69. Government Acquisitions with Jonathan Mostowski

All Quiet on the Second Front

#Tech #Podcasting Education #Government #Second Front | Soulfire Productions

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 28:31

MP3•Episode home

Episode 69. Navigating the labyrinth of government procurement can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt chats with Jonathan Mostowski, president of Agile Acquisitions, LLC and seasoned expert in government acquisitions. With over two decades of experience, Jonathan has pioneered innovative procurement models and shaped the landscape of modern IT services acquisition. Dive into a discussion that demystifies the complexities of government contracts, explores the cutting-edge of procurement strategies, and examines the cultural shifts necessary to streamline governmental innovation.

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

Overcoming the hurdles of traditional government procurement processes
Strategies for successful government contracting and acquisitions
The role of culture change within federal acquisition
Practical advice for businesses trying to penetrate the government market

Connect with Jonathan

• Linkedin: Jonathan Mostowski

Connect with Tyler

• Linkedin: Tyler Sweatt

• Website: Second Front

95 episodes

All Quiet on the Second Front

69. Government Acquisitions with Jonathan Mostowski

All Quiet on the Second Front

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

What’s Happening on the Second Front:

Overcoming the hurdles of traditional government procurement processes
Strategies for successful government contracting and acquisitions
The role of culture change within federal acquisition
Practical advice for businesses trying to penetrate the government market

Connect with Jonathan

• Linkedin: Jonathan Mostowski

Connect with Tyler

• Linkedin: Tyler Sweatt

• Website: Second Front

95 episodes

#Tech #Podcasting Education #Government #Second Front | Soulfire Productions

All episodes

All Quiet on the Second Front

1
Connected for Impact: Trust, Build, Deliver (Live at Offset '25) 42:08

9 days ago42:08

42:08

In this special episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, we’re bringing you a live recording from Offset 2025. Moderated by Danielle Metz, 2F Chief Policy Officer, this panel tackles a question that’s easy to say but hard to operationalize: how do we actually build trust between government and industry to deliver secure, mission-ready technology? Danielle is joined by Rob Nolen, Chief Technologist for DoD at AWS, Dan Garcia, Chief Information Security Officer at EnterpriseDB, and Eric Sanders, Chief Information Security Officer at DHS (I&A) and, together, they unpack the cultural and structural baggage that slows innovation—and explore what it’ll take to shift hearts, minds, and bureaucracies toward impact. What’s Happening on the Second Front: Building security into systems from the start (not bolting it on later) Measuring impact through velocity, not vanity metrics Risk tolerance vs. risk avoidance in government tech The role of policy and regulation in accelerating trust Why a shared language between builders, buyers, and approvers is mission-critical…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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93. Offset 2025 Keynote with Senator Markwaye Mullin 25:18

23 days ago25:18

25:18

In this special keynote episode recorded live at Offset Symposium, Senator Markwayne Mullin joins 2F CEO Tyler Sweatt to talk national security, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the urgent need for change across government and defense. Senator Mullin lays out a clear-eyed view of the current state: the technology is moving faster than the government—and without bold action, we risk falling even further behind. From budgeting flexibility to breaking down silos across the DoD, this conversation covers where the gaps are, how private sector partnerships can help, and what it’ll take to drive real reform. What’s Happening on the Second Front: Why relationships—not just policy—drive change How the DoD can embrace a “get to yes” culture Making room in the budget for faster, more flexible solutions Why the next 18 months are critical for national security transformation If we’re serious about change, we can’t wait for permission. Tune in for a candid, high-impact conversation from the Offset main stage.…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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92. Bret Boyd, Cofounder & CEO of Sustainment 30:18

5 weeks ago30:18

30:18

This week on All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler sits down with Bret Boyd, co-founder and CEO of Sustainment, to talk shop on reshoring U.S. manufacturing, rethinking the defense industrial base, and why clipboards and PDFs are still running the depots. Bret’s got the receipts—combat deployments with the 75th Ranger Regiment, 15+ years in tech, and now building one of the largest networks of non-traditional U.S. manufacturers. What’s happening on the Second Front: How small manufacturers hold the key to reindustrialization The real bottlenecks behind readiness: not weapons, but parts Why defense acquisition needs fewer PDFs and more CRMs The case for a U.S. “manufacturing ready reserve” Connect with Bret Linkedin: Bret Boyd Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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91. Cameron McCord, CEO & Co-Founder, Nominal 26:35

7 weeks ago26:35

26:35

In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, Tyler sits down with Cameron McCord, CEO and co-founder of Nominal, to talk about why testing & evaluation is finally getting its moment in the spotlight—and why that matters more than you think. From time at Anduril and Lux Capital to launching Nominal, Cam shares a candid look at the bottlenecks slowing down national security and how the right software (and the right team) can tip the balance. What's happening on the Second Front Why test data is the next frontier for advantage in defense How government incentives and contracting structures need to evolve What it really takes to build a mission-driven team in this space The difference between missionaries and mercenaries Connect with Cameron LinkedIn: Cameron McCord Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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90. Samuel Semwangu, CEO of Bazze 32:35

9 weeks ago32:35

32:35

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe (2F CRO) sits down with Samuel (Sammy) Semwangu, CEO of Bazze—a company redefining how commercial data is delivered into the national security enterprise. Sammy shares his journey from special operations to Silicon Valley, the tough lessons learned building in defense tech, and how Bazze evolved into the commercial data infrastructure behind some of today’s most forward-leaning intel operations. What’s Happening on the Second Front The shift from nation-state dominance to commercially driven intelligence How Bazze built a federated API to unlock insights from 20+ data vendors in seconds Why aligning with primes and integrators is key to scale—and survival The incentive problem inside the building—and why smart software alone doesn’t solve it Partner-led GTM, SBIR heartbreak, and why timing > everything Connect with Sammy LinkedIn: Samuel Semwangu Connect with TJ LinkedIn: TJ Rowe…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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89. Software Defined Warfare with Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan and Stephen Rodriguez 42:30

11 weeks ago42:30

42:30

Dive into an exciting surprise episode of All Quiet on the Second Front with host Tyler Sweatt, joined by Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan and Stephen Rodriguez from the Atlantic Council's Software-Defined Warfare Commission. This episode cuts through the complexities of defense technology to focus squarely on the transformative role of software in modern warfare. Tyler, Jack, and Stephen discuss Department of Defense initiatives, underscore the urgency of innovative strategies, and share personal anecdotes that illuminate the path toward a software-driven defense landscape, shedding light on pivotal developments that are reshaping military engagement across the globe. Tune in to understand the stakes and opportunities in software-defined warfare. What’s Happening on the Second Front Insights into Project Maven and the JAIC’s impact on military strategies. Lessons from Jack Shanahan’s Air Force career and Stephen Rodriguez’s tech ventures. How the DoD is adapting to software-centric warfare for technological superiority. The need for rapid, actionable strategies to ensure future readiness. Connect with Jack LinkedIn: Jack Shanahan Connect with Stephen LinkedIn: Stephen Rodriguez Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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88. Greg Touhill, Director of the SEI’s CERT Division at Carnegie Mellon University 30:24

12 weeks ago30:24

30:24

Episode 88. On this episode of All Quiet, host Tyler Sweat chats with cybersecurity expert Greg Touhill, director of the CERT Division at Carnegie Mellon's Software Engineering Institute. With a rich background as the U.S. government's first Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a seasoned executive in the U.S. Air Force and Department of Homeland Security, Greg discusses the trajectory of cybersecurity from its foundational days to its current critical role in national security and private sector strategy. Explore how AI and cybersecurity intersect and the essential steps today's leaders must take to safeguard our digital future. What’s Happening on the Second Front: Greg's journey from the U.S. Air Force to leading national cybersecurity initiatives. The impact of AI on cybersecurity—what does the future hold? Cybersecurity in the corporate world: How is it shaping business strategies at the highest levels? Emerging challenges: What are the next big threats, and how are we preparing to tackle them? Connect with Greg LinkedIn: Gregory Touhill Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt SEI resources discussed: SEI website: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/ AI/AI Security: Artificial Intelligence Security Incident Response Team (AISIRT) Risk and Resilience: Enterprise Risk and Resilience Management SEI GitHub: Software Engineering Institute · GitHub…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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87. Troy Demmer, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at Gecko Robotics 32:15

14 weeks ago32:15

32:15

In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, host Tyler Sweatt chats with Troy Demmer of Gecko Robotics about transforming infrastructure with robotics, AI, and smarter data. They explore Gecko’s origins, its impact on defense and energy, and how better maintenance can drive national security and economic growth. From crawling robots to AI-powered insights, Troy shares how Gecko is tackling critical infrastructure challenges—and why the biggest threat isn’t new technology, but inertia. What's Happening on the Second Front Robots + AI = Smarter Infrastructure – How Gecko is transforming maintenance and inspection. Data Overload? – Why most organizations collect too much but use too little. Tech vs. Tradition – The real battle is overcoming industry inertia, not innovation. AI’s Hidden Flaw – Great power, terrible results—unless the data is right. The Future is Now – Edge computing, real-time insights, and maximizing what we already have. Connect with Troy LinkedIn: Troy Demmer Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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86. Hon. Martha McSally, Former U.S. Senator & 2F Independent Board Director 30:32

16 weeks ago30:32

30:32

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front , host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Hon. Martha McSally—former A-10 fighter pilot, U.S. Senator, and now 2F Independent Board Director—to talk about resilience, reinvention, and leading with purpose. Martha shares her journey from being one of the first women to fly a fighter jet in combat to navigating the world of politics and now advising leaders and companies. She discusses how to thrive through major career transitions, why identity isn’t tied to job titles, and how leaders can build trust, stay adaptable, and create high-performing teams. What’s Happening on the Second Front Martha’s path from fighter pilot to senator to board director. Why trust, clear communication, and self-awareness are critical for leadership. How to navigate career transitions and detach from external identity. Practical leadership tools, from curiosity to balancing work intensity. Why now is the best time to lean in, innovate, and lead. Connect with Martha LinkedIn: Martha McSally Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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85. Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officier of Forterra 27:56

18 weeks ago27:56

27:56

On this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front , host Tyler Sweatt sits down with Scott Sanders, Chief Growth Officer of Forterra, to talk about building elite teams, mission-driven leadership, and the realities of hiring in defense tech. Scott shares his journey from Marine Raider to early Anduril employee to leading a company that’s shaping the future of autonomous ground systems. What’s Happening on the Second Front Why so many veterans return to defense tech (even after swearing they wouldn’t) The “deployment test” for hiring and how to spot high-impact operators Balancing speed and quality in recruiting without breaking the culture The importance of taking time away from work to stay sharp Why military leaders struggle to let go—and how to fix it Connect with Scott LinkedIn: Scott Sanders Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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84. Bernard Brantley, CISO at Corelight || Ex-Amazon, Microsoft 36:22

20 weeks ago36:22

36:22

Episode 84. In this episode of All Quiet, Bernard Brantley, CISO at Corelight, joins Tyler Sweatt to delve into the interplay between rapid technological development and robust security practices. With a rich background at giants like Amazon and Microsoft, where he was instrumental in architecting network security solutions for Xbox Live and other high-value assets, Bernard offers deep insights into how security can coexist with fast-paced innovation. Discover how Bernard’s approaches at Amazon serve as a model for balancing innovation with stringent security, applicable across the tech industry. The conversation also explores the critical role of AI in modern security measures, highlighting real-life success stories and providing practical advice derived from Bernard's extensive experience in the field. What’s Happening on the Second Front Techniques for embedding security from the start of development How to balance security needs with engineering efforts so both can coexist and thrive Bernard’s role in architecting network security solutions for Xbox Live and other Microsoft assets Insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping security practices, offering both solutions and new challenges Connect with Bernard LinkedIn: Bernard Brantley Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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83. Ted Reynolds, Chief Revenue Officer at Decision Lens 38:15

22 weeks ago38:15

38:15

Episode 83. In this episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ sits down with Ted Reynolds, Chief Revenue Officer at Decision Lens, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of selling software to the federal government. Ted shares insights from his 25+ year career, exploring the unique demands of public sector sales, the shift from "coin-operated" to mission-driven sales teams, and how Decision Lens is helping agencies navigate complex planning and prioritization. Tune in for a conversation about scaling in defense tech, overcoming barriers to entry, and aligning technology with mission impact. What's Happening on the Second Front Why hiring mission-oriented salespeople is crucial for success. How Decision Lens helps agencies prioritize resources effectively. Lessons on moving from early contracts to sustainable growth. Key differences between commercial and federal sales. Connect with Ted Ted Reynolds Connect with TJ TJ Rowe…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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82. Justin Fanelli, Acting Dept of Navy CTO 29:09

26 weeks ago29:09

29:09

Dive into a high-octane discussion on defense tech innovation with Justin Fanelli, the Acting CTO of the U.S. Navy, on All Quiet on the Second Front. On this episode, host Tyler Sweatt and Justin dissect the transformative shifts happening within the Department of Navy through dynamic public-private partnerships. Discover how these collaborations are paving the way for more agile, efficient, and impactful defense technologies. From breaking bureaucratic barriers to redefining portfolio management, this episode is a masterclass in driving change within one of the world’s most formidable bureaucracies. What's Happening on the Second Front enhancing Navy agility and efficiency streamlining tech development and deployment embracing change for greater innovation and results boosting military capabilities and economic benefits Connect with Justin LinkedIn: Justin Fanelli Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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81. Jeff Fields, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI 36:42

27 weeks ago36:42

36:42

We’re bringing in the Feds! On this episode of All Quiet, Jeff Fields, Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI, joins host Tyler Sweatt to navigate the complex interplay of public and private markets. They’ll unpack the tangled webs of security, innovation, and risk—revealing what it truly looks like when the Feds meet the founders. Jeff brings a refreshing perspective to the vital role of federal agencies in shaping and securing the future of technological advancement. What’s Happening on the Second Front The relationship between public markets and private innovation in the context of security and risk management The evolving nature of global threats, including the strategic challenges posed by nation-states and non-state actors Case Study with FBI and Google: Illustrating what cooperation between the FBI and victim companies looks like during significant legal actions, like the Google indictment Celebrating U.S. cultural influence—from hip hop to Wu-Tang Clan and Nirvana, highlighting America's unique contributions to the global stage Connect with Jeff LinkedIn: Jeff Fields Connect with Tyler LinkedIn: Tyler Sweatt…

All Quiet on the Second Front

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80. Powering Software for the Free World with Second Front 38:56

28 weeks ago38:56