Clear, transparent communication among Congress, the Department of Defense (DoD), and industry is essential to driving smart, sustainable policies and efficiently building out programs that support the warfighter. As the government overhauls the FAR, the Department rethinks acquisition, and Congress advances legislation to accelerate delivery, coordinated efforts and aligned priorities are essential. Hear from Hill, DoD, and industry 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, the Department of Defense (DoD) must harness commercial innovation while ensuring fair access, parity, and open competition for all industry partners. This panel will explore how the Department, particularly its contracting workforce, is interpreting and implementing 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. 

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.