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Guarding the Final Frontier: How AI is Revolutionizing Space Safety and Security

Mary Ann Brown
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Guarding the Final Frontier: How AI is Revolutionizing Space Safety and Security

Join host Mary Ann Brown for a fascinating conversation with Tim Solms, CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, as he takes us beyond Earth’s atmosphere to explore one of the most critical challenges of our time: keeping space safe, sustainable, and secure.

In this episode, Tim reveals how Slingshot Aerospace is transforming space domain awareness through cutting-edge AI technology. As space becomes increasingly crowded with thousands of satellites and growing commercial activity, the need for comprehensive space situational awareness has never been more urgent.

Tim discusses the groundbreaking launch of Agatha—a revolutionary AI system developed in partnership with DARPA that can pinpoint subtle spacecraft abnormalities and identify potential bad actors in the vast sea of satellite constellations orbiting Earth. Unlike traditional space surveillance methods, Agatha detects minute behavioral differences that may indicate suspicious missions, unique hardware, weapons, or abnormal operations.

Drawing from his extensive background as a former U.S. Army pilot who flew AH-1 Cobra and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, and his executive experience at Microsoft, Dun & Bradstreet, and other tech companies, Tim provides unique insights into how military precision meets commercial innovation in the space sector.

Listeners will discover how Slingshot’s platform transforms disparate space data into a unified operating picture, combining information from global sensor networks, satellite databases, and third-party providers to create a holistic view of space activities—past, present, and predicted. Tim shares real-world applications of Agatha and discusses how AI is revolutionizing space operations to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and reduce risks for space operators worldwide.

This conversation offers a compelling look at the intersection of national security, technological innovation, and the future of space exploration, making complex space domain challenges accessible and relevant for technology leaders across all industries.

Guest: Tim Solms, CEO, Slingshot Aerospace

Topics Covered:

  • Space safety, sustainability, and security challenges
  • Agatha AI system and its revolutionary capabilities
  • Partnership with DARPA and government collaboration
  • Real-world applications and suspicious activity detection
  • AI’s transformative impact on the space sector
  • Future of space domain awareness and operations

About Slingshot Aerospace: Slingshot Aerospace provides government and commercial partners worldwide with AI-powered solutions for satellite tracking, space traffic coordination, and space modeling and simulation, driven by its mission to make space safe, sustainable, and secure.

Revolutionizing Federal Workflows: iTech AG Drives AI Support for CMS’s Customer Service Management

Mary Ann Brown
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Revolutionizing Federal Workflows: iTech AG Drives AI Support for CMS’s Customer Service Management

As the federal government looks to modernize IT solutions to better support citizens and create efficiencies, they often face challenges in adopting emerging technologies like AI due to complex compliance requirements and integration barriers. It’s key that organizations have the ability to help government teams navigate these complexities and deliver measurable outcomes that modernize operations and maximize value for federal missions.

In December 2024, iTech AG achieved a milestone in federal innovation by implementing its first ServiceNow Generative AI integration for Customer Service Management at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Clinical Standards and Quality. As a ServiceNow Elite Partner with a Product Line Achievement in Customer Service Management, iTech AG leads the first-ever Federal Civilian go-live of ServiceNow’s Now Assist, enhancing efficiency and customer outcomes.

iTech AG provides the government and federal health community with leading-edge technology solutions to help agencies modernize systems to fit their needs, enable organizations to better serve citizens, and optimize results.

 

Jeremy Tipton

Jeremy Tipton is a digital solutions leader with over 12 years of experience in federal government contracting. As Director of Digital Platforms at iTech AG, he drives innovation to enhance operations, streamline processes, and improve service delivery for public and private sector customers.

Jeremy ensures the successful implementation of digital strategies that optimize efficiency and user experience. His expertise in data analytics and process improvement enables organizations to harness technology for smarter decision making and operational success. Passionate about digital transformation, Jeremy collaborates with key stakeholders to implement leading-edge solutions that align with evolving business needs. His strategic leadership empowers organizations to adapt, innovate, and achieve long-term success in an ever-changing digital landscape.

 

iTech AG

iTech AG is a Washington, D.C. area-based technology consulting firm that helps federal, state, local and private organizations streamline operations through a wide range of customized and innovative solutions. Combining strategic IT management consulting, zero trust security, human-centered design and a customer experience approach to facilitate digital modernization, agile framework adoption, enterprise platform implementation, and automation through AI to achieve mission-critical results.

From Startup to IBM: Sonny Kakar’s $200M Exit Strategy and Social Impact Revolution

Mary Ann Brown
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From Startup to IBM: Sonny Kakar’s $200M Exit Strategy and Social Impact Revolution

What does it take to build a government technology company from zero to a multi-hundred-million-dollar IBM acquisition? And how do you create lasting social impact along the way?

In this powerful episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Sonny Kakar, the visionary entrepreneur who founded Sevatec in 2003 and led it through an incredible journey – from scrappy startup to private equity sale in 2020, and ultimately to IBM acquisition in 2022.

But Sonny’s story goes far beyond financial success. While building Sevatec into a national security technology powerhouse, he simultaneously launched the SevaTruck Foundation – a revolutionary food truck initiative that now serves 2,000+ nutritious meals weekly to underserved communities across the DMV region. Today, he’s pioneering the future of GovCon collaboration through SevaSpaces, an innovative co-working concept designed specifically for the government contracting ecosystem.

https://youtu.be/XBQhc3noo94

In this unfiltered conversation, you’ll discover:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:31 – Sonny’s Early Career and Challenges

05:15 – Advice for Small Businesses in 2025

09:03 – Misconceptions About Government Contracting

13:33 – Innovative Business Development Strategies

18:48 – Data-Driven Strategy for Success

20:27 – Implementing Actionable Plans with Jira

21:28 – Building Genuine Business Relationships

26:31 – Taking Risks and Entrepreneurial Journey

31:51 – Balancing Competition and Collaboration

This isn’t your typical success story – it’s a masterclass in building a purpose-driven business that generates both profit and positive social impact. Whether you’re a seasoned GovCon executive or an aspiring entrepreneur, Sonny’s insights will challenge your thinking and inspire your next moves.

Ready for some unfiltered truth about what it really takes to succeed in government technology?

Breaking Barriers in Government Digital Services

Mary Ann Brown
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Breaking Barriers in Government Digital Services

Join host Mary Ann Brown for an inspiring conversation with Jessica Morris, President and CEO of Pluribus Digital, as she shares her remarkable journey from a 20-year government career to founding and leading a thriving woman-owned digital services company.

In this episode, Jessica opens up about the pivotal experiences that shaped her transition from policy expert to tech entrepreneur, including her work at agencies like the Government Accountability Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, and as Senate committee staff. She discusses the mentors who guided her path and the defining moments that influenced her leadership approach in building modern digital products for public service missions.

As a founding member of both the Digital Services Coalition and the Digital WOSB Alliance, Jessica brings unique insights into supporting women-owned businesses in the tech sector. She shares practical strategies for encouraging young women to pursue leadership roles in male-dominated industries and her vision for accelerating progress for women in leadership.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating career transitions, building mission-driven organizations, and creating pathways for the next generation of women leaders in government technology.

Guest: Jessica Morris, President and CEO, Pluribus Digital

Topics Covered:

  • From government service to tech entrepreneurship
  • Mentorship and pivotal career moments
  • Leading in male-dominated industries
  • Building woman-owned businesses in digital services
  • Strategies for encouraging young women leaders
  • The future of women in leadership

Connect with Jessica.

About Pluribus Digital: A Woman-Owned Small Business building digital products for public service missions, supporting agencies including USCIS, GSA, CDC, FDIC, Library of Congress, and VA through modern design, development, and delivery practices.

Healthcare Unlocked: Jeff Grant on Policy, Payments, and People

Mary Ann Brown
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0
Healthcare Unlocked: Jeff Grant on Policy, Payments, and People
In this compelling episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Jeff Grant, a healthcare policy veteran with over 30 years of federal experience who has transformed personal adversity into professional opportunity. From implementing the Affordable Care Act to leading operations for millions of Americans’ health insurance enrollment, Jeff shares his journey from government service to entrepreneurial consulting—and how he’s now using his platform to help wrongfully terminated civil servants find new opportunities in the private sector.
Jeff Grant brings a unique perspective to healthcare policy and government contracting. As President and Founder of Schedule F Healthcare Strategies, he specializes in federal health programs, health information technology, and government contracting. His impressive career includes leading the implementation of major healthcare initiatives including the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit payment policies.
Most recently serving as Operations Director in the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, Jeff managed 600 federal staff and thousands of contracted personnel, overseeing the enrollment of millions of Americans in private health insurance coverage. His experience spans both public and private sectors, including work at Health Risk Partners, LLC, supporting Medicare Advantage plans in revenue strategy and risk adjustment.
A University of Michigan history graduate with an MPA from George Washington University, Jeff also brings 22 years of military service as a retired Navy Reservist to his leadership approach.
Key Discussion Points
The Schedule F Story (01:11): Jeff reveals the personal motivation behind his company’s name and mission, sharing how his own experience with federal employment challenges led him to create opportunities for other displaced civil servants.
Pivotal Career Moments (03:11): From early career decisions to major policy implementations, Jeff discusses the key moments that shaped his trajectory in federal health programs and how each role built upon the last.
Military Leadership in Civilian Service (06:21): Drawing from his 22 years as a Navy Reservist, Jeff explains how military principles of leadership, organization, and mission focus translated into managing large-scale federal operations and complex stakeholder relationships.
Unconventional Government Strategies (09:01): Jeff shares innovative approaches he employed during his government service, including creative problem-solving techniques that helped navigate bureaucratic challenges while delivering results for millions of Americans.
The Power of Mentorship (16:06): A deep dive into how mentorship shaped Jeff’s career trajectory and his commitment to developing others, including his current efforts to mentor displaced federal workers transitioning to private sector roles.
Strategic Networking (22:24): Jeff discusses the art of building meaningful professional relationships across government, industry, and consulting sectors, offering practical advice for those looking to expand their influence and opportunities.
Calculated Risk-Taking (27:23): From leaving secure government positions to starting his own consulting practice, Jeff explores how to evaluate career risks and make strategic transitions that align with personal values and professional goals.
Contractor Best Practices (31:51): Drawing from both sides of the table, Jeff shares essential strategies for government contractors, including relationship building, performance excellence, and understanding the federal customer’s perspective.
Key Takeaways
  • Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: How personal challenges can become the foundation for meaningful business ventures that serve others
  • Cross-Sector Leadership: The value of applying military discipline and private sector innovation to government service
  • Relationship Capital: Building authentic professional networks that create opportunities and drive mission success
  • Adaptive Leadership: Managing large-scale operations while maintaining focus on individual impact and outcomes
  • Career Resilience: Converting setbacks into strategic advantages and new opportunities
Why This Episode Matters
Jeff Grant’s story exemplifies the potential for government professionals to create meaningful impact across sectors. His journey from implementing major healthcare policies to advocating for displaced federal workers demonstrates how career transitions can become platforms for broader service. For government contractors, federal employees, and healthcare policy professionals, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating complex career paths while maintaining focus on mission and people.
Whether you’re interested in healthcare policy, government contracting, or career resilience, Jeff’s conversation with Alexa provides actionable wisdom for professionals at any stage of their journey.

RECAP – 2025 FORUM Innovation Awards & Dinner

FORUM Editor
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RECAP – 2025 FORUM Innovation Awards & Dinner
opens in a new tab)The 11th Annual FORUM Innovation Awards brought together innovators, decision-makers, and disruptors to celebrate bold ideas reshaping how government works. With conversations spanning AI, cybersecurity, acquisition reform, and digital modernization, the event offered both inspiration and action for those building what’s next in federal technology.
Zero Trust, Elevated
A high-energy fireside chat kicked off the evening, exploring Zero Trust as a cultural shift—not just a technical implementation. Experts from Fusion Advanced Technology and the Carlyle Group emphasized the importance of automation, AI-assisted orchestration, and reducing tool redundancy to streamline operations across DOD and the IC community.
AI at the Frontier: OpenAI’s Bold Partnership with Los Alamos
Alexis Bonnell shared the behind-the-scenes story of how OpenAI brought its frontier models into secure government infrastructure for the first time—enabling real-time national security innovation and shifting the paradigm for how government accesses leading-edge AI.
“AI is the worst it’s going to be today. If you’re not experimenting, you’re falling behind.”
Her call to action: prototype boldly, lead with trust, and treat security not as a barrier—but as part of the design.
Revolution in Procurement
Polly Hall (GSA) unveiled the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which brings agile, incremental reform to federal acquisition. Paired with other innovation-friendly tools like OTAs, CSOs, and SBIRs, the RFO signals a shift toward faster, smarter procurement across agencies.
CMS: Government at Startup Speed
Catherine Weatherby revealed how CMS modernized healthcare.gov using outcome-based contracting, continuous improvement, and private-sector style planning. The result? 25 million enrollees, a 2-second eligibility response time, and a model for digital government success.
Keynote Spotlight: Jennifer Thabit, DARPA
DARPA’s head of small business programs, Jennifer Thabit, energized the audience with a message of inclusion, clarity, and urgency: government needs nontraditional thinkers. From SBIR pathways to the DARPA Connect initiative, she outlined how small companies can—and must—step up to shape the future.
Celebrating the Winners
The evening culminated in honoring this year’s Innovation Award recipients—programs and people who are not only solving today’s challenges but reimagining tomorrow’s solutions.
For dull event details, visit the 2025 FORUM Innovation Awards event page! FORUM Innovation Awards | FORUM Event

Cardiovascular Risk for Veterans – A Call to Arms

FORUM Editor
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Cardiovascular Risk for Veterans – A Call to Arms
By Dr. Amy Rohs, MD
Physician Clinical Champion – Government Sales and Solutions – Philips North America, LLC
Since the U.S. military draft officially ended on January 27, 1973, the nation has relied on the service and dedication of an all-volunteer military force – brave individuals who have stepped forward not out of obligation but from an unshakable sense of duty. They have served across the globe, from the deserts of the Middle East to Afghanistan’s mountains, and into the vast depths of seas and skies. These men and women have stood in harm’s way, protecting us, supporting one another and caring for people worldwide. They have faced unimaginable hardships in hostile environments, enduring physical and emotional stress far beyond what many of us can imagine. And they have given so much of themselves with the hope that, when their service came to an end, they could return to civilian life, find peace and rebuild the lives they fought so hard to protect.
Sadly, for too many of them, this dream of peace and fulfillment is just that – a dream. The scars of war do not simply vanish with the retirement of a uniform. Veterans carry lasting risks to their health – both physical and emotional – that stretch far beyond their time in service. Their health, body and mind are forever altered by their experiences, and all too often, the toll of service lingers long after their missions are completed.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) deserves recognition for its efforts to research and address the cardiovascular (CV) health of our Veterans. Through groundbreaking studies, the VA has highlighted an urgent issue – Veterans face a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than the civilian population.[1]
This is not just a statistic but a painful reality. My brothers and sisters who fought to defend our country are now battling for their own hearts. Research shows that combat deployments and the associated trauma and stress are linked to new-onset heart disease,[2] particularly among younger Veterans.[3] This is not an abstract concept; this is the insidious consequence of the intense emotional and physical tolls of war.[4]
The data is alarming. Veterans are at greater risk of CVD, and their risk will not diminish over time. Female Veterans, one of the fastest-growing groups in the VA system[5], are especially affected. A 20-year review revealed that female Veterans have not seen the same improvements in cardiac disease mortality as their civilian counterparts.[6] This is not just a health concern; it’s a crisis.
At Philips, we are listening. We understand the concerns of the Veteran community, and we are stepping up to answer the call with the most innovative, life-saving technologies. Our mission is clear: give Veterans the tools, care and expertise they need to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease so they can thrive after their service.
To bring this battle to the frontlines, we are surrounding Veterans with advanced imaging technology and remote resources to detect heart disease sooner and prevent it from progressing. Our Philips IntelliSpace Cardiovascular Workspace is now active in 65% of VA Medical Centers (VAMCs), providing a powerful, centralized platform for managing cardiology imaging and data. This technology creates efficiency, but more importantly, it is saving lives. By integrating tools like electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, vascular ultrasounds and nuclear cardiology into one seamless system, care teams can make faster, better-informed decisions, ensuring Veterans receive timely, coordinated care.
By partnering with 4DMedical™, we can push the limits of innovation to assist with earlier diagnosis and intervention. 4DMedical’s CT Suite technology can detect coronary artery calcification (CAC™) through existing chest computerized tomography (CT) scans – something that was usually performed after risk factors had already been identified. Through this breakthrough technology, we can screen for calcification before risk factors even manifest, providing radiologists and cardiologists with the vital information they need to make life-saving decisions.
This approach is proactive, not reactive care. And Veterans’ elevated risk demands that we do more. By integrating imaging technologies into a single CV platform and harnessing every tool to identify cardiovascular disease early, Veterans and their care teams are empowered to diagnose and intervene sooner, better and faster.
This mission is about more than groundbreaking technology – it is about keeping a promise and fulfilling a debt to those who have given so much. It is about making sure that the hearts of our nation’s heroes keep beating strong long after their service ends. It is about giving our Veterans the care they deserve so they can enjoy living in the country they so nobly protected.
At Philips, we honor that commitment. We stand with our Veterans, ready to fight for their health just as they fought for our freedom. Together, we can ensure that their sacrifices will never be in vain. And we can safeguard their hearts, today and always.
[1] Assari, S, “Veterans and Risk of Heart Disease in the United States:  A Cohort with 20 years of Follow Up. Internation Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol 5, No 6, June 2014.
[2] Assari, S, “Veterans and Risk of Heart Disease in the United States:  A Cohort with 20 years of Follow Up. Internation Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol 5, No 6, June 2014.
[3] Crum-Cianflone, NF, et al.  Impact of Combat Deployment and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Newly Reported Coronary Heart Diuease Among US Active Duty and Reserve Forces. Circulation. Volume 129, Issue 18, May 2014.
[4] Crum-Cianflone, NF, et al.  Impact of Combat Deployment and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Newly Reported Coronary Heart Diuease Among US Active Duty and Reserve Forces. Circulation. Volume 129, Issue 18, May 2014.
[5] Ebrahimi R, et al. Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in US Women Veterans vs Civilians. JAMA Network Open, 2023; 6(10) Longitudinal retrospective cohort study from Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 31, 2017.
[6] Ebrahimi R, et al. Trends in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in US Women Veterans vs Civilians. JAMA Network Open, 2023; 6(10) Longitudinal retrospective cohort study from Jan 1, 2000 to Dec 31, 2017.

Inside the Mind of a GovTech Founder

Mary Ann Brown
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0
Inside the Mind of a GovTech Founder

From Google to Anduril to founding his own AI startup, Mac Liu has been at the cutting edge of tech and defense innovation.

In this episode, Mac shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path—from launching groundbreaking government initiatives like NASA’s SSN and the DoD’s JADC2, to scaling $100M in federal contracts in just over two years. Now as the founder of Vultron, Mac opens up about the realities of startup life, how his sports background drives his leadership style, and what he sees as the future of AI in defense and beyond.

Whether you’re building in GovTech, navigating public-private partnerships, or looking for inspiration to take the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

https://youtu.be/N9V0st2jj-Y

Spilling the Tea with Teresa Moon: Leadership, Liberal Arts, and the Heart of GovCon

Mary Ann Brown
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Spilling the Tea with Teresa Moon: Leadership, Liberal Arts, and the Heart of GovCon

In this episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with Teresa Moon, Director of Market Strategy at Parabilis and host of the Spilling the Tea on GovCon podcast.

Teresa shares her dynamic journey into the federal contracting space, from early career lessons to leading strategy and community engagement for one of the most trusted financial partners in GovCon. With her signature energy and candor, Teresa dives into what makes government contracting both rewarding and complex, the value of mentorship, and why relationships are at the heart of her success. Plus, she opens up about her passion for empowering others in the GovCon ecosystem, balancing competition with collaboration, and how her liberal arts background has been a superpower in the world of tech and strategy.

This episode is packed with real talk, valuable insights, and inspiration for anyone navigating the world of federal business.

Episode Highlights:

  • Strategic leadership & market development in GovCon
  • Building a supportive ecosystem for government contractors
  • How mentorship shapes careers and confidence
  • Balancing the business side of contracting with mission-driven goals

https://youtu.be/SqvI5qRZF3M

 

Leading with Purpose: From Navy to Cyber CEO

Mary Ann Brown
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0
Leading with Purpose: From Navy to Cyber CEO

Host: Alexa Tsui
Guest: Erica Dobbs, Founder & CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions

In this powerful episode of #GovCom Unfiltered, host Alexa Tsui sits down with trailblazing entrepreneur Erica Dobbs, whose 35+ years of leadership in the U.S. Navy laid the foundation for building one of the fastest-rising names in cybersecurity, Dobbs Defense Solutions (D2S).

From her deep expertise in C-Suite collaboration and satellite communications to her relentless focus on people-first leadership, Erica shares how military discipline, business strategy, and purpose-driven culture have shaped her company’s success across the government and commercial sectors.

Along the way, Erica opens up about her most valuable lessons learned, the power of human capital, her involvement in shaping national cybersecurity policy, and what it means to lead with impact.

Whether you’re transitioning from military to civilian life, navigating federal contracting, or building a leadership legacy—this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

Listen in to explore:
Erica’s unique leadership journey from Navy to CEO
How she’s elevating cybersecurity with D2S
Building strategic relationships in the GovCon space
The role of mentorship, community service, and advocacy
What’s next for D2S and the cyber industry

https://youtu.be/8XrxmX6IAZs

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:13 – Early Career and Leadership Journey
02:52 – Military Experience and Business Strategy
04:15 – Strategic Thinking in Business
06:00 – Core Competencies and Business Focus
10:18 – Networking and Building Relationships
15:18 – Challenges and Lessons Learned
23:22 – Future Goals and Aspirations
25:19 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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