Frontier Mission Network

Great insight from Steve Blank: https://lnkd.in/gshw7qeE

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This memo issued by the Secretary of Defense, requiring that Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) be the default avenue to acquire new capabilities, is another indication of the Pentagon's intent to work with more commercial, non-traditional suppliers. https://lnkd.in/gC6GdsF4

In 1993, new Clinton Administration Defense Secretary Les Aspin urged the Pentagon’s largest vendors to consolidate ahead of the looming Pentagon budget cuts. By consolidating defense suppliers, Aspin had hoped the industry would gain efficiencies without losing capacity. The legacy of Aspin’s directive is now clear: the defense industry is largely defined by specialists, namely five mega-contractors -- Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. But recent and proposed reforms could soon expand the American defense industrial base and open up the doors to new commercial suppliers. Please take a read through Thomas Day's commentary on this topic: https://lnkd.in/gTfaNTpt

"For the American national security community to retain its technological leadership, solutions can come only through more actively participating in points of intersection where technologies are addressing defense?and?commercial needs. And regional economies stand to gain from building those points of intersection." From Thomas Day: https://lnkd.in/gTfaNTpt

This commentary notes the need for more nimble, responsive action from the U.S. military and the defense industrial base in building systems to meet operational challenges -- precisely the kind of action we are looking to support in Chicago, facilitated through a deeply integrated relationship between local industry partners and the American warfighter. "The diffusion of technology means U.S. military superiority must come not just from the weapons it has, but from how it uses them. This calls for close collaboration among operators, engineers and industry figures. Innovation thrives when ideas are tested and refined in the field, not just in labs." https://lnkd.in/gF2HmUtz

Our friends at National Defense Industrial Association - (NDIA) Great Lakes chapter are hosting a conference on cybersecurity risks and navigating the current regulatory environment. Please consider joining NDIA in May in Milwaukee. More information here: https://lnkd.in/gRiD3YrP

Here is a better way to do tech-based economic development, leveraging new Department of Defense programs to bridge the gap between research and value creation. From Thomas Day: https://lnkd.in/gbFvinBp

On Friday afternoon, we hosted MBA candidates and faculty members at the University of Chicago, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and the University of Illinois Chicago to discuss our vision to grow the defense venture community. We received valuable feedback on our model from all workshop participants. Thank you to the Polksy Center for hosting!

Building American strength is in no way in conflict with social goals. Far from it. American reindustrialization is real, the national security community is playing a central role, and it's time to get off the sidelines. Please read my commentary here: https://lnkd.in/gDFC_DmE