensure fleet preparedness, particularly with the looming 2027 timeline for potential conflict with China over Taiwan. He highlights the urgency for the Department of Defense (DoD) to take executable actions by FY 2026 and the crucial role industry plays in supporting this effort. Pickle emphasizes the need for strong collaboration between industry partners and government, stressing the importance of education, relationship-building, and delivering integrated solutions at speed. He shares that aligning the right technology vendors, resellers, and system integrators is key to enabling rapid deployment of essential software and hardware solutions, helping the DoD meet its readiness objectives effectively.

Key Takeaways:

1. With 2027 as a critical milestone, DoD must take decisive actions by FY 2026 to ensure fleet preparedness, leveraging industry expertise and technology.
   
   
2. Strong partnerships between government, resellers, and system integrators are essential for delivering effective solutions tailored to DoD needs.
   
   
3. The defense sector must accelerate procurement and deployment processes, ensuring rapid delivery of technology solutions to warfighters.

Speed vs. Budget: The Navy’s Fight Against Budget Uncertainty

Vice Admiral John Skillman, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources (N8), highlights the disruptive impact of budget uncertainty on naval operations, citing continuing resolutions (CRs) as a major obstacle. With billions of dollars misaligned in procurement accounts, new programs stalled, and pay raises needing to be funded from existing budgets, CRs create inefficiencies that hinder the Navy’s ability to maintain readiness and modernize. Despite these challenges, the urgency of preparing for potential Chinese aggression by 2027 is driving efforts to eliminate waste and enhance operational efficiency. Skillman emphasizes the importance of alignment across Navy leadership, transparency with fleet commanders, and empowering personnel to voice innovative solutions to overcome bureaucratic hurdles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Continuing resolutions disrupt procurement, personnel funding, and modernization efforts, delaying essential projects and pay raises.
   
   
2. The Navy is working against a firm deadline to deter Chinese aggression, necessitating faster decision-making and improved efficiency.
   
   
3. Leadership is focused on removing bureaucratic obstacles, fostering alignment across the Navy, and encouraging innovation at all levels despite funding limitations.

Bridging Public-Private Cybersecurity: Lessons in Agility and AI Implementation

Bri Frost, Director of Cybersecurity and IT Ops Curriculum at Pluralsight, highlights that the public sector can learn valuable lessons in agility from private industry, particularly in technology adoption and cybersecurity practices. She advocates for stronger partnerships between the two sectors to streamline innovation and implementation, especially in emerging fields like AI. Frost warns against fear-driven marketing of AI solutions, comparing it to the initial hype around zero trust, and stresses that AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance efficiency rather than a silver bullet for security. She encourages agencies to focus on mission-driven applications of AI and cybersecurity tools, ensuring they align with operational goals rather than being adopted for hype.

Key Takeaways:

1. The public sector should adopt a more flexible and collaborative approach to technology implementation, learning from private industry to reduce bureaucratic delays.
   
   
2. Just as zero trust evolved beyond initial hype, AI should be integrated thoughtfully, focusing on efficiency rather than fear-driven adoption.
   
   
3. Despite technological advancements, cyber adversaries continue to use familiar tactics; organizations should prioritize strong security fundamentals over chasing new trends.

Beyond Sales: How Industry Can Truly Support Government Missions

Chris Betz, CTO for Federal at Omnissa, dives into the importance of industry partners adopting a strategic, value-driven approach when working with government agencies. Rather than focusing on aggressive sales tactics, he emphasizes that successful industry partners serve as trusted advisors who align with government objectives and drive meaningful outcomes. Betz notes that challenges such as bureaucratic red tape and leadership turnover often hinder digital transformation efforts, making continuity and accountability critical. He advocates for industry to play a proactive role in ensuring smooth transitions, maintaining project momentum, and fostering long-term success in government initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Industry partners should prioritize being strategic advisors who drive real value rather than pushing products that may not deliver meaningful outcomes.
   
   
2. Frequent changes in key leadership positions disrupt transformation efforts, requiring better transition management to maintain momentum.
   
   
3. By maintaining accountability and supporting long-term objectives, industry can help government agencies navigate bureaucratic challenges and sustain progress in digital transformation.

Preparing the DoD Cyber Workforce for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Matt Isnor, Program Lead for Cyberspace Workforce Development at the Department of Defense, discusses the ongoing implementation of the Cyber Workforce Qualification Program, known as Manual 8140. The initiative aims to assess, train, and enhance the capabilities of DoD’s cyber workforce by tracking qualifications, skill gaps, and readiness. The program provides a data-driven approach to workforce management, ensuring personnel receive the necessary training to meet evolving cyber threats. While the current focus is on cybersecurity roles, the initiative will expand to other technological domains such as AI and software engineering, ensuring a unified talent development pipeline. The program is set for full implementation by February 2027, with continuous updates to adapt to emerging threats and mission needs.

Key Takeaways:

1. Manual 8140 enables the DoD to track workforce qualifications, assess skill gaps, and ensure personnel readiness to address evolving cyber threats.
   
   
2. The initiative will integrate AI, data science, and software engineering into a unified workforce development strategy to meet future technological demands.
   
   
3. Given the rapid evolution of cyber threats, the program remains flexible, regularly updating training pathways to align with operational needs and adversary tactics.

Breaking Security Barriers to Government Modernization

Jim Coyle, U.S. Public Sector CTO at Lookout, discusses the challenges government agencies face in embracing mobility, cloud security, and AI. While modernization efforts are progressing, many organizations still struggle with security concerns, particularly around mobile devices, which are increasingly targeted by cyber threats. Coyle highlights the need for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate secure digital transformation. He also shares the importance of understanding data sovereignty in AI and improving endpoint security to protect classified and unclassified information. Despite progress in pockets of the government, widespread adoption of commercial best practices remains slow due to lingering security apprehensions.

Key Takeaways:

1. While mobility and cloud adoption are critical for modernization, security fears—especially regarding mobile devices—continue to hinder full implementation.
   
   
2. Agencies must establish clear guidelines for AI data usage, ensuring security and operational effectiveness while preventing unauthorized access or data leakage.
   
   
3. Government agencies can accelerate digital transformation by learning from commercial best practices and leveraging industry expertise in cybersecurity and cloud security.

Public-Private Collaboration: The Key to AI and Autonomy Success

Chris Elsins, Director of Public Sector Go-To-Market at Domino Data Lab, discusses the evolving role of AI and autonomy in government digital transformation. He highlights the increasing interest in adopting innovative solutions, emphasizing that successful implementation requires iterative development rather than rigidly defined prototypes. Elsins notes that while commercial off-the-shelf solutions can provide a strong foundation, government agencies often have unique requirements that demand collaboration across a diverse set of technology partners. He also stresses the importance of scaling successful implementations across departments and using risk-based approaches to build trust in AI and autonomy. By focusing on integration, open standards, and flexibility, government agencies can drive meaningful modernization while addressing security and operational concerns.

Key Takeaways:

1. Rather than rigidly defining requirements upfront, agencies should adopt flexible development processes to refine AI and autonomy solutions based on real-world use cases.
   
   
2. While commercial solutions provide a foundation, government agencies must partner with a diverse range of vendors to address unique mission-specific needs.
   
   
3. By implementing AI and autonomy within controlled risk thresholds, organizations can demonstrate value while addressing concerns about security and operational reliability.

Protecting Digital Integrity: Responsible AI in Government Operations

Brendan Curley, Vice President of Public Sector Sales - Digital Media at Adobe, discusses the importance of responsible AI in content creation and data management for government agencies. He highlights Adobe’s approach to AI, focusing on accountability, responsibility, and transparency to ensure that AI-generated content is accurate, diverse, and traceable. Adobe's AI models, such as Firefly for creative content and AI-enhanced Acrobat for document management, are trained on proprietary data to maintain trust and security. Curley also emphasizes the need for content credentials—metadata tracking changes to digital content—to combat misinformation. Looking ahead, he believes AI will revolutionize government work by reducing manual tasks, improving efficiency, and enhancing job satisfaction.

Key Takeaways:

1. Government agencies must ensure AI tools are trained on reliable data sources to avoid misinformation and security risks.
   
   
2. Digital content tracking, similar to ingredient labels on food, will help verify the origins and edits of government-created media.
   
   
3. AI will streamline manual tasks, allowing government employees to focus on higher-level analysis and decision-making, improving efficiency and job satisfaction.

NAVWAR’s Digital Leap: Transforming Naval Communications and Operations

Rob Wolborsky, Chief Engineer at NAVWAR, discusses the Navy’s Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore (C2) initiative, which aims to provide high-speed internet access to ships using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This effort represents a remarkable transformation in connectivity for sailors and Marines, enhancing both operational effectiveness and quality of life. Improved network access will support professional development, training, maintenance, and personal communication while ensuring cybersecurity and operational security. The rollout is progressing rapidly, with aircraft carriers already equipped and plans to expand the system fleet-wide. Wolborsky also highlights NAVWAR’s broader digital transformation efforts, emphasizing a system-of-systems approach, digital engineering, and ecosystem integration to enhance warfighter capabilities and future-proof naval operations.

Key Takeaways:

1. The C2 initiative leverages satellite technology to provide high-speed, secure internet access for sailors, improving both mission execution and personal communication.
   
   
2. Aircraft carriers are the first to receive C2, with plans to deploy across the fleet within two years, ensuring seamless connectivity for all personnel.
   
   
3. NAVWAR is transforming naval capabilities through an integrated ecosystem approach, enhancing functionality, security, and scalability across platforms.
   

From Data Overload to Clarity: Using the Right Metrics for Change

Peter Seidule, DoD Lead at Qualtrics, emphasizes the importance of listening to personnel in driving digital transformation within the military. He explains that successful modernization isn't just about implementing new technologies—it’s about gathering meaningful experience data from sailors, Marines, and civilians to ensure solutions are effective. Many military leaders fear initial feedback will be overwhelmingly negative, but Seidule notes that data often reveals a better-than-expected baseline, helping organizations make informed, incremental improvements. He advocates for starting small by measuring engagement and experience alongside operational data, creating a foundation for smarter decision-making and more impactful transformations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Technology alone isn’t enough—successful transformation depends on gathering and incorporating real feedback from those using the systems.
   
   
2. Organizations should begin by measuring basic experience data to enrich operational insights and drive meaningful improvements.
   
   
3. Leaders often fear negative feedback, but initial data usually shows a neutral or slightly positive baseline, providing a realistic foundation for progress.