Defense Mavericks

Breaking Down SBIR & STTR Programs with Kristina Botelho

Dec 26, 2023

Esteemed contracting officer Kristina Botelho discusses the challenges of scaling solutions, flipping the script on sole-source contracts, and the underutilization of the SBIR STTR program. Also explores the viability of dual-use tech startups and maximizing DoD resources. Discover how to enable creative thinking in the contracting community and ask tough questions that pave the best path for startups, contracting officers, and warfighters alike.

35:24

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Episode guests

Kristina Botelho

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Leadership should encourage creative agency and ask tough questions to inspire individuals to take ownership and find the best solutions.

Being a defense maverick means taking risks and pushing boundaries to achieve faster and smarter results in contracting.

Deep dives

The Value of Creative Agency and Tough Questions

Leadership should encourage creative agency and ask tough questions to inspire individuals to take ownership and find the best solutions. This approach helps foster innovation and prevents reliance on given solutions.

Introduction

3min

The Career and Role of the Speaker in the RapidX Program

16min

The Importance of SIBR SIDR Programs and Phases of the SBIR Program

7min

Incentives for Commercialization and the Benefits of Dual-Use Approach in Government Research

3min

Taking Risks, Creative Agency, and Being a Defense Maverick

6min

This week, Bonnie is joined by Kristina Botelho, an esteemed contracting and agreements officer for the Air Force, to discuss the ins and outs of SBIR and STTR programs. With nearly 15 years as a contracting officer, Kristina has become a trailblazing figure known for challenging norms and injecting fresh perspectives into contracting approaches. Kristina dives into the challenges of scaling solutions, flipping the script on sole-source contracts, and the underutilization of the SBIR STTR program—a key asset for streamlined capability delivery. Tune in to learn how to enable creative thinking in the contracting community and ask tough questions that pave the best path for startups, contracting officers, and warfighters alike.

TIMESTAMPS:

(1:20) Who is Kristina Botelho?

(5:55) The gap in experience among contracting officers

(10:18) How to embrace risk in the contracting space

(13:45) You can bomb Phase I and II SBIRs

(20:46) Maximizing DoD resources

(23:58) Viability of dual-use tech startups

(31:46) Taking advantage of Air Force innovation

LINKS:

Follow Kristina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-botelho/

Follow Bonnie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-evangelista-520747231/

CDAO: https://www.ai.mil/