Would you trust AI to review your proposals?

AI is now streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and reducing bureaucratic roadblocks. Yet, while 80% of industry professionals use AI to draft proposals, almost none are comfortable with AI evaluating them.

In this week’s episode of Defense Mavericks, host Ryan Connell lets ChatGPT take the interviewer’s seat for a deep dive into AI’s growing role in defense acquisitions.

They unpack how AI enhances proposal evaluation, document generation, and market research—all while keeping human oversight in check.

Ryan also shares his insights about the industry’s double standard on AI, the biggest barriers to AI adoption, and why policies must evolve to keep up with AI-driven solutions.

If you’re curious about how AI is reshaping government contracting, this episode is a must-listen.

Let’s jump right in!

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:42) Ryan Connell’s DoD acquisition journey

(01:49) Why AI is critical in modern defense contracting

(04:01) Challenges in AI adoption

(04:45) The truth about AI proposal evaluation

(06:11) AI’s evolving role in government acquisition

(09:41) Long-term AI adoption in DoD

Additional Resources:

👉Follow Ryan Connell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-connell-8413a03a/

👉Learn, acquire, and deliver tech on Tradewinds here: https://www.tradewindai.com/

👉Visit CDAO for updates: https://www.ai.mil/

👉Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MLAqMOVnLWbmB5yZbZ9lC

👉Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DefenseMavericks

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Defense Mavericks is a podcast that uncovers the untapped potential of AI within the federal government through authentic and disruptive conversations with our nation’s brightest minds.

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