The Future of Defense Acquisition with Will Roper

Defense Mavericks

This week, Bonnie is joined by Will Roper, CEO of Istari and former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, to talk about the future of military technology and innovation. Will shares his journey from theoretical physicist to defense acquisition leader and what it took to drive innovation along the way. He dives into the impact of digital engineering, the role of software and data in modern warfare, and the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving technological landscapes. Tune in to learn more about how the defense sector can effectively compete on a global scale.

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:39) How a theoretical physicist revolutionized military procurement

(3:20) Why software factories are the Air Force's new frontier

(8:45) Will’s playbook for innovation & sustainable enterprise change

(12:30) The secret to successful digital engineering

(17:15) What’s next for AI operationalization?

(24:49) Advice for current and future acquisition professionals

(29:24) The key to scaling innovation and moving past the “planting of seeds”

(31:13) Underestimated difficulty of creating digital engineering platforms

(34:03) Formula One and federal acquisitions—parallels and lessons

LINKS:

Follow Will: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamroper/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/

Tradewinds AI: https://www.tradewindai.com/

Istari: https://www.istaridigital.com/