Session Summaries

March 18, 2026

Drone Dominance Sustainment: Building North Carolina’s Industrial Base for Next-Generation Unmanned Systems. Drone Dominance is a national priority to surge U.S. production of low cost, attritable small UAS and the secure components that make them viable at scale. Using phased Gauntlet style evaluations and rapid contracting, the effort is designed to move proven systems into units quickly and support sustained readiness. This DISC workshop advances a whole of state collaboration model connecting warfighters, government partners, academia, and industry to strengthen North Carolina’s role in drone manufacturing, sustainment, and validation. Informed by current operational lessons where drones drive sensing, target acquisition, and effects in contested spectrum conditions while operating under constant counter UAS pressure, the session focuses on what must be tested, produced, repaired, and replenished to keep formations ready. Discussion will also address autonomous systems in support of contested logistics and sustainment.

Participants will review how North Carolina’s industrial base and test ecosystem can support scalable production of airframes, electronics, propulsion, batteries, and mission systems, along with the sustainment pathways that keep systems operational. The workshop will also address the expanding national emphasis on UAS test capacity and safety data needed to accelerate integration and validation.

Speakers include:

Moderator: Bob Burton, Director of Defense Technologies, North Carolina Military Business Center
Klinton Snead, Extramural Staff Director, Army Research Office
Robert Braun, Chief Technology Officer, XVIII Airborne Corps
Ari Kozlow, Special Agent, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
David Whitmire, Ph.D., Senior Commercial Advisor, Wireless Research Center and RiOT Labs
Mihail Sichitiu, Professor ECE, Co-PI, Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless (AERPAW)
Bob Skillen, Founder and Chief Engineer, VX Aerospace
Paul “Buck” Chambers, MMEC and Heightened Senses, LLC
Nick Bogert, Raven Autonomous Technologies Operations Director, Raven Advisory, LLC
Marianeth Crockett, Director of Strategic Architecture & Operations, Osprey Global Solutions
Jarrett Heavenston, Owner, Tough Stump Technologies, LLC
More to be announced…

March 19, 2026

The Partner’s Playbook: Navigating DoW Innovation, Investment, and Industrial Base Programs. In today’s strategic environment, competition is increasingly determined by industrial capacity. The ability of industry partners to effectively navigate and leverage department of war resources is therefore critical to national security.

Yet many potential partners, from small businesses to cutting-edge technology firms, face persistent barriers. Identifying the right programs, accessing capital, and understanding the department’s contracting and procurement priorities remain complex and often opaque. This session cuts through that complexity and provides a direct line of sight to leaders driving the Department of War’s most consequential industrial and manufacturing initiatives.

This session demystifies that process with senior representatives from Industrial Based Policy (IBP), the Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) Program, Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Initiative Technologies (APFIT), and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) for a comprehensive overview of the resources available to strengthen the industrial base. These panelists will outline program priorities, highly clear pathways for partnership, and deliver practical guidance on navigating the contracting process and securing resources.

Attendees will leave with an actionable playbook to align their capabilities with department priorities, accelerate innovation, and help build a resilient, modern, and scalable industrial base that delivers decisive advantage to the war fighter.

Sustaining Ground Vehicles: Business Opportunities & Procurement Dialogue. The sustainability of U.S. military ground vehicle programs relies on several key factors including funding, technological advancements, and strategic planning. This breakout session explores business opportunities and procurement challenges in sustaining military ground vehicles. Representatives from key defense agencies and industry partners will discuss current and future sustainment needs, highlighting areas for innovation, parts obsolescence solutions, and lifecycle support strategies. Attendees will gain insights into how small and large businesses can align with Department of Defense priorities, navigate procurement pathways, and respond to evolving requirements. The session will also address common contracting obstacles, data rights, and technical documentation hurdles that impact readiness. This is a valuable forum for suppliers, OEMs, and logistics providers seeking to support ground combat capabilities.

Moderator: Rick Gilmore, Regional Program Manager (Greensboro), North Carolina Military Business Center
Jeffrey Mounts, Division Chief, Artillery, Bradley and Carrier, Ground Combat Systems Readiness & Sustainment, Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)
Michelle Maher, Deputy Director, Supply Chain, Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)
Stephen Bowdren, Program Executive Officer Land Systems, PEO Land Systems
Bruce Brown, Vice President, Defense Strategy, GM Defense
Mike Brown, Vice President, RCR (Richard Childress Racing) Manufacturing Solutions
Matti Saarikko, Chief Technology Officer, Patria

Innovation Architecture to Boost and Strengthen the Defense Industrial Base. This session highlights how North Carolina is accelerating practical pathways that move research into fieldable capability and strengthen the Defense Industrial Base. UNC Charlotte’s NDI³ will share how it connects defense-focused research, industry, and government sponsors while building talent pipelines for national security needs. NC State University will provide an update on its proposed Defense and Security Institute and how it will help organize and transition defense-relevant innovation.

The Wireless Research Center and RIoT Labs will discuss applied development, simulation, testing, certification, and entrepreneur support that bridge research and commercialization for dual-use and defense technologies. XVIII Airborne Corps will ground the conversation in the JIOP, highlighting how bringing together operators, academia, industry, and government accelerates adoption and improves readiness.

Moderator: Bob Burton, Director of Defense Technologies, North Carolina Military Business Center
Mesbah Uddin, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Defense & Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3) and Professor | Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, UNC Charlotte
Jackie Selig-Gumtow, Deputy Executive Director, National Defense & Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3)
Dr. Stephen Lee, Interim Executive Director, North Carolina State University Defense Innovation Initiative

Sustaining Maritime Systems: Business Opportunities & Procurement Dialogue. As global maritime dynamics shift, the U.S. Department of Defense faces increasing pressure to modernize its naval capabilities in the face of rising strategic competition – particularly China, whose maritime defense expansion is outpacing the U.S. both in scale and speed. This panel will explore how the U.S. can maintain maritime superiority through robust sustainment strategies, agile procurement, and innovative industry partnership.

Join government, industry, and the acquisition community as they discuss the critical role of sustainment in ensuring fleet readiness, extending platform lifecycles, and supporting operational agility. This session will also highlight business opportunities across the sustainment enterprise and provide guidance on navigating DoD procurement pathways.

Attendees will gain actionable insights into how their organizations can contribute to strengthening U.S. maritime dominance through lifecycle support, digital transformation, and resilient supply chain

Moderator: Erin Ananian-Gentile, Regional Program Manager (New Bern), North Carolina Military Business Center
Anne Bannister, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
Stacey L. Cooper, Deputy of Small Business Programs, Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC)
James Pettway, Deputy of Small Business Programs, Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Whitney Lester, Vice President of Talent Development, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
TBA, Huntington Ingalls

Empowering the Future: Enhancing the DoD Industrial Workforce. As global supply chains become more complex and contested, the Department of Defense must strengthen its logistics and supply chain workforce. This panel brings together leaders from government, industry, and academia to share innovative workforce development strategies. Panelists will address challenges in talent acquisition and retention, the effects of onshoring, and the value of cross-sector collaboration. Attendees will learn about impactful training programs, credentialing efforts, and tools shaping the future supply chain workforce.

Whether you’re an educator, logistics expert, or industry partner, this session offers practical ideas and collaboration opportunities to help maintain the DoD’s workforce as a strategic edge.

Moderator: Erin Ananian-Gentile, Regional Program Manager (New Bern), North Carolina Military Business Center
Carrie Hasbrouck, Maritime Industrial Base, Workforce Development, Carolinas Lead
Rachel Rapp, Network Coach, US Navy Talent Pipeline Program
Chris Harrington, State Director, ApprenticeshipNC, North Carolina Community College System
Brandi Bragg, Workforce Connector, NE NC Pathways
Lindsey Crisp, President & CEO, Carver Machine Works
Jonah Forystek, GM Defense Program Director, Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions

Sustaining Aerospace Systems: Business Opportunities & Procurement Dialogue. Session presenters will share sustainment priorities and evolving acquisition strategies in military aviation. Panelists will discuss aerospace system needs, supply chain challenges, and how industry can support readiness through MRO and parts procurement.

Attendees will gain insight into procurement processes, sourcing priorities, and initiatives addressing obsolescence, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience. This session offers a valuable chance for businesses to connect with decision-makers and learn how to compete as agile, trusted partners in aerospace sustainment.

Moderator: Joe Tew, Regional Program Manager (Flat Rock/Asheville), North Carolina Military Business Center
Additional speakers TBA

Technology and Innovation Showcase. Four select businesses will present their cutting-edge technologies to participating government representatives. Select businesses will have 10 minutes for presentation, followed by 5 minutes for feedback and Q&A from the government panel. The briefs aim to bridge the gap between innovative solutions and federal technology needs. This session is a crucial opportunity for innovators to connect with federal technology needs and gain visibility among prime manufacturers and stakeholders in the defense sector. Click here for more information.

Domestic & Global Sustainment Opportunities. This session will convene the 406th Army Field Support Brigade, North Carolina National Guard, U.S. Commercial Service, and industry partners to align military sustainment requirements with North Carolina’s industrial capabilities. The session will highlight domestic and international contracting pathways, export readiness, and supply chain resilience while addressing modernization, compliance, and workforce needs. Through focused dialogue and collaboration, participants will explore strategies to strengthen readiness, expand global market access, and reinforce North Carolina’s role in supporting sustained military operations.

Moderator: Jimmy Hendrix, Strategic Industry Professional (Organic Industrial Base), North Carolina Military Business Center
Colonel Thomas Petzold, Deputy Property and Fiscal Officer, North Carolina National Guard
Colonel Dave Walliser, Director of Logistics, North Carolina National Guard
Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Elliott, Chief of Contracting, North Carolina National Guard
Greg Sizemore, Director, North Carolina, International Trade Administration, US Department of Commerce
TBA, 406th Army Field Support Brigade