Since the onset of COVID-19, the government and industry have expedited the development process of new technologies and offerings to remain competitive in the evolving landscape. Innovation units across the nation have focused on artificial intelligence, autonomy and robotics, to support data and networks.
During Potomac Officers Club’s 7th Annual Defense Research and Development (R&D) Summit, notable federal and industry leaders will meet to discuss the latest priorities across the R&D landscape.
The summit will feature Dr. Mark Lewis, acting deputy under secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Modernization; Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, chief of naval research; and Dr. Victoria Coleman, director of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) as keynote speakers.
The 7th Annual Defense R&D Summit will also host an expert panel, featuring Michael Stern of Rubrik, Col. George Dougherty of the U.S. Air Force, and Col. William Depue of the U.S. Navy. These notable speakers will address advancements and challenges within the development and delivery of innovative solutions.
To register for the 7th Annual Defense R&D Summit, as well as view upcoming opportunities, visit Potomac Officers Club’s Event Page.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mark Lewis
In his role, Lewis is responsible for research, development, and prototyping activities across the Department of Defense (DoD) enterprise.
In addition, he oversees the activities of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Space Development Agency (SDA), the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and other agencies that are focused on developing advanced technology and capability for the U.S. military.
The DoD recently announced the reorganization of its R&D priorities as it develops new roadmaps to advance future capabilities. Lewis said microelectronics will be the Pentagon’s top priority. Lewis noted DoD considers 5G communications as its second R&D priority followed by hypersonic weapons. He added that the department plans to procure large quantities of hypersonic weapons.
Keynote: Dr. Victoria Coleman
In August 2020, Coleman was appointed as the 22nd director of DARPA. An expert in artificial intelligence and microelectronics, Coleman served as a founding member of DARPA’s Microsystems Exploratory Council and a member of the Defense Science Board.
“During this era of great power competition, DARPA is critical to strengthening the U.S. military’s technological dominance and advancing innovations that benefit our warfighters,” said Michael Kratsios, acting under secretary of defense for Research and Engineering, and a 2020 Wash100 Award recipient, in regards to Coleman’s appointment.
Since joining the agency, Coleman has driven R&D and modernization efforts to prepare for the digital future. In Oct. 2020, DARPA’s Innovation Office issued a broad agency announcement (BAA) seeking information technology research topics that are not covered under current I2O projects.
Keynote: RADM Lorin Selby
Selby, former chief engineer and deputy commander for ship design, integration and naval engineering at the Naval Sea Systems Command, succeeded RADM David Hahn as chief of the Office of Naval Research in June 2020. He also assumed the role of director for innovation, technology, requirements, test and evaluation.
In his role, Selby manages the Department of the Navy’s $2 billion budget for naval science and technology efforts. Since assuming his current position, Selby has driven research and innovation across the U.S. Navy.
Panelist: Michael Stern
Stern serves as the DoD sales director with Rubrik. In his role, he is responsible for working with Rubrik Federal’s customers, to deliver Next Generation Cloud Data Management Solutions, that address some of the most complex Data Protection & Cloud Migration opportunities, both simply and cost effectively, by embracing Modern Data Center Cloud & Virtualization enablers.
With over 20 years of industry experience supporting Public Sector and Federal Enterprise IT Requirements, Stern has spent over 16 years at IBM, SAP and Oracle. He is a former Naval Aviator prior to his entrance into the Information Technology industry.
Panelist: Col. George Dougherty
Dougherty is the mobilization assistant to the commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). He assists the commander in accomplishing AFRL’s mission of leading the discovery, development and integration of warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force.
He plays a key role in directing the Air Force’s $2.5 billion science and technology program and an additional $2.3 billion in externally funded research and development. Dougherty leads over 100 reservists to augment a workforce of approximately 6,000 people in the laboratory’s nine component technology directorates and the 711th Human Performance Wing.
Panelist: Col. William Depue
In June 2012, DePue assumed command of HMM-265. In Sept. 2012, the “Dragons” were redesignated from HMM-265 to VMM-265, transitioning from the CH-46E Sea Knight to the MV-22 Osprey and introducing the Osprey to the WESTPAC AOR.
During his tenure as the CO, the Dragons participated in multilateral exercises in the Republic of the Philippines, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. As the Aviation Combat Element of the 31st MEU the squadron participated in Theater Security Cooperation exercises in Australia and Korea and provided humanitarian relief to the Philippines in support of Operation Damayan following Typhoon Haiyan.
Following command, DePue was assigned to the Headquarters Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs a Congressional Liaison for Acquisition Programs.
Join Potomac Officers Club to learn about research and development within the defense sector as competition rises across emerging technologies. As new capabilities continue to influence every aspect of the GovCon and industry, top executives must stay ahead of the curve to defeat adversaries.
To register for the 7th Annual Defense R&D Summit, as well as view upcoming opportunities, visit Potomac Officers Club’s Event Page.
