The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the innovation community don’t always speak the same language or do business in the same way; and until they do, neither can fully achieve their business or national defense goals. Yet some companies, particularly small businesses, continue to respond to solicitations that may, or may not, help to advance their technology. This happens because they don’t always understand the language in DoD funding topics and may not know where to go for assistance.
Clear communication is vital if the DoD hopes to find new technologies to meet the challenges faced by Servicemembers and U.S. companies hope to secure development funding, demonstrate their technology, or land a government contract. This session discusses the differences, similarities, and challenges faced by those developing requirement-responsive technology and the community that is seeking solutions to defense and national security problems. Company representatives, academic researchers, economic development organizations, or U.S. government technology scouts will find content that improves engagement between those inside and outside the fence.
Using personal experience and tech community observation, presenter Lisa Delp offers insights into the following:
- Understanding the Problem & Describing the Solution
- Finding Someone Who Cares
- Knowing What Comes Next