AI, Emerging Tech & National Security in GovCon with J.L. Hancock

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! I’m your host, Chelsea Meggitt, and in this episode, I sit down with JL Hancock—a retired Naval cryptologist and innovation expert with two decades of experience in defense technology.We talk about his work with SEAL teams, innovation funding, overcoming acquisition hurdles, and his pivot into writing techno-thrillers.On this episode, we discuss:🧠 What it takes to innovate within the bureaucracy of the Department of Defense💡 How JL leveraged labs and OTAs to build cutting-edge solutions📚 Why he turned to writing and what inspires his techno-thriller novels[00:00] - Chelsea introduces JL Hancock and his background as a cryptologist and SEAL team innovator[04:22] - Working with autonomous systems and the early days of defense robotics[16:40] - Tapping into national labs for cutting-edge special operations tech[28:06] - Navigating traditional acquisition vs. OTAs and DIUx[43:27] - Building cross-branch collaboration and managing prime contractor relationships[57:27] - JL’s post-military journey as a consultant and author of "The Hawk Enigma"[01:05:13] - Over-the-horizon targeting, unmanned systems, and future warfareLinks and Resources:• Chelsea’s LinkedIn Profile• JL Hancock’s Website