Understanding Modular Open Systems Approach and Why it Matters for DoD
Release Date: 04/09/2025
5 Years Later: How is DoD's Adaptive Acquisition Framework Working?
Emerging Tech Horizons
In 2020, the DoD adopted the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), a major shift aiming to make DoD procurement faster, more flexible, and closer to commercial innovation models. Five years in, what progress has been made? Join GAO’s Shelby Oakley and Robert Bullock as they break down the results of a new GAO study, covering how “iterative” acquisition is actually playing out, and the importance of modular contracts, agile funding, and digital support tools. To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the...
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Building and Integrating Capabilities Using Modular Open Systems Architecture
Emerging Tech Horizons
Our guests, Dr. Evan Fortunato (President & CEO, Apogee Research), Kirk McConnell (retired Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee), and Robert “Otis” Winkler (Vice President, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions) join the podcast for a discussion on Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA). During this episode, they cover the operational advantages and acquisition risks, how recent legislation affects the Department of Defense’s adoption of MOSA practices, and how to think about standards as a barrier or enabler of modular and open systems. The podcast...
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Understanding Modular Open Systems Approach and Why it Matters for DoD
Emerging Tech Horizons
How is the Department of Defense faring with incorporating Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) into its technology development processes? Recent legislation requires acquisition programs to implement a MOSA to the maximum extent practicable. Anne McDonough, Assistant Director at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the podcast to describe what MOSA is, who owns the MOSA approach on a program, and what the benefits and risks are as well as how policy can affect implementation. In this episode, Anne covers a recent GAO report that evaluates the extent to which DoD is able to...
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Hypersonic Aircraft—Accelerating Toward the Future
Emerging Tech Horizons
Hermeus Corporation is a venture-backed aerospace company developing reusable hypersonic aircraft for defense and commercial flight. Join Zach Shore, Chief Revenue Officer, to explore how Hermeus is overcoming technical, regulatory, and funding hurdles to advance U.S. leadership in reusable hypersonic flight. To receive updates about the conference please join our mailing list here: http://emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/EmergingTechETI https://www.linkedin.com/company/ndia-eti-emerging-technologies-institute https://www.twitter.com/EmergingTechETI
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Analyzing Unidentified Aerial Phenomena
Emerging Tech Horizons
Recent government and public imagery of unidentified flying objects (UFO) has lead to increased Congressional and Pentagon interest in the analysis of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). Dr. Buettner describes the Pentagon's role in UAP analysis under the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), describes some recent incidents that have captures the media's attention, and discusses possible explanations for UAP. Is this just a problem with our sensors? Is it experimental aircraft or commercial drones? Join a discussion of how these kinds of incidents can be technically analyzed to try to...
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The Role of High-Skilled Immigration in Defense
Emerging Tech Horizons
Join Jeremy Neufeld, Senior Immigration Fellow at the Institute for Progress, and Wilson Miles, Associate Research Fellow at ETI, as they discuss their new report, "Strengthening the National Security Innovation Base Requires International STEM Talent." The podcast guests describe current workforce challenges facing the Department of Defense and defense industrial base and how foreign-born STEM talent could be leveraged to ensure that talent bottlenecks do not endanger U.S. technological leadership. Report Link Meeting U.S. Defense Science and Engineering Workforce Needs...
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Prototyping for the Future
Emerging Tech Horizons
Join Stephanie Halcrow, Senior Fellow at the GMU Baroni Center for Government Contracting, and Anna Kim, Associate Research Fellow at ETI, as they discuss ETI and GMU's joint upcoming report on how to take full advantage of prototyping activities for defense technologies. The podcast covers why prototyping is so valuable for defense innovation, what obstacles often hold government and industry back when directing prototyping activities, and recommendations for how DoD and the DIB can most effectively capture and leverage the knowledge created through prototyping. GMU Baroni Center for...
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The FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (Part 2): Technology, Innovation, and the Outlook for Future
Emerging Tech Horizons
In December, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. What does the bill do to improve the ability to develop and field emerging technologies? Can new commercial technologies improve our force readiness? What does Congress what the Pentagon to do on AI, biotechnology, and quantum? What is a "human readiness level"? Join acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz as he discusses how these issues are covered in the NDAA and provides a preview on what Congress is likely to do next. FY25 NDAA Bill Text and Report Language: FORGE Act: Etherton and Associates: To receive...
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The FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Supply Chains and Acquisition Reform (Part 1)
Emerging Tech Horizons
In December, the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into law. This major annual policy legislation once again includes many provisions that will affect the Pentagon's efforts to manage its supply chains and chooses it suppliers and the way it operates its complex acquisition system. Join acquisition expert Moshe Schwartz as he unpacks some of the key provisions within the NDAA and discusses their impact on defense and commercial industry. FY25 NDAA Bill Text and Report Language: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009 Etherton and Associates: To...
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Why Government Space Missions Need the Commercial Sector
Emerging Tech Horizons
Join the CEO of the Space Foundation MG (Dr.) Heather Pringle, USAF (Ret.) as she discusses how space has become such a key element of national security and how the Pentagon should strive to work with commercial and defense industry to develop and deliver new space technologies and systems. MG Pringle discuss the work of the Space Foundation, the evolution of the space industry into one dominated by commercial companies, and how DOD can best leverage the best of the commercial innovation for its unique needs in space. Space Foundation 40th Space Symposium Space Report ETI Report on...
info_outlineHow is the Department of Defense faring with incorporating Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) into its technology development processes? Recent legislation requires acquisition programs to implement a MOSA to the maximum extent practicable. Anne McDonough, Assistant Director at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), joins the podcast to describe what MOSA is, who owns the MOSA approach on a program, and what the benefits and risks are as well as how policy can affect implementation. In this episode, Anne covers a recent GAO report that evaluates the extent to which DoD is able to implement MOSA in its programs.
GAO Report: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-106931
To receive updates about the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition on August 27-29, 2025 at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, please join our mailing list here: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/sign-up
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