December 2, 2025

Retired DISA Director Lt. Gen. Robert “Bob” Skinner shares an in-depth look at how the Defense Information Systems Agency—and the broader federal technology community—can stay ahead in an era defined by artificial intelligence, rapid innovation, and growing global competition. Skinner speaks candidly about the challenges and opportunities that industry and government face together, offering a clear message: the real winners in the AI race are the organizations that understand both operations and technology, and know how to fuse the two.

Skinner begins by highlighting the purpose of DISA’s annual Forecast to Industry, which the agency is preparing to roll out for 2025. He describes the event as a chance for DISA to communicate the problems, challenges, and opportunities it sees on the horizon. Much like Wayne Gretzky’s famous advice to “skate to where the puck is going to be,” the forecast invites industry to anticipate mission needs and posture themselves to meet them. Skinner says this forward-looking mindset strengthens collaboration and ensures that companies can help DISA tackle challenges that directly affect the warfighter.

A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the shift from traditional requirements-writing to problem statements—an approach Skinner championed during his tenure at DISA. He explains that clear, concise articulation of the problem gives industry the space to bring creativity, innovation, and efficiency to government solutions. Requirements will never be perfect, he notes, but close partnership between industry and government helps refine them and deliver outcomes that are effective, economical, and mission-aligned.

When the discussion turns to artificial intelligence, Skinner underscores its transformative impact. AI is reshaping missions, operations, cybersecurity, and nearly every piece of technology DISA touches. He says that organizations that pair operational understanding with AI fluency will be the ones positioned for advantage. Many technologies already embed AI behind the scenes, he adds, helping users, administrators, and mission partners without them even realizing it. At the same time, adversaries can use AI to enhance their own capabilities—making it essential that the United States stays ahead.

Skinner stresses that America’s enduring edge comes from its innovative spirit. While countries like China may have greater scale, he argues that the U.S. excels in creativity, critical thinking, and its collaborative ecosystem of government, industry, allies, partners, and academia. That network, he believes, is a long-term differentiator that keeps the U.S. in a position of strength.

Acquisition reform also plays a major role in accelerating technological adoption. Skinner points to other transactional authorities and streamlined proof-of-concept pathways as key tools for bringing new solutions into government faster. However, he notes that reductions in the contracting workforce could slow progress, making reform even more important.

Skinner reinforces that maintaining advantage requires urgency, resilience, and continued innovation. The mission, he says, is always about giving the warfighter the strongest possible position—today and in the future.