MG (Ret) US ArmyDave Bryan

President – Strategic Solutions Group703.981.8393

Innovation

• Economic drivers• National imperative• More important than ever

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…but…

… It Is Getting Harder

• Movement offshore• Education System shortcomings• Competitive landscape shifting

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…so…

We Need to Build a Bridgefrom The Beltway to Silicone Valley

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Working Together• Technology Providers = Answers• Solutions Integrators = Customer Access

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…in innovative types of relationships

Three Things the Government Customer Can Do

• Sponsor more Mentor – Protégé opportunities and insure they are “real” and worthwhile

• Talk to business – more often, and openly• Insure contract integrity and enforcement with

respect to small business participation

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Three Things Big Business Can Do

• Take your mentor responsibilities in mentor-protégé programs seriously

• Use small business technology companies as your “labs” – invest your IRAD $ there

• Fairshare workshare – small businesses need Direct Labor, too – keep your promises

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Three Things Small Business Can Do

• Attend conferences that provide network opportunities – ITSEF, NDIA, AFCEA, etc - and seek out government decision makers and industry partners – meet, greet, and communicate

• Differentiate your company’s capabilities and services from your competition

• Team smart!

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We Can Regain AmericanPreeminence in Innovation

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