Pathways-2-Partnership

From Garage to Guardian: How a VR Kid Built a $30 Billion Defense Giant

In 2012, Palmer Luckey built a VR headset in his parents' garage. Two years later, Facebook bought it for $2 billion. Then he did something nobody saw coming—he started a defense company. Today, Anduril Industries is valued at over $30 billion and is fundamentally reshaping how the U.S. Department of War builds and deploys weapons systems. In this episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of how a non-traditional business from Silicon Valley broke into the defense industrial base, and shares practical advice on how you can build relationships with prime contractors. Learn why great technology isn't enough—and why relationships are the real key to breaking in.

Boots on the Ground in Nashville - Why Showing Up Still Matters

Rick from MoveAmerica just got back from the National Small Business Conference in Nashville—three days of networking, matchmaking, hot chicken, and handshakes with everyone from federal agency reps to prime contractor executives. In this episode, he breaks down why industry events still matter in a world of Zoom and LinkedIn, what he learned from breakout sessions on SBIR and working with the DoW, and why MoveAmerica believes small businesses aren't just part of the defense industrial base—they're the future of it. Can't make it to every conference? Learn about MoveAmerica's Pathways-2-Partnership virtual networking event on Tuesday, February 24th. Email communications@moveamerica.org to get the details. Resources Mentioned:
National 8(a) Association / National Small Business Conference: n8asbc.org
MoveAmerica Pathways-2-Partnership: communications@moveamerica.org
MoveAmerica.org
Dearborn APEX Accelerator: dearbornapex.com

Ctrl+P for the Fleet: How 3D Printing is Saving the Navy

What do you do when a critical part breaks on a Navy ship—and it hasn't been manufactured since the Reagan administration? You print a new one. 
In Episode 2 of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica explores how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing military sustainment, turning 18-month procurement nightmares into same-week solutions. Then he breaks down the U.S. Department of Defense Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)—your fast pass into the defense supply chain. 
Learn how small manufacturers are partnering with major primes to solve the military's toughest logistics challenges, and how MoveAmerica—as the MPP Intermediary—can help match you with the right mentor and guide you through the entire process.
Resources mentioned:
SAM.gov
MoveAmerica.org
Rapid Innovation Accelerator-Miami (gogovnow.com)
Dearborn APEX Accelerator: (dearbornapex.com)
Find an APEX Accelerator near you: (apexaccelerators.us)

Critical Technology Areas Explained: DoD's New Roadmap for Small Business Innovation

The Department of Defense just went full Marie Kondo on its Critical Technology Areas—looking at fourteen priorities and narrowing them down to six. But what does that actually mean for small businesses trying to break into the defense industrial base?
In this episode of Pathways to Partnership, Rick from MoveAmerica sits down with Colonel (Ret.) Willie Burgess, Deputy Director of MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator in Miami (RIA-M), to unpack everything you need to know about CTAs without drowning in acronyms.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What the six Critical Technology Areas actually are—and why they're broader than you might think
The difference between the White House's Critical and Emerging Technology List (14 items) and DoD's focused CTAs (6 items)
Real-world examples of how small businesses are already contributing to these priority areasWhy DoD is actively seeking small business participation (spoiler: the defense industrial base went from 51 prime contractors to just 5)
How RIA Miami helps companies navigate opportunities—for free
Whether you're developing AI applications, cybersecurity solutions, advanced manufacturing tech, or something entirely new, this episode will help you understand where the Department of Defense is headed and how you can be part of the solution.
Resources mentioned:
MoveAmerica: moveamerica.org
RIA Miami
SBIR/STTR Programs
Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
National Security Strategy
Acquisition Transformation Strategy

Mission Ready in 10: From Garage to Guardian

In our debut episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of Shield AI—a company that started with two brothers, a garage in San Diego, and a mission to protect American warfighters. Today they're valued at $2.8 billion and their autonomous drone technology is being integrated into fighter jets. But here's the part nobody talks about: they didn't do it alone. Learn how SBIR funding works, why smart founders build support networks, and how MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator and APEX Accelerator programs can help open doors for your business. Because the warfighter needs small businesses like yours—we're just here to help you find the way.

You found a mentor, signed the MPA, and won the contract: what's next?

In the this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, MoveAmerica Program Manager Athena Powell pulls back the curtain on the critical question of “what’s next” once you’ve selected a mentor, signed your Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA), and received a contract award.
With Athena's guidance, you’ll learn how to set your business up for success when it comes to executing the contract, including how to:
Operationalize your team for post-award success
Deliver on time, every time
Communicate more effectively with internal teams and partners
Build a strong performance record that positions you to win again

Building Cyber-Ready Partnerships for Small and Medium Businesses

In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership (P2P), we speak with Mariano Mattei, VP of Cyber Initiatives for Eccalon and Project Spectrum, the DoD OSBP-endorsed cybersecurity platform supporting companies entering or operating within the defense industrial base. Mariano breaks down the evolving cyber landscape, the rising expectations around compliance, and the essential steps organizations must take to protect themselves and remain competitive. From CMMC readiness to practical cyber hygiene, this conversation offers a clear and accessible roadmap for companies of all sizes.
Listeners will learn:
The most common cyber vulnerabilities and how to address them
What’s changing across DoD cybersecurity requirements
How small and medium businesses can prepare without getting overwhelmed
Whether you’re already in the defense sector or looking to become part of the defense industrial base, this episode provides the insight you need to get cyber-ready … and stay that way.

The ‘so what’ behind the Rapid Innovation Accelerator – Miami (RIA-M)

In this episode, Solomon Stavis, Director of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator - Miami (RIA-M), joins us to discuss how the RIA-M is helping emerging and non-traditional businesses and universities successfully navigate and access the federal contracting space. This podcast unpacks the 'so what' behind the RIA-M’s impact, from helping companies submit proposals to building critical partnerships across government, academia, and industry.