| 1:00pm - 4:30pm |
Concurrent Workshops
| 1:00pm |
Welcome Remarks from Track Emcee
Navigate the complex world of government and gain insights into the legislative process. Learn how to advocate for your interests, build relationships with key policymakers, and influence legislation to support economic AND workforce development initiatives in your region. |
| 1:05pm |
Understanding the Federal Defense Legislative Cycle for Economic & Workforce Development Efforts
Mr. Mark Zelden, Critical Defense Cybersecurity Issues |
| 1:30pm |
Stakeholders, Schedules, & Key Requirements for Government Purchases
Ms. Christina Landon, Printed Circuit Board Task Lead, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) |
| 2:00pm |
Break |
| 2:15pm |
Defense Focused Workforce Development
Discover tailored strategies to attract, train, and retain a skilled workforce for the ever-evolving needs of the defense manufacturing sector. Gain insights into critical skills gaps, emerging technologies, and successful training programs to equip the next generation of defense workers.
Ms. Lori Baukus, Director Training Education and Outreach, ARCTOS |
| 2:45pm |
Applying Technology to incorporate stakeholders into the DIB
Explore innovative technologies that can be applied to meet surge requirements in defense manufacturing and enhance operational efficiency.
Dr. Richard Leu, Space Cow Applied Research |
| 3:15pm |
Navigating the Impact of Social Media and its Threat to the Department of Defense
Mr. Tony Weedn, Founder, BaseConnect |
| 3:45pm |
Break |
| 4:00pm |
Building a Talent Pipeline
Discover effective strategies for building a robust talent pipeline to meet the critical workforce needs of the manufacturing sector. This session will explore collaborative approaches, educational partnerships, and innovative programs to cultivate the future.
Dr. Sharon Harrison, Harrison Consulting Group |
| 1:00pm |
Welcome Remarks from Track Emcee |
| 1:00pm |
Understanding the Federal Defense Legislative Cycle for Economic & Workforce Development Efforts
In this full hour course, Regan Edens of DTC Global will provide a deep understanding of the key Cybersecurity Requirements associated with DFARS 7012, 7019, 7020 and CUI. This course is ideal for the Government Contracting Professional or Contractor.
Mr. Regan Edens, Founder, DTC Global |
| 2:00pm |
Break |
| 2:15pm |
A View from Capitol Hill
Hear from a long-time veteran of US Congressional legislative efforts as he provides insights into the FY25 NDAA & Defense Appropriations that will impact any professional associated with defense contracting.
Mr. Mark Zelden, Oculus Strategies |
| 2:45pm |
Now to Next: Horizons in AI & ML and how to Connect
Ms. Christina Landon, Printed Circuit Board Task Lead, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) |
| 3:45pm |
Break |
| 1:00pm |
Welcome Remarks from Track Emcee |
|
The Power Hour: APEX Accelerators; NIST MEP; and State SBDC Offices Understanding the 3 Critical Resources Every Small & Medium Sized Manufacturer Should Know and Utilize
|
| 1:00pm |
NIST MEP: A Program Overview
This session will provide an overview of the NIST MEP program, including its mission, services, and benefits for manufacturers. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to connect with your local MEP center and get started on your journey to success.
Mr. Mike Boyte, Business Advisor & Lean Six Sigma Instructor, Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) |
| 1:30pm |
SBDC: A Program Overview
Unlock the power of the SBDC program, a valuable resource designed to empower small businesses. Discover how to leverage its expert guidance and resources to navigate challenges, achieve growth, and thrive in today's competitive market.
Ms. Jessica Ervin, Technology Innovation Director, OK SBDC |
| 2:00pm |
Break |
| 2:15pm |
APEX Accelerator: A Program Overview
Formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), the APEX Accelerator Program is the DOD's effort to break down barriers for the small business to break into Defense contracting.
Mr. David Hoffmeier, Oklahoma APEX Accelerator |
| 2:45pm |
CMMC 101: Understanding the Fundamentals of CMMC 2.0
CMMC 2.0 Rules are out. Join Regan Edens, a subject matter expert on these rules, in an hour long course as he demystifies what CMMC is, so manufacturers seeking to do business with DOD can ensure they meet this new compliance requirement.
Mr. Regan Edens, Founder, DTC Global |
| 3:45pm |
Break |
| 4:00pm |
Understanding the Defense Legislative Cycle
This session unpacks the intricacies of the legislative cycle; both the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that authorizes the DOD funding, and Defense Appropriations that funds that authorization. Understanding how this effectds a DOD contractor can radically improve business growth and ensure the small and medium-sized manufacturers can advocate for their interests effectively.
Mr. Brian Hackler, Cornerstone Government Affairs Group |
|
| 7:00am |
Registration Opens |
| 7:00am |
Continental Breakfast & Networking in the Exhibit Hall
|
| 8:00am |
General Session - AM Session #1
|
| 8:00am |
Master of Ceremony - Ceremony WelcomeMr. Loren A. Smith Jr., Executive Director, Knudsen Institute
|
| 8:15am |
Posting of ColorsColor Guard: Del City High School NJ ROTC Color Guard
National Anthem: Aiya Attaway Kelley
|
| 8:30am | Oklahoma State WelcomeThe Honorable J. Kevin Stitt, The Governor of the State of Oklahoma
|
| 8:45am | Opening Remarks
Mr. Michael Morford, Chairman & CEO, Knudsen Institute
|
| 9:00am | How Manufacturing Technology is Critical to Surge
Review the role of manufacturing technology in meeting surge requirements, reflecting on last years’ experience at DMC2023 and looking ahead to DMC2024.
Mr. David Koch, Director, DLA Research and Development
|
| 9:30am | Indo-PACCOM - Unique DIB Challenges
Discuss unique challenges faced by the Defense Industrial Base in the Indo-Pacific Command region and strategies for addressing them.
The Honorable Robert C. O'Brien,
Former National Security Advisor
|
| 10:00am | From Strategy to Success: How NIST MEP is Partnering to Drive Growth in American Manufacturing”
Dr. Jyoti K. Malhotra, Division Chief of National Programs at NIST (Recording)
|
| 10:30am | Coffee Break & Networking in the Exhibit Hall
|
| 11:00am |
General Session - AM Session #2
|
| 11:00am | PANEL – The Plight of the SMM: The View from the Small & Medium Sized Manufacturer
Explore the challenges faced by small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in the defense industry and identify potential solutions to enhance participation and success.
Moderator: Mr. Jamie Goettler, MSC Direct
Mr. Michael Farmer, President, Viking Innovations
Mr. Kenny Williams, Co-Founder & CEO, PHENX Products
Mr. Scott Sawyer, Co-Founder & Chief Scientist, Paperless Parts
|
| 12:00pm | Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall |
| 2:00pm |
General Session - PM Session #1
|
| 2:00pm |
Manufacturing at Speed (M@S) - An AFRL Program Overview
Gain insights into the Manufacturing at Speed program by the Air Force Research Laboratory and its implications for accelerating defense manufacturing processes.
Mr. Brench Boden, AFRL Materials & Manufacturing Directorate
|
| 2:30pm |
PANEL – Expanding SMM DIB Participation: Possible DoD-led Efforts that Could Grow SMM Participation in the DIB
Delve into potential Department of Defense initiatives aimed at fostering increased participation of small and medium-sized manufacturers within the Defense Industrial Base, while exploring collaborative opportunities to bolster their involvement.
Moderator: Mr. Michael Morford, Chairman & CEO, Knudsen Institute
Mr. Ronnie Hobbs, Director of Small Business, Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC)
Mr. Ken Wetzel, Chief Operating Officer, Strategic Marketing Innovations, Inc. (SMI)
Mr. David Hoffmeier, Procurement Contract Specialist and Certified VA Verification Counselor, Oklahoma APEX Accelerator
Mr. Robert Gorham, Co-Founder & Chief Executive, BlueForge Alliance (BFA)
|
| 3:30pm |
Coffee Break & Networking in the Exhibit Hall |
| 4:00pm |
General Session - PM Session #2
|
| 4:00pm |
PANEL – Preparing for Surge Requirements: Implementing the new 2023 National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS)
Examine strategies for implementing the 2023 National Defense Industrial Strategy to effectively prepare for surge requirements in defense manufacturing.
Moderator: Mr. Alex Gray, CEO, American Global Strategies & Author of WH EO 13806
Mr. Jeffrey Sick, Director of Logistics, Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base
Mr. Andy Sherman, General Manager of US Operations, Fictivs |
| 5:00pm |
PANEL – Supply Chain Resiliency in an Age of Surge: Adaptability from Existing DIB to Meet Surge
Address the need for supply chain resiliency amidst surges in demand and explore ways to adapt existing DIB structures to meet these challenges.
Moderator: The Honorable Greg J Slavonic, RADM (ret.) USN, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs
Mr. Ryan Besecker, Director of Supply Chain Policy, Moog Inc.
Mr. George Whittier, CEO, Fairbanks Morse Defense
Mr. Sam Thevanayagam, President & CEO, Parts Life Inc. |
| 6:00pm |
Casual Network Gathering |
| 7:00am |
Registration Opens |
| 7:00am |
Continental Breakfast & Networking in the Exhibit Hall |
| 8:00am |
General Session - AM Session #1
|
| 8:00am |
Master of Ceremony - Ceremony Welcome Mr. Loren A. Smith Jr., Executive Director, Knudsen Institute |
| 8:15am |
VIP Guest RemarksThe Honorable Adam Pugh, Oklahoma State Senator |
| 8:30am |
PANEL – Workforce Challenges: Closing the Skills Gap
Discuss solutions for closing the skills gap in the defense manufacturing workforce and ensuring a capable and adaptable workforce for future challenges.
Moderator: Dr. Sharon Harrison, Harrison Consulting Group
Ms. Lori Baukus, Director Training Education and Outreach, ARCTOS
Mr. Dan Sloan, Director of Strategic Partnerships, SME
Mr. Dave Rowland, President & CEO, Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance
Ms. Melissa Houston, Founder & Principal, 929 Strategies
Ms. Chancellor Allison Garrett, CEO, Oklahoma State System of Higher Education
|
| 9:45am |
Overcoming Technology Obsolescence: Printed Circuit Board Life Cycle Management
Identify strategies for managing technology obsolescence, particularly in printed circuit board life cycle management, to maintain readiness and capability.
Mr. Matthew McQueen, NSWC CRANE
|
| 10:15am |
PANEL – Cybersecurity: CMMC Implementation's Impact on SMM
Assess the impact of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification implementation on small and medium-sized manufacturers and discuss measures to enhance cybersecurity resilience.
Moderator: Mr. Matt Watson, Cybersecurity Consultant, Guernsey Consulting
Mr. Regan Edens, DTC Global
Mr. Tim Frisby,Critical Components Aerospace
Mr. Travis Goldbach, Amazon Web Services (AWS) CMMC GTM Leader |
| 11:00am |
Coffee Break & Networking in the Exhibit Hall
|
| 11:30am |
General Session - AM Session #2
|
| 11:30am |
PANEL – Leveraging the Ecosystem: Local, State, or Private Initiatives to Support SMM Surge Engagement
Explore opportunities to leverage local, state, and private initiatives to support SMM engagement and participation in surge scenarios.
Moderator: The Honorable John Nash, State Secretary for Military and Veteran Affairs
Ms. Jessica Ervin, Technology Innovation Director, OK SBDC
Mr. Larry Adams, Business Advisor, OK SBDC
Mr. Rodney Reddic, State Director, TMAC, NIST MEP
Mr. Brent Kisling, CEO, NexTo LLC
|
| 12:15pm - 2:00pm |
Group Luncheon
|
| |
12:15pm – Presentation of the Knudsen Award
The Knudsen Award commemorates the legacy of William S. "Bill" Knudsen. He was an exemplary figure who, prior to World War II, recognized the critical need for a robust industrial base to safeguard against emerging threats. Departing from his prominent role in the automobile industry, Knudsen fervently advocated for national preparedness and galvanized action to bolster our nation's defense capabilities. Today, as we confront analogous challenges amid a shifting global landscape, the Knudsen Award honors individuals across government, industry, and the military who embody that visionary spirit. Through this distinction, the Knudsen Institute celebrates leadership that revitalizes and fortifies our defense industrial base, ensuring our collective resilience in the face of emerging threats.
Mr. Loren A. Smith Jr., Executive Director, Knudsen Institute
|
| |
12:45pm – Lunch KeynoteMr. Robert P. Moran, Partner, Brunswick Group
|
| |
1:15pm – Special Remarks – Growing the DIB: A Historical PerspectiveDr. Arthur Herman, Author of "Freedom's Forge" & Director at the Hudson Institute
|
| |
1:45pm – Closing Remarks
Mr. Michael Morford, Chairman & CEO, Knudsen Institute
|
