The chapter kicked off the fiscal year 2021 luncheon series in September with Lt. Gen. B. Chance "Salty" Saltzman, USSF, deputy chief, Space Operations, Cyber and Nuclear, United States Space Force. Gen. Saltzman discussed in detail the Space Force organization, technological focus, Space Enterprise Consortium and industry best practices.
Gen. Saltzman stated the U.S. Space Force (USSF) is serious about being a digital service and is looking to rapidly integrate new technologies. As deputy chief of Space Operations, Gen. Saltzman envisions a real-time dashboard to measure performance metrics for technology and personnel. Regarding enterprise technology, the general noted the importance of rapidly fielding new capabilities horizontally with limited stovepiping. "The transition from vertical to horizontal integration will increase the speed in which these technologies are integrated into operations," he clarified. Regarding industry participation, the general noted the importance of "Partner, Protect, People and Persistence." From the partnership perspective, the USSF is exploring ways to expand existing and new partnerships from the U.S. Air Force while exploring new operational ideas. The Space Enterprise Consortium currently consists of 422 industry leaders, academic institutions and innovative early stage startup companies. According to the general, 335 of these organizations are considered nontraditional vendors. To date, there have been 75 prototype awards valued at roughly $125 million. Working with nontraditional vendors has reportedly sped up contract award timelines by roughly 36 percent. Regarding industry protection, "Industry must be proactive protecting capabilities from predatory exploitation," he clarified. The general's third point, people, focused on the importance of industry supporting STEM education through grants, workshops and educational initiatives. Finally, Gen. Saltzman detailed the importance of persistence with regard to sustaining the digital and physical supply chain in support of the warfighters.
Lloyd McCoy, chapter president, also recognized and awarded Ryan Granato, CACI, as the Young AFCEAN of the month for his work supporting the luncheon series and upcoming IT Days; Kristyn Jones, KPMG, as the SuperNOVA member of the Month for her invaluable work as co-chair for Woman in Nova (WIN) and immixGroup; and An Arrow Company, as sponsor of the Month for their continuing support of the chapter.
The chapter will hold its next virtual luncheon on Friday October 23.
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