S4E10: Lily Zeleke - DoD Cloud & Software Modernization

Chris: Before we dive into some technical topics and questions, we would love to hear a bit about your background and career

Chris: - We've now seen the introduction of JWCC into the mix after quite a challenging road to get there. What major changes do you see JWCC playing in the DoD cloud landscape and cloud adoption journey?

Nikki: - There's been a tremendous focus on software supply chain security, with a 742% increase in software supply chain attacks in the last three years. What are your thoughts on how the DoD is approaching securing the software supply chain, SBOM's and challenges of that nature?

Chris: - We know the DoD CIO office published an Open Source Software (OSS) memo not too long ago. What role do you think OSS plays in the future of the DoD's software and warfighting capabilities?

Nikki - We've seen a blossoming ecosystem of software factories across the DoD, now numbering near or beyond 30. How key do you think these software factories have been to the DoD's software modernization efforts?

Nikki - I would be remiss if I didn't ask you about the DoD's workforce challenges. We know the DoD has had long standing issues attracting and particularly retaining technical talent. How crucial is remedying those workforce challenges to see successful cloud adoption and software modernization?

Chris - Being a longtime Federal and DoD Cyber professional I have to bring up the topic of compliance, RMF and ATO's in any discussion around fielding software. We've seen a push from some senior leaders to try and shift to a culture of cyber readiness and alleviate some of the traditional box-checking/compliance culture we know is pervasive across Government. Any thoughts on how we can modernize Cyber and Compliance in DoD to facilitate getting innovative and modernized software-enabled capabilities into the hands of system and mission owners?