Supporting Small Business Innovation at Army Futures Command

Welcome back to GovCon Unscripted! I’m your host, Chelsea Meggitt, and in this episode, I sit down with Aubrey Lavitoria, the Small Business Programs Director at Army Futures Command (AFC), to explore how the Army is driving innovation and breaking barriers to help small businesses thrive. Aubrey shares his journey from the Navy to Army Futures, highlighting the command’s unconventional approach to engaging non-traditional businesses and fostering public-private partnerships.We dive into AFC’s unique position as a non-procuring activity, the importance of human-machine integration, and how events like Vertex bring together industry, academia, and soldiers to solve real-world challenges. Aubrey also gives us a glimpse into AFC’s innovative outreach strategies, from hosting socials to participating in tech-focused events like South by Southwest. He offers actionable advice on how small businesses can connect with AFC and navigate the world of government contracting.Whether you're a small business owner looking to break into federal opportunities or just curious about how the Army is shaping the future of defense, this conversation is packed with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss!In This Episode:[00:00] - Chelsea introduces Aubrey Lavitoria and his role at Army Futures Command.[01:45] - Aubrey shares his transition from Navy to Army and his passion for innovation.[04:32] - How AFC’s non-traditional approach gives small businesses access to shaping requirements early on.[08:10] - The importance of public-private partnerships and engaging with non-traditional businesses in Austin, Texas.[10:05] - Highlighting AFC’s priorities, including human-machine integration and robotics in defense.[14:50] - Vertex: A collaborative event driving innovation between industry, academia, and the Army.[18:30] - Success stories from AFC’s Army Applications Laboratory and its impact on small businesses.[22:45] - Aubrey’s advice on how businesses can connect with AFC and participate in upcoming events like the AUSA Global Force Symposium and eMerge Americas.[27:00] - Chelsea and Aubrey reflect on the importance of speed and experimentation in shaping the future of defense.Links and Resources:Chelsea’s LinkedIn ProfileAubrey's LinkedIn ProfileArmy Futures Command WebsiteArmy Futures Command LinkedIn ProfileGovCon Unscripted - “Small Business Strategies for Pursuing Government Contracts”GovCon Unscripted - “Navigating GovCon via Strategic Collaboration and Teamwork”GovCon Unscripted - “No Shortcuts, Only Trust”