Shows
Defense Tech PodcastGamechanger or Guideline? The Real Impact of Trump’s Acquisition OrderIn the wake of President Trump's executive order prioritizing speed and agility in DoD critical technology procurement, OTAs are in the spotlight. Guest Doug Crowe joins to explain how we navigate acquiring critical and emerging technology in the modern age. Doug Crowe is the Senior Vice President of Program Management at NSTXL.
Doug comes in with 40 years of expertise in the industry – he is a Navy veteran and is so intelligent in many different DoD systems. He brings great insight into the acquisition environment today – we explore what the executive order really means, how it could reshape defe...2025-07-0228 min
The Contracting ExperienceThe Contracting Experience - Episode 70: Other Transaction Authority - Driving Innovation Through Public-Private Partnerships with NSTXL and Navy CraneThis episode of The Contracting Experience explores the world of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and their role in driving innovation within the Department of Defense. Host Rob Lorton speaks with Tim Greeff, President and Founder of the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL), and Matt Summers, an agreements/contracting officer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division. They delve into the history, present, and future of OTAs, with a focus on the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) program, managed by NSTXL in partnership with Navy Crane.
Tim and Matt discuss the evolution of OTAs as a...2025-07-0249 min
Defense Tech PodcastHow Marketing for the Government WorksWhat is it like to market for the Government? Join in this episode with special guest Civilian Jillian who shares what she’s learned from transitioning from civilian roles to marketing for high-impact Government projects.
Jillian Honeycutt is the Program Marketing Lead for the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) at the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL). From selling cheese to running marketing campaigns for Invisalign, she has garnered a diverse set of experiences in the marketing industry. Now in her role at NSTXL, she has taken on a new mission and purpose, working alongside of Space Systems Command to...2025-06-1226 min
Defense Tech PodcastWho is NSTXL? An Intro to the Defense Tech PodcastLet us reintroduce ourselves! Join Civilian Sydney hosts for this special episode about the origins of the Defense Tech Podcast, who NSTXL is, and why Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are now at the forefront of innovation in the U.S.
NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. We support our network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming and...2025-05-2907 min
Micro Journeys: The Pulse of What’s NextHow Microelectronics Commons is Fast-Tracking U.S. Innovation with Stephanie LinIn this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Stephanie Lin, Vice President of Microelectronics Commons at NSTXL, to explore her path from programming microcontrollers in high school to leading one of the U.S. Department of Defense’s most dynamic technology transition platforms. Stephanie reflects on the choices that shaped her career, her passion for engineering and economics, and the lessons learned across roles in government, real estate, and national security policy.The conversation dives into the evolution of the microelectronics ecosystem, including Stephanie’s early exposure to both lab and program offi...2025-04-3040 min
Defense Tech PodcastTech TALX: How Neptune Transitioned into DoD Offices with Epiq SolutionsJoin Civilian Sydney in the newest Tech TALX episode, where she sits with Wyatt Taylor from Epiq Solutions to discuss successful prototype integrations.
The "Neptune" project was initially awarded in 2021 under the S2MARTS OTA to 3 performers to provide a radio frequency payload for implementation into unmanned maritime systems. The project was then down-selected to Epiq solutions. Their payload solution gained attention from many other DoD offices who have since integrated Neptune’s test assets into their own systems. In this episode, we’re going to discover the factors that led to this project’s success.
This...2025-04-0318 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD-Critical: Developing a Clear Vision for Microelectronics with the MMEC HubCivilian Sydney sat down with Jackie Janning-Lask and Dr. Matt Casto, who lead the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium, to discuss the origins of MMEC and how to define a vision for clearer mission goals. The group also did a deep dive into a few technologies, including Secure Edge and the Internet of Things. Jackie and Matt helped me better understand the criticality of collaboration to achieve common goals.
Jackie Janning-Lask serves as the Chief Executive Officer of MMEC. She retired from the Air Force in July of 2023, bringing 35 years of DoD service to the table, including time at...2025-02-1346 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD-Critical: Capitalizing on Collaboration with the California DREAMS SuperhubIn this week's episode Civilian Sydney sits with Stephen Crago and Mike Haney, who help lead the California Defense Ready Electronics and Microdevices, or California DREAMS, Superhub.
Stephen is the Director and Principal Investigator of CA DREAMS at the University of Southern California, and Mike is the Deputy Director of CA DREAMS and the Director of the MOSIS 2.0 initiative.
In this episode, we cover electromagnetic warfare, 5G/6G technologies, the CA DREAMS MOSIS 2.0 initiative, cross-hub collaboration, and more.
Please leave a review if you love the podcast! If you have a suggestion for a...2025-01-2328 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD-Critical: Why We Need Trusted Systems with the SWAP HubTune in to this episode as Civilian Sydney sits down with the SWAP Hub's CTO, Krishnendu Chakrabarty.
Krishnendu is the Fulton Professor of Microelectronics in the school of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University. He also acts as the Chief Technology Officer for the SWAP Hub.
In this episode, we discuss some of the projects that the SWAP Hub is currently focused on, as well as what the Hub's workforce development initiatives are accomplishing - further cementing our understanding of why building a pipeline of qualified microelectronics workers is so crucial for...2025-01-1625 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD-Critical: Lab-to-Fab for Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors with the CLAWS HubJoin Civilian Sydney as she chats with Fred Kish and John Muth from the CLAWS Hub as they discuss commercial leap-ahead technologies, wide-bandgap semiconductors, access to cleanrooms, building a robust workforce pipeline and more.
Fred Kish is a renowned engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of optoelectronics, particularly in the development of high-performance LEDs and integrated photonic circuits. He is currently a distinguished professor and NNF Director at North Carolina State University.
John Muth is also a distinguished professor at North Carolina State University, and he specializes in wide bandgap semiconductors and th...2024-12-1935 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD-Critical: Why User-Centric Design Matters with the SCMC HubCivilian Sydney talks with Brett Hamilton and Jalen Rollins from the Applied Research Institute, also known as ARI, who help lead the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub. In this episode, they dive into technologies such as electromagnetic warfare and discuss the foundational elements for the successful integration of technologies.
Brett serves as Senior Vice President of Microelectronics & Advanced Technology Strategy at ARI, and is a respected national microelectronics leader with a 27-career at the DoD. Jalen is the Innovation Program Manager for SCMC and leads impactful campaigns for ARI and the SCMC Hub, leveraging his expertise in...2024-12-1233 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD Critical: AI's Role in National Security with the NW AI HubThis week on the DoD-Critical series, Civilian Sydney talks with H.S. Philip Wong and Tsu-Jae Liu, professors leading the California-Pacific-Northwest AI (NW AI) Hub, one of eight Hubs of Microelectronics Commons. The NW AI Hub is focused on the development energy-efficient AI hardware and "AI at the Edge" - enabling AI use in devices soldiers carry.
Professor Liu currently serves as the Dean and the Roy W. Carlson Professor of Engineering at the UC Berkeley College of Engineering. Professor Wong is the Willard R. and Inez Kerr Bell Professor in the School of Engineering.
To...2024-12-0533 min
Defense Tech PodcastDoD-Critical: From Research to Application with the NORDTECH HubWelcome back! Season 3 of the podcast is kicking off with Nicholas Fahrenkopf of the NORDTECH Hub, one of eight Microelectronics Commons Hubs that was awarded in 2023. This season we are exploring the six technologies that are critical to the Department of Defense in the effort to re-onshore microelectronics manufacturing technologies, as well as ensure the security of our current technologies.
Nick is the Technical Director of NORDTECH, and earned his BS in Physics and PhD in Nanoscale Engineering from the University at Albany and has experience in integration engineering. In this episode, he walks us through the...2024-11-2827 min
Defense Tech PodcastTech TALX: How Advanced Packaging Works with Analog DevicesJoin Civilian Sydney in this Tech TALX episode as she sits with John Cowles from Analog Devices to talk advanced packaging and System on a Chip (SOCs). In this tech deep dive, John walks us through what an SOC is as well as its history, and why the industry is moving towards advanced packaging as an effective solution.
John Cowles is the Senior Director of Technology at Analog. He has over 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry in various specialties such as defense electronics, microwave radios, as well as power detectors, phase shifters and radar-focused products. H...2024-09-0322 min
Airplane Geeks PodcastWright Electric Airplane MotorsWe speak with the Founder and CEO of Wright Electric, an aviation company with a goal to make all regional single-aisle flights zero-emissions. In the news, Boeing testified before the NTSB about the 737 door plug incident, American Airlines new standby rules are criticized, Space-X may bring the Boeing Starliner astronauts back from the International Space Station, and the impact on Delta Air Lines after the Microsoft/CrowdStrike global IT outage. We also have an Australia News Desk report.
Guest
Jeff Engler is the Founder and CEO of Wright Electric. The company develops ultra-lightweight electric motors, generators, and batteries for aerospace...2024-08-141h 39
Defense Tech PodcastTech TALX: Digital Services for the DoD with Omni FederalThe Defense Tech Podcast is back! This episode is a part of a new miniseries called Tech TALX where we will intermittently release standalone episodes. Each of these special episodes will help paint the larger picture of the technology that’s imperative to the DoD mission.
On this week’s Tech TALX, Civilian Sydney meets with Brad Kettner and Dan Wenk from Omni Federal. In this episode, Brad and Dan provide a new perspective on the digital services and methods necessary to make real progress in DoD innovation, especially in space. They also discuss their passions in tech...2024-06-2022 min
Defense Tech PodcastBeyond Borders: Achieving Resilience by 2026 with Josh MadrigalJoin Civilian Sydney for the final episode of Season 2 as she sits down with Josh Madrigal, Vice President at Millennium Space Systems.
In this episode, we dive deep into space tech with Josh, who is an industry SME and SpEC member. Josh discusses the U.S. trajectory to achieving resilience in space by 2026, as well as the efficiency of OTAs, small satellite technology and more. He also discusses Millennium Space's involvement in the crucial Missile Track Custody project.
Thank you to all who tuned in to Season 2, and we can't wait to circle back with...2024-05-0221 min
Defense Tech PodcastBeyond Borders: Meeting Warfighter Needs with Alonso SeguraJoin Civilian Sydney this week as she talks with Alonso Segura, Director of Strategy at Peraton.
Do you ever wonder how the U.S. Government identifies its technology needs for the Warfighter? In this episode, Alonso utilizes his experience in program management for the Government to explain how these needs get identified and acted upon. He also shares his tips for connecting industry with Government, benefits of utilizing an OTA, and more.
Alonso retired from the military after 22 years of service, and after retiring, joined a venture-backed startup where he ran the government portfolio from t...2024-04-1831 min
Defense Tech PodcastBeyond Borders: The Final Frontier with Mike MalinowskiIn this week’s episode, Civilian Sydney sits down with Mike Malinowski, the Director of Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC). Mike is a Veteran of the Navy and has a wide array of experience in the industry, including 10 years of management at General Dynamics and Boeing.
In this episode, Mike shares his vision for SpEC, including his goals for supporting and uplifting Space Systems Command, and how the SpEC OTA is a unique solution for government contracting. He also shares his expertise on the current climate of space defense – how the United States is holding up to its comp...2024-03-2818 min
Defense Tech PodcastBeyond Borders: Finding the Best Solution with Patrick Barrett and Jay KvaleIn this episode of the Defense Tech Podcast, Civilian Sydney continues the Beyond Borders series, exploring the role of space in U.S. defense tech. This episode features Patrick Barrett and Jay Kvale from Infinity Systems Engineering.
Patrick and Jay delve into their backgrounds and passions in the world of space technology, as well as how Infinity Systems helps forward the DoD mission of protecting the U.S. space domain.
Tune into this episode for more insight into the newest in space technology and how the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) ensures DoD access to the...2024-03-1448 min
Defense Tech PodcastBeyond Borders: Defense Education Tools with Melissa OwensWelcome back to the Defense Tech Podcast! We're kicking of our second series, Beyond Borders: Space's Crucial Role in Defense Tech.
This episode, Civilian Sydney sits down with Melissa Owens, Project Manager at Omni Federal. With 25 years in the military, including experience building up Space Force, Melissa shares insight into her transition to civilian life, as well as the technology developed by Omni Federal to educate and serve multiple branches of the U.S. Government in order to secure our space domain.
Tune into this episode for more insight into the current landscape of s...2024-02-2922 min
Defense Tech PodcastBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Mike BrocklyJoin Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 4 of the Defense Tech Podcast for the final episode of the Behind the Scenes of Innovation series, as she sits down with Mike Brockly, Director of Program Management at NTSXL, to take a look at security measures in the United States, security implications of the Chips Crisis and project success and evaluation for Microelectronics Commons. Using his holistic security background, Mike breaks down the status of security in the U.S. and what he looks forward to seeing come to life with the Commons project. Stay tuned for future episodes, and be sure...2024-02-2619 min
Defense Tech PodcastBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Mike DoddJoin Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 3 of the Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with Mike Dodd, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NTSXL, to take a look at the current climate in government innovation. Using his extensive background in both military and industry, Mike provides insights into the issues currently facing U.S. national security, such as the Chips Crisis, and how the Microelectronics Commons program is situated to make a difference.
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com / national-security-technology-accelerator
Learn more about NSTXL: www.nstxl.org
2024-02-2619 min
Defense Tech PodcastBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Tim GreeffJoin Host Civilian Sydney for Episode 2 of The Defense Tech Podcast as she sits down with NSTXL President & Founder Tim Greeff to take a look behind the scenes of innovation. In this episode, Tim shares his high-level insight into the launch of Microelectronics Commons, its infrastructure and how he sees this project changing the future of Defense Contracting.
Connect with us on LinkedIn! linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator
Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org
Learn more about Commons: https://www.microelectronicscommons.org2024-02-2623 min
Defense Tech PodcastBehind the Scenes of Innovation with Stephanie LinIntroducing the Defense Tech Podcast! Join Host Civilian Sydney as she explores the inner workings of government innovation from five key NSTXL players. This series, we are taking a look behind the scenes of innovation, with a spotlight on Microelectronics Commons. This week’s guest is the Director of Microelectronics Commons at NSTXL, Stephanie Lin. In this conversation, Sydney goes behind the curtain to learn more about the function, infrastructure, and long-term goals for Commons.
Connect with us on LinkedIn! linkedin.com/national-security-technology-accelerator
Learn more about NSTXL: https://www.nstxl.org
Learn more about...2024-02-2315 min
WT 360: The market from all anglesAll about how OTA contracts really workOther Transaction Authority contracts have existed for many decades as alternative means for federal agencies to quickly bring in new technologies and systems when the usual acquisition processes will just not cut it.But the focus on speed puts artificial limits on the promise and potential of what OTAs can do when used correctly, as NSTXL’s founder and chief executive Tim Greeff tells our Ross Wilkers in this episode.Greeff leads NSTXL in its mission to manage consortia that work with agencies when they decide to run OTA processes, many of which are being us...2023-10-2340 min