Innovation and Technology Quarterly Industry Forum
Join the North Carolina Military Business Center for our quarterly industry-related forums that spotlight key federal opportunities and strengthen connections across North Carolina’s federal and defense contracting ecosystem. Each industry-specific quarterly session will connect businesses, government agencies, and prime contractors to discuss:
- Upcoming contracting opportunities and capability gaps
- Market and policy trends shaping the industry
- Success stories and lessons learned from peers
- Strategies for growth in the federal marketplace
These forums are part of our year-round commitment to industry engagement, building momentum towards major annual industry events like FEDTEX, DISC, MBB, FTS and the Summit ensuring that businesses stay connected and competitive in a rapidly evolving federal and defense landscape.
When. May 14, 2026 from 1000-1130
Where. This forum will be held in a virtual setting.
Agenda:
- NCMBC updates and industry insights
- Highlights of upcoming opportunities and capability gaps
- Featured Presentation: DEVCOM Army Research Office, Klinton Snead, Staff Director, Army Research Office
Klinton Snead serves as Staff Director for the Army Research Office (ARO), supporting engagement and execution of the Army’s extramural research mission. ARO, part of the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). ARO manages the Army’s extramural basic research program and advances high-risk, high-payoff foundational research with academia and other performers to help enable future Army technologies and capabilities.
Army Research Office (ARO). The Army Research Office, leads the Army’s extramural basic research program, investing in foundational science and high-risk, high-payoff research that supports future Army capabilities. Working across academia, nonprofit organizations, and industry, ARO helps shape the scientific discoveries that underpin long-term national security advantage. In this Quarterly Industry Forum, ARO will share its mission, current areas of interest, funding and partnership mechanisms, and practical guidance for how industry and research performers can better align with Army research priorities and pursue engagement opportunities. - Business Spotlight: Matthew Kolmes, Supreme Corporation. Matthew Kolmes is the CEO for Supreme Corporation and is a senior leader focused on advancing innovation, product development, and business growth. Supreme Corporation supports federal and defense customers with advanced material and manufacturing solutions that align with performance, compliance, and supply chain reliability requirements. Matthew will share perspective on how industry can position capabilities for federal demand signals, strengthen partnerships with primes and government, and translate innovation into scalable delivery for mission needs.
- NCMBC OTA Discussion. This session will highlight Other Transaction Authority (OTA) as a key mechanism for accelerating innovation and expanding access to federal opportunities. The discussion will cover how OTA works, how it differs from traditional procurement, and practical ways companies can position for prototype and transition opportunities.
- Open Q&A and networking
Save the date for the 2026 Innovation and Technology Quarterly Forums: November 12, 2026
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