Welcome back to The Startup Defense, in this week’s episode Callye Keen talks with John Ferry about innovation in government contracting. Ferry shares his background from military service to working acquisitions.

Topic Highlights:

[00:00] Introduce John Ferry
Callye Keen introduces John Ferry, CEO of UseRogue.com, an organization blazing the trail of applying AI to the GovCon industry.

[02:12] The DARPA Experience and Technology Transition
Ferry's recount of his tenure at DARPA illuminates the process of transitioning technology from labs to operational forces. This segment explores the nuances of bringing innovative solutions to the warfighter, emphasizing the organizational skills required to navigate the defense ecosystem.

[04:00] The Role of AI in Streamlining Acquisition
Highlighting his passion for applying cutting-edge technology to government procurement, Ferry discusses how automation and AI can revolutionize the acquisition process, making it faster and more efficient.

[07:00] Misconceptions in Selling to the Government
Ferry addresses common misconceptions about selling technology to the government, shedding light on the distinction between users and customers within the DoD. This discussion is crucial for startups aiming to navigate the complex web of defense procurement successfully.

[18:28] Rogue: Revolutionizing Proposal Writing with AI
An in-depth look at Rogue, Ferry's venture into using AI for proposal writing, offers a glimpse into the future of GovCon. This highlight underscores the transformative potential of AI in reducing the complexity and cost of proposal writing, making defense contracting more accessible.

[29:16] The Defense Innovation Ecosystem: A Call for Realistic Expectations
Ferry critically examines the current state of defense venture capital and innovation, urging startups to temper their expectations and understand the long-term nature of DoD contracting.

Parting Thought:

"Invest as much time into the people as you do into the process... You can make a quick buck, but you can't make a long buck if you do it wrong."  John Ferry

Callye Keen - Kform

https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/

John Ferry - UseRogue.com

With over 15 years of work experience in the defense and government sectors, John Ferry is the Chief Executive Officer of UseRogue.com, a company that applies AI to the GovCon industry. He is also the President of Trenchant Analytics, LLC, where he oversees the company's strategic vision, business development, and customer relations. John has a Masters of Public Policy from George Mason University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from American Military University. As a former Army officer and Special Forces candidate, John has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of the operational force, and he leverages that expertise to match user needs and technology capabilities to identify opportunities for technology transition.

LinkedIn

UseRogue.com

Tacgov.com