Defense Mavericks

Decoding Agile Acquisition Frameworks with Jonathan Mostowski (Replay)

Mar 18, 2025

38:24

Are rules the biggest barrier to government procurement?

In this replay episode, Jonathan Mostowski, a trailblazer in government procurement and co-author of the TechFAR Handbook, unpacks the truth about “hacking” bureaucracy in government contracting and how agile acquisition, strategic contracting, and responsible risk-taking can transform procurement into a driver of innovation.

He also shares insights on creating culture change through contracting, his experiences authoring the TechFAR Handbook, navigating the pitfalls of SBIR, and tackling the dreaded “Valley of Death”.

Learn why contracting should be a business advisory role, not just compliance, and how funding models can better reward innovation.

Tune in now for a refreshing conversation on defense procurement!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:00) Meet Jonathan Mostowski

(03:10) What is a Scaled Agile Framework?

(04:08) Origins and intent of the TechFar Handbook

(07:55) The biggest challenge contractors face

(10:37) Why Jonathan doesn’t “hack” bureaucracy?

(14:07) The culture change needed in contracting

(15:53) Jonathan’s writing process

(17:00) The purpose of Jonathan’s book Leading Agile Acquisitions

(19:46) What would Jonathan change if he were to be a king for a day?

(22:44) How impact–not speed—should drive incentives

(26:30) Are SBIRs sustainable?

(34:14) The reality behind the Valley of Death

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

Connect with today’s guests:

💥Follow Jonathan Mostowski on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmost/

💥Grab a copy of his book Leading Agile Acquisitions: https://www.agileacquisitions.com/product-page/leading-agile-acquisitions

—

Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.