All Quiet on the Second Front

37. Defense Acquisitions: Data is In, Status Quo is Out with Tara Murphy Dougherty

Jan 2, 2024

Tyler is joined by Tara Murphy Dougherty, CEO of Govini, a defense software company, discussing challenges in defense acquisition, the need for cultural change, utilizing commercial technology, and building a more agile acquisition workforce. They also explore emerging Indo-Pacific cyber threats and the importance of organizational engagement.

29:48

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Episode guests

Tara Murphy Dougherty

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Improving day-to-day workflows and acquisition workforce capabilities are essential in defense acquisition, alongside policy debates around authorities and processes.

Behavioral and cultural change is necessary in defense acquisition, with contracting officers acting as business advisors and fostering information sharing, training, and incentives for creativity.

Deep dives

Importance of Close User Engagement for Engineers

To build better products, engineers need to get close to the users and understand why they are building what they are building. Having one or two days a week of on-site engagement with clients can significantly improve the quality of products compared to companies that lack this exposure.

Introduction

3min

Challenges and Solutions in Defense Acquisitions

15min

Leadership and Transformational Change

7min

The Rising Threat of Cybersecurity in the Pacific AOR

3min

Shifting the Mental Model of Leaders and Learning from Ukraine

2min

Season 2, Episode 37. Today on All Quiet, Tyler is joined by Tara Murphy Dougherty, CEO of Govini, a defense software company focused on the defense acquisition space. During the episode, Tara shares her unique journey, offering valuable insights into the challenges within the defense tech landscape. Tyler and Tara explore the pressing need for a paradigm shift, discussing the integration of modern technologies to enhance acquisition workflows. Tara's perspectives on the intersection of policy and technology, as well as the behavioral and cultural changes needed, provide a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of defense acquisitions.

Today on Saved Rounds, Tyler and Enrique discuss emerging Indo-Pacific cyber threats, urging operational resilience and leader retraining, drawing insights from Ukraine.

What’s Happening on the Second Front: