October 30, 2026 Day 1
The government is pushing for faster acquisition, commercial-first approaches, and outcomes-based contracting. DoW and defense industrial base (DIB) are working collaboratively to ensure the acquisition workforce, contracting infrastructure, and DIB ready to move at that pace. This session will discuss the evolution of the DIB, balancing the role of primes with new entrants to support innovation for the warfighter, and how all parts of the DIB ecosystem must work together to evolve and meet the demands of the mission.
The Department's transition from the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) to the Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP) marks the most significant reform of defense requirements generation intended to reduce cycle times, improve alignment between requirements, acquisition, and resourcing, and accelerate the delivery of warfighting capability. This panel will examine how JFRP changes the relationship between government and industry by creating opportunities for earlier, more meaningful engagement throughout the capability development lifecycle. The discussion will also explore the need for adequate funding for requirements and how industry can better understand operational problems, contribute innovative commercial and dual-use technologies, and help reduce technical and programmatic risk earlier in the acquisition process.
AI and autonomous systems remain a top priority for the warfighter, especially as capabilities mature from experimentation into operational deployment thereby reshaping the character of warfare by enabling faster decision-making and greater operational agility. This fireside chat will explore how AI and mission autonomy are transforming the future battlespace—from decision advantage and human-machine teaming to autonomous platforms and multi-domain operations. The conversation will examine how the Department and industry are collaborating to accelerate innovation and technology and acquisition challenges around fielding emerging capabilities that are secure, reliable, and aligned with operational needs.
As the Department of War (DoW) and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) adapt to an era of strategic competition, rapid technological change, and evolving operational demands, developing the next-generation workforce has become a critical national security imperative. This keynote will explore how the DoW is developing stronger partnerships across government, industry, and academia to prepare, develop, retain, and continuously evolve the current and emerging workforce required for tomorrow’s missions. It will also examine new approaches to workforce development (e.g., internships/apprenticeships and public-private partnerships) and culture change.
Why should I attend PSC's Defense Conference?
The 2026 Defense Conference brings together senior government and defense industry leaders to address critical issues shaping the national security landscape. This year’s conference theme, Operationalizing Acquisition for the Warfighter, will spotlight the innovation, agility, and public-private collaboration essential to fortifying our national security.
Networking at its finest
Not only is the PSC Defense Conference an extraordinary opportunity for business intelligence, but perhaps what it is most known for the incredible networking opportunities it creates across the federal contracting marketplace.