Navy’s Michael Frank on balancing battlespace speed and security

Michael Frank, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the Department of the Navy, discussed balancing rapid decision-making with security in the battlespace. He emphasized the importance of integrating security from the outset of technology development, citing successes with concepts such as zero-trust access and data tagging. Frank highlighted the need for better innovation adoption within the government rather than focusing on innovation itself. He referenced the November 7 speech by Secretary Hegseth on modernizing acquisition and establishing Rapid Capabilities Offices and Portfolio Acquisition Executives as key steps toward improving communication and speed between industry and the Department of the Navy.