The Decision Advantage Forum: AI, Logistics & Digital Warfighting

NOTE: This is a collaborative exchange focused on lessons learned, future requirements, and practical implementation — not product marketing or business development event.

Event Overview:

This event brings together operators, technologists, and defense innovators from across the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and industry to focus on one mission: accelerating real-world decision advantage through next-generation semantic technologies and operational AI. The discussion will move beyond theory and into execution — exploring knowledge graph architectures, digital engineering, logistics modernization, rapid acquisition strategies, and the integration of AI/ML into operational workflows that matter on the battlefield and in contested environments. Attendees will share hands-on experiences and practical lessons learned while helping define the future of sensor-to-shooter automation, resilient logistics, and machine-assisted decision-making. This is about building faster, smarter, more connected defense systems capable of operating at the speed of modern conflict — because the future will belong to the organizations that can process information, adapt, and execute faster than everyone else.

Schedule Of Events - Lucien Niemeyer (Master of Ceremonies)

Opening Remarks: 1100 – 1120 – Denise Ferniza

Framing the technical and operational imperatives for semantic decision advantage.

Technical Keynotes:

· Knowledge graph architectures in ISR and logistics (with live demos if possible).

· Digital engineering and MBSE in defense acquisition successes and lessons learned.

Round Table Discussion: 1120 – 1220 – Denise Ferniza (Moderator)

(Panel) Dr. John Matyjas, Dr. Don Pellegrino, Mr. John Sayoun

Overcoming Data and Interoperability Barriers:

· Siloed systems, standards adoption, and bridging commercial and government solutions.

BREAK – LUNCH: 1220-1240

Breakout Session: 1245– 1345

· #1 Logistics Modernization & Data-Driven Decision Support – Mike Klosterman Operator-driven requirements and pilot opportunities.

OR

· #2 Mission Thread Experimentation) – Dr. Jake Jacobson

Best practices for leveraging OTAs and accelerating tech transfer.

Action Planning: 1400 – 1500 – Denise Ferniza(moderator), Dr. Dr. John Matyjas,

Mike Klosterman, Jake Jacobson, John Sayoun, Kris Chester

· Identify projects, technical working groups, and next steps for cross-organizational collaboration.

Technical Focus Areas:

Semantic Decision Advantage Architectures

· Real-world implementation of knowledge graphs, ontologies, and triple stores for operational and logistics domains.

· Integration of object-based data models (e.g., MIDB to Mars, OMS bridge) and their impact on ISR, targeting, and logistics.

· Interoperability challenges: Ensuring semantic models (RDF, CCO, BFO) are not siloed and can communicate across platforms (e.g., Palantir’s limitations versus open standards).

Digital Engineering & Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

· Use of BPMN (Business Process Modeling Notation) and mission process modeling for acquisition, requirements management, and capability development.

· Building and leveraging digital twins for gap analysis, workflow optimization, and simulation-based acquisition.

· Reference architectures: How model-based approaches enable rapid validation of requirements and accelerate MVP-to-production transitions.

Round Table Discussion: Overcoming Data and Interoperability Barriers

· Siloed systems, standards adoption, and bridging commercial and government solutions.

Breakout Sessions:

Logistics Modernization & Data-Driven Decision Support: Operator-driven requirements and pilot opportunities.

· Application of semantic and AI tools to contested logistics, supply chain optimization, and predictive maintenance.

· Case studies: 5G-enabled smart warehouses, pilot projects in Albany, and integration with commercial best practices (e.g., Walmart-style tracking).

· Operator pain points: Data silos, lack of interoperability, and the need for user-driven tool development.

OR

Rapid Acquisition & Tech Transfer: Best practices for leveraging OTAs and accelerating tech transfer

· Leveraging OTAs (Other Transaction Authorities) and platforms like ONI/IWRP for rapid prototyping, prize challenges, and direct-to-contract pathways.

· Lessons learned from Air Force and Navy rapid acquisition cycles (e.g., 45-day OTA setup, removing ceilings on OTAs).

· Strategies for cross-service and cross-domain tech transfer avoiding duplication and accelerating adoption.

Action Planning:

· Identify projects, technical working groups, and next steps for cross-organizational collaboration.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

448 Viking Dr suite 300, 448 Viking Drive, Virginia Beach, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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