The defense industrial base requires innovation and resilient power to create and sustain an environment that supports future weapon systems and their power demands to support AI-driven capabilities. Discussion will highlight how to stimulate innovation, access and integrate emerging technologies, and create the conditions for long-term industrial strength to support national security priorities. Speakers will discuss investments required at both the national and base level to support the warfighter.

Clear, transparent communication among Congress, the Executive Branch, and industry is essential to driving smart, sustainable policies and efficiently building out programs that support the warfighter. As the government overhauls the FAR and rethinks acquisition to accelerate delivery, coordinated efforts and aligned priorities are essential. Hear from congressional officals on how to think about the political dynamics, how to navigate a changing, dynamic acquisition landscape, find common ground, and encourage all stakeholders to collaborate on the best solutions that can support national security mission. This panel will also explore how industry can offer candid, constructive input that leads to effective, efficient outcomes—without compromising trust or incurring unnecessary risk. 

To outpace potential adversaries, national security-focused departments and agencies must harness commercial innovation while ensuring fair access, parity, and open competition for all industry partners. This panel will explore the implementation of recently passed legislation and acquisition guidance, including how to balance the preference for commercial products, services, and solutions with the need to preserve IP and technical data rights. Panelists will also discuss the role of industry in supporting systems integration. In addition, the session will unpack key acquisition-related executive orders and highlight flexible acquisition methods such as Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO) and Other Transactions (OT). The shared goal across government and industry is smarter acquisition, stronger partnerships, and faster solutions for the mission.  

Each time we face a funding lapse, the effects ripple across the national security enterprise. For the defense industrial base ranging from major contractors to small innovative suppliers, shutdowns disrupt everything from contract awards and program execution to workforce stability and supply chain resilience. This panel brings together former congressional staff and policy experts to examine how shutdowns impact both large primes and small businesses, what lessons have been learned from past disruptions, and what strategies can mitigate risk in the future. Panelists will discuss contracting delays, budget uncertainty, and how to strengthen the defense ecosystem’s readiness for future fiscal turbulence.