Army Software Factory, CMMC Impact, and ATX Defense with Zach Walker
10/18/23 • 35 min
In this episode of "The Startup Defense," hosted by Callye Keen, we delve into the complex world of cybersecurity and defense innovation. Joined by cybersecurity expert Zach Walker, the discussion revolves around the evolving landscape of security regulations, including the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
Topic Highlights:
[00:00] - Introduce Zach Walker
Callye Keen introduces Zach Walker, Co-founder ATX Defense, an organization that helps national security organizations integrate revolutionary technology, scalable processes, and long-term viability into operations.
[02:55] - Understanding CMMC and Its Evolution
Zach Walker introduces the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and explains its significance in the defense industry. He highlights the evolution of CMMC and its role in strengthening security regulations.
[06:45] - Challenges and Confusion Surrounding CMMC
Callye and Zach discuss the challenges and confusion many companies face when dealing with CMMC requirements. Zach emphasizes the need for clarity and proper guidance in compliance.
[12:18] - Empowering Startups in the Defense Space
The conversation explores how startups can play a pivotal role in driving innovation within the defense industry. Zach and Callye discuss the importance of bringing new entrants into the ecosystem.
[15:52] - CMMC's Impact on Business Operations
Zach elaborates on how CMMC compliance can significantly affect a company's ability to secure defense contracts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for CMMC's implications.
[23:32] - Army Software Factory and Institutionalizing Innovation
Zach Walker shares insights into the Army Software Factory and its mission to empower service members to drive innovation in software development. The discussion highlights the culture shift required to embrace emerging technologies.
"To me, what's so special about the Army Software Factory, being in the reserves and, coming from the defense innovation unit, they have made good on that promise of empowering soldiers, service members to be part of the solution." - Zach Walker
Callye Keen - Kform
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Zach Walker - Co-founder ATX Defense
Zach led the Defense Innovation Unit’s Texas office from 2017-2020 and has over two decades of national security experience with service in the Army, Air Force, NSA, CIA, and at the Pentagon. He co-founded ATX Defense to help national security organizations integrate revolutionary technology, scalable processes, and long-term viability into operations. Zach serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Texas Air National Guard and has worn the uniform since 2001.
In this episode of "The Startup Defense," hosted by Callye Keen, we delve into the complex world of cybersecurity and defense innovation. Joined by cybersecurity expert Zach Walker, the discussion revolves around the evolving landscape of security regulations, including the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
Topic Highlights:
[00:00] - Introduce Zach Walker
Callye Keen introduces Zach Walker, Co-founder ATX Defense, an organization that helps national security organizations integrate revolutionary technology, scalable processes, and long-term viability into operations.
[02:55] - Understanding CMMC and Its Evolution
Zach Walker introduces the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and explains its significance in the defense industry. He highlights the evolution of CMMC and its role in strengthening security regulations.
[06:45] - Challenges and Confusion Surrounding CMMC
Callye and Zach discuss the challenges and confusion many companies face when dealing with CMMC requirements. Zach emphasizes the need for clarity and proper guidance in compliance.
[12:18] - Empowering Startups in the Defense Space
The conversation explores how startups can play a pivotal role in driving innovation within the defense industry. Zach and Callye discuss the importance of bringing new entrants into the ecosystem.
[15:52] - CMMC's Impact on Business Operations
Zach elaborates on how CMMC compliance can significantly affect a company's ability to secure defense contracts. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and preparing for CMMC's implications.
[23:32] - Army Software Factory and Institutionalizing Innovation
Zach Walker shares insights into the Army Software Factory and its mission to empower service members to drive innovation in software development. The discussion highlights the culture shift required to embrace emerging technologies.
"To me, what's so special about the Army Software Factory, being in the reserves and, coming from the defense innovation unit, they have made good on that promise of empowering soldiers, service members to be part of the solution." - Zach Walker
Callye Keen - Kform
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Zach Walker - Co-founder ATX Defense
Zach led the Defense Innovation Unit’s Texas office from 2017-2020 and has over two decades of national security experience with service in the Army, Air Force, NSA, CIA, and at the Pentagon. He co-founded ATX Defense to help national security organizations integrate revolutionary technology, scalable processes, and long-term viability into operations. Zach serves as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Texas Air National Guard and has worn the uniform since 2001.
Previous Episode
Innovation to Implementation, Defense Market Presence, and Community Power with Art Trevethan
Callye Keen engages in an educational conversation with Art Trevethan, unraveling the intricate layers of defense innovation, entrepreneurship, and the intersection of the private sector with the military. Trevethan, equipped with years of experience and insights, demystifies the path of innovations from conception to the hands of warfighters, emphasizing the pivotal role of collaboration, understanding, and actionable solutions in this dynamic ecosystem.
Topic Highlights:
[00:00] - Introducing Art Trevethan
Callye Keen introduces Art Trevethan, Partner at RIIS Technologies, an organization that offers performance ready data science and artificial intelligence.
[05:25] - Navigating the Valley of Death
Art illuminates the hurdles faced by innovations in transcending the infamous “valley of death.” He underscores the need for a plan and experienced individuals to expedite the journey of prototypes from obscurity to implementation.
[07:08] - The Startups’ Stint with the Military
Callye Keen highlights the recurring challenge of innovation implementation in the DOD. He pinpoints gaps between idea inception, sales, and establishing a viable business, stressing that achieving a program of record isn't the panacea many believe it to be.
[10:02] - The Dual-Use Dilemma
Trevethan advocates for a dual-use approach, warning against the government being the sole customer. He shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey and emphasizes the unpredictability and fickle nature of federal contracts.
[14:02] - Barriers to Innovation in DOD
Callye points out the inherent challenge faced by radical innovations in finding their footing within the DOD, attributed to specific problems lacking analogous solutions in the commercial market.
[19:08] - The Tribe Concept of Collaboration
Art elaborates on the "tribe" concept, a converging point for various defense stakeholders. He envisions a nexus where startups, primes, warfighters, military leadership, and acquisition professionals collaboratively forge solutions.
Parting Thought:
"We are in a great power competition...and it's a fairly pacing competition that we need to get our innovations out and move them quickly." - Art Trevethan. This statement encapsulates the urgency and imperative nature of innovation in defense, illuminating the pressing need for speed and efficiency in this era of global competitiveness.
Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://youtube.com/@kforminc
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Art Trevethan - RIIS Technologies
Medium - https://medium.com/@ygthb
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arttrevethan/
Email - [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone - 614-579-7227
About Art:
As Partner at RIIS Technologies, Art leverages his technical proficiency and entrepreneurial insight to advance the culture of innovation. His team is consistently updated on market and technology trends, seeking opportunities to infuse these insights into the ecosystem of solution providers who may not have previously partnered with the military or federal government. Formerly serving the DOD Innovation community as Entrepreneur in Residence within the U.S. Army's modernization division - Army Futures Command > Army Applications Laboratory > Corporate Ventures - Art Trevethan is an entrepreneurial pioneer deeply involved in the startup and innovation landscape.
Next Episode
Prototyping as a Foundation, Bootstrapping Startups, and Matbock with Sean Matson
Join host Callye Keen in this insightful episode featuring Sean Matson, co-founder of MATBOCK. Sean's journey from a Navy SEAL to a successful entrepreneur is both inspiring and educational. Together, they discuss the intricacies of innovation, product development, and the defense industry.
Topic Highlights:
[00:00] - A Message from Host Callye Keen
Callye shares with the audience a message regarding his audio quality. This was an important podcast to release, so while Callye’s audio quality is slightly degraded, Guest Sean Matson’s is good.
[00:46] - Introduce Sean Matson
Callye Keen introduces Sean Matson, Co-founder MATBOCK, an organization that helps To Bring Disruptive Technologies to The Market and Empower Others in Our Journey.
[08:20] - The Power of Prototyping
The importance of building prototypes, no matter how rudimentary they may seem.
[16:29] - Bootstrapping Your Startup
The benefits of self-funding and taking a hands-on approach to reduce costs.
[18:35] - Innovative Product Development
MATBOCK's unique approach to creating products that stand out in the defense industry
[00:25:31] - Starting Small and Scaling Up
The value of starting with minimal resources and gradually expanding.
[31:13] - The Key to Successful Pitches
Sean's advice on crafting a pitch deck that's concise, informative, and captivating.
"As a startup, you have to start somewhere. You have to start moving in that path. Give me a prototype. I don't care how ugly the prototype is. Give me something to look at." - Sean Matson
Tune in to this episode for an engaging conversation that delves into the world of startups, innovation, and the military perspective on entrepreneurship.
Callye Keen - Kform
https://kform.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/callyekeen/
https://youtube.com/@kforminc
https://twitter.com/CallyeKeen
Sean Matson - Co-founder MATBOCK
https://www.matbock.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-matson/
The Startup Defense - Army Software Factory, CMMC Impact, and ATX Defense with Zach Walker
Transcript
fast forward to 2023 and people would say oh yeah , my mom just got a Ciber . Yeah , she's got a Phase 1 . It's great , I love it . Yeah , my cousin got one too . Yeah , everyone understands now what it is and they're involved , and I think that's such an important thing to have .
Speaker 2Welcome to the start of the defense . My name is Ca
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