Pathways-2-Partnership

Mitigating FOCI: How to Protect Your Business and IP

What do you do when your business already has FOCI exposure? In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Dr. Christophe McCray walks us through real-world examples of how foreign influence has compromised U.S. innovation—and what companies can do about it. From red flags and risk factors to voting trusts and mitigation strategies, this episode provides a playbook for protecting your IP and staying eligible for federal contracts.

Breaking Into the Federal Market: Innovation Pathways with Earl Wyatt

In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Earl Wyatt—Executive Director of MoveAmerica and former DoD innovation lead—shares proven strategies for small and emerging businesses looking to enter the federal supply chain. From working with national labs and leveraging SBIR/STTR programs to navigating the Mentor-Protégé Program, Earl outlines the critical steps that can turn your innovation into a government-ready solution. Whether you're a startup with a big idea or a growing company aiming to scale into defense, this episode delivers the practical insights you need to move forward with purpose.

Understanding FOCI: What Small Businesses Need to Know

In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Dr. Christophe McCray of MoveAmerica breaks down the essentials of FOCI—Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence—and why it’s a growing concern for small businesses entering the federal marketplace. Learn how adversarial nations exploit legal loopholes, what red flags to look out for, and how to protect your intellectual property before signing that next contract.

Accelerating Innovation in the U.S. Defense Industrial Base

In this compelling episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, we sit down with Earl Wyatt—former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and current Executive Director of MoveAmerica—to explore how innovation is reshaping the U.S. defense industrial base. Earl shares insights from his extensive military and acquisition background, dives into key emerging technologies like AI, hypersonics, and advanced manufacturing, and reveals the vital role of non-traditional companies in strengthening national security. Listeners will also hear practical advice on avoiding pitfalls like foreign ownership risks, and how small businesses can break into federal procurement with support from APEX Accelerators and other resources. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in government, defense, or tech innovation sectors.

Forging Stronger Defense Partnerships: Inside the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program

In this episode of Pathways to Partnership, we sit down with Carolyn D. Campbell, Director of Programs and Projects at MoveAmerica, a Hanover, Maryland-based nonprofit dedicated to tackling critical and emerging technological challenges across the U.S. industrial base.
Carolyn offers an inside look at the Department of Defense's Office of Small Business Programs Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP)—a vital initiative that connects seasoned defense contractors with innovative small businesses. Discover how MoveAmerica, as the official MPP Intermediary, plays a crucial role in building these strategic partnerships, strengthening the defense supply chain, and empowering small businesses to succeed in the national security and defense sectors.