Pathways-2-Partnership (P2P) delivers expert insights, real-world success stories, and actionable strategies from MoveAmerica—the premier think tank for public-private collaboration. Each episode will explore innovations, partnerships, and policies that strengthen the defense industrial base, secure supply chains, and drive mission success.
Created for entrepreneurs, industry executives, government leaders, and policy makers, P2P helps you navigate the acquisition processes, ethically influence requirements, and turn your strategic vision into measurable and actionable results.
Mission Ready in 10: CMMC Is Your Secret Revenue Weapon
Think CMMC certification is just a compliance checkbox for the big defense primes? Think again. In this episode of Mission Ready in 10, we break down why non-traditional businesses — manufacturers, IT firms, staffing companies, logistics providers — are leaving serious money on the table by ignoring the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification.
We'll walk you through what CMMC Level 1 and Level 2 actually require, what the 2025–2026 mandate timeline means for your business right now, and how one small manufacturer turned an unannounced DoW audit into a perfect certification score — and a competitive edge their rivals can't touch. If you've ever thought "CMMC isn't for me," this episode was made for you.
9 Apr 2026
Mission Ready in 10: Media Literacy in Government Contracting
Media literacy is no longer a “nice to have” skill, but a foundational and professionally critical one. Using a fictional company and a real-world program scenario, this episode walks through how to distinguish official sources from commentary, avoid costly misunderstandings, and recognize when confirmation bias is driving your decisions. Because in government contracting, information moves fast and the stakes are high — getting the information right the first time matters.
9 Mar 2026
From Garage to Guardian: How a VR Kid Built a $30 Billion Defense Giant
In 2012, Palmer Luckey built a VR headset in his parents' garage. Two years later, Facebook bought it for $2 billion. Then he did something nobody saw coming—he started a defense company. Today, Anduril Industries is valued at over $30 billion and is fundamentally reshaping how the U.S. Department of War builds and deploys weapons systems. In this episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of how a non-traditional business from Silicon Valley broke into the defense industrial base, and shares practical advice on how you can build relationships with prime contractors. Learn why great technology isn't enough—and why relationships are the real key to breaking in.
11 Feb 2026
Boots on the Ground in Nashville - Why Showing Up Still Matters
Rick from MoveAmerica just got back from the National Small Business Conference in Nashville—three days of networking, matchmaking, hot chicken, and handshakes with everyone from federal agency reps to prime contractor executives. In this episode, he breaks down why industry events still matter in a world of Zoom and LinkedIn, what he learned from breakout sessions on SBIR and working with the DoW, and why MoveAmerica believes small businesses aren't just part of the defense industrial base—they're the future of it. Can't make it to every conference? Learn about MoveAmerica's Pathways-2-Partnership virtual networking event on Tuesday, February 24th. Email communications@moveamerica.org to get the details. Resources Mentioned:
National 8(a) Association / National Small Business Conference: n8asbc.org
MoveAmerica Pathways-2-Partnership: communications@moveamerica.org
MoveAmerica.org
Dearborn APEX Accelerator: dearbornapex.com
26 Jan 2026
Ctrl+P for the Fleet: How 3D Printing is Saving the Navy
What do you do when a critical part breaks on a Navy ship—and it hasn't been manufactured since the Reagan administration? You print a new one.
In Episode 2 of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica explores how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing military sustainment, turning 18-month procurement nightmares into same-week solutions. Then he breaks down the U.S. Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)—your fast pass into the defense supply chain.
Learn how small manufacturers are partnering with major primes to solve the military's toughest logistics challenges, and how MoveAmerica—as the MPP Intermediary—can help match you with the right mentor and guide you through the entire process.
Resources mentioned:
SAM.gov
MoveAmerica.org
Rapid Innovation Accelerator-Miami (gogovnow.com)
Dearborn APEX Accelerator: (dearbornapex.com)
Find an APEX Accelerator near you: (apexaccelerators.us)
16 Jan 2026
Critical Technology Areas Explained: DoD's New Roadmap for Small Business Innovation
The Department of Defense just went full Marie Kondo on its Critical Technology Areas—looking at fourteen priorities and narrowing them down to six. But what does that actually mean for small businesses trying to break into the defense industrial base?
In this episode of Pathways to Partnership, Rick from MoveAmerica sits down with Colonel (Ret.) Willie Burgess, Deputy Director of MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator in Miami (RIA-M), to unpack everything you need to know about CTAs without drowning in acronyms.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What the six Critical Technology Areas actually are—and why they're broader than you might think
The difference between the White House's Critical and Emerging Technology List (14 items) and DoD's focused CTAs (6 items)
Real-world examples of how small businesses are already contributing to these priority areasWhy DoD is actively seeking small business participation (spoiler: the defense industrial base went from 51 prime contractors to just 5)
How RIA Miami helps companies navigate opportunities—for free
Whether you're developing AI applications, cybersecurity solutions, advanced manufacturing tech, or something entirely new, this episode will help you understand where the Department of Defense is headed and how you can be part of the solution.
Resources mentioned:
MoveAmerica: moveamerica.org
RIA Miami
SBIR/STTR Programs
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
National Security Strategy
Acquisition Transformation Strategy
6 Jan 2026
Mission Ready in 10: From Garage to Guardian
In our debut episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of Shield AI—a company that started with two brothers, a garage in San Diego, and a mission to protect American warfighters. Today they're valued at $2.8 billion and their autonomous drone technology is being integrated into fighter jets. But here's the part nobody talks about: they didn't do it alone. Learn how SBIR funding works, why smart founders build support networks, and how MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator and APEX Accelerator programs can help open doors for your business. Because the warfighter needs small businesses like yours—we're just here to help you find the way.
22 Dec 2025
You found a mentor, signed the MPA, and won the contract: what's next?
In the this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, MoveAmerica Program Manager Athena Powell pulls back the curtain on the critical question of “what’s next” once you’ve selected a mentor, signed your Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA), and received a contract award.
With Athena's guidance, you’ll learn how to set your business up for success when it comes to executing the contract, including how to:
Operationalize your team for post-award success
Deliver on time, every time
Communicate more effectively with internal teams and partners
Build a strong performance record that positions you to win again
17 Nov 2025
Building Cyber-Ready Partnerships for Small and Medium Businesses
In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership (P2P), we speak with Mariano Mattei, VP of Cyber Initiatives for Eccalon and Project Spectrum, the DoD OSBP-endorsed cybersecurity platform supporting companies entering or operating within the defense industrial base. Mariano breaks down the evolving cyber landscape, the rising expectations around compliance, and the essential steps organizations must take to protect themselves and remain competitive. From CMMC readiness to practical cyber hygiene, this conversation offers a clear and accessible roadmap for companies of all sizes.
Listeners will learn:
The most common cyber vulnerabilities and how to address them
What’s changing across DoD cybersecurity requirements
How small and medium businesses can prepare without getting overwhelmed
Whether you’re already in the defense sector or looking to become part of the defense industrial base, this episode provides the insight you need to get cyber-ready … and stay that way.
24 Oct 2025
The ‘so what’ behind the Rapid Innovation Accelerator – Miami (RIA-M)
In this episode, Solomon Stavis, Director of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator - Miami (RIA-M), joins us to discuss how the RIA-M is helping emerging and non-traditional businesses and universities successfully navigate and access the federal contracting space. This podcast unpacks the 'so what' behind the RIA-M’s impact, from helping companies submit proposals to building critical partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
6 Oct 2025
Securing America’s Lifelines: Building Resilience in Critical Supply Chain
In the next episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, we are joined by Duane Wilson, Director of Business Intelligence, Assessments & Advanced Computing at MoveAmerica, for a podcast about the hidden vulnerabilities threatening the nation’s most vital supply chains. From semiconductors and rare earth elements to pharmaceuticals and defense components, the stability of these essential systems underpins U.S. economic strength, technological leadership and national security.
Whether you're in government, industry, or supply chain management, this webinar offers strategic insights into fortifying America's most essential lifelines in an increasingly unstable world.
17 Sept 2025
Entering the Federal Supply Chain: Top 5 Essentials for Dual-Use Manufacturers (
In the next episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Jay Davis, Business Counselor at the MoveAmerica APEX Accelerator, shares insights on Entering the Federal Supply Chain: Top 5 Essentials for Dual-Use Manufacturers. This episode is designed for businesses looking to bring their dual-use products into the federal marketplace.
Jay breaks down the critical components every company needs, starting with obtaining a CAGE code and developing a compelling capability statement, to identifying federal opportunities that align with your strengths. You’ll gain practical, step-by-step guidance to position your company effectively, meet regulatory requirements, and unlock the vast potential of federal contracts.
2 Sept 2025
Negative Four to Secure: Starting Your Cybersecurity Journey
In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership from MoveAmerica, we chat with Chris Barber, Chief Nerd and founder, of the award-winning IT services firm Cheaper Than a Geek®. With more than 20 years of experience helping small businesses navigate the digital landscape, Chris shares practical guidance on how organizations can take their first steps toward stronger cybersecurity.
Tune in as we discuss the top security challenges facing small- and medium-sized businesses, the benefits of outsourcing IT services, and actionable insights from a managed IT provider’s perspective—giving you the tools to move from “negative four” to secure.
18 Aug 2025
Mitigating FOCI: How to Protect Your Business and IP
What do you do when your business already has FOCI exposure? In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Dr. Christophe McCray walks us through real-world examples of how foreign influence has compromised U.S. innovation—and what companies can do about it. From red flags and risk factors to voting trusts and mitigation strategies, this episode provides a playbook for protecting your IP and staying eligible for federal contracts.
4 Aug 2025
Breaking Into the Federal Market: Innovation Pathways with Earl Wyatt
In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Earl Wyatt—Executive Director of MoveAmerica and former DoD innovation lead—shares proven strategies for small and emerging businesses looking to enter the federal supply chain. From working with national labs and leveraging SBIR/STTR programs to navigating the Mentor-Protégé Program, Earl outlines the critical steps that can turn your innovation into a government-ready solution. Whether you're a startup with a big idea or a growing company aiming to scale into defense, this episode delivers the practical insights you need to move forward with purpose.
21 Jul 2025
Understanding FOCI: What Small Businesses Need to Know
In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Dr. Christophe McCray of MoveAmerica breaks down the essentials of FOCI—Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence—and why it’s a growing concern for small businesses entering the federal marketplace. Learn how adversarial nations exploit legal loopholes, what red flags to look out for, and how to protect your intellectual property before signing that next contract.
7 Jul 2025
Accelerating Innovation in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base
Earl Wyatt, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, examines how innovation transforms the U.S. defense industrial base, highlighting emerging technologies and the role of non-traditional companies in this interview episode.
13 Jun 2025
Forging Stronger Defense Partnerships: Inside the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program
Carolyn D. Campbell discusses the Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program, explaining MoveAmerica's intermediary role in forging strategic partnerships and empowering small businesses within the defense sector in this interview.
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