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Enabling the Frontline: Acquisition, Enterprise Support, and Operational Needs Part 2

HSDF THE PODCAST

Chapters
0:00
Setting The Stage: Sourcing And Competition
0:34
Fitting Biometrics Into Legacy Facilities
2:13
Field Realities: Remote Sites And Connectivity
3:22
Proving Tech Before Buying At Scale
4:39
CBP IT Strategy: Cloud, Zero Trust, AI
6:00
Uptime, Flexibility, And Operator Needs
7:42
ACE Modernization And Cloud Benefits
9:24
Role Of Innovative Vendors Under OB3
11:12
How To Engage: RFIs, Draft RFPs, Portals
13:02
Automation And AI In NII Operations
15:06
What AI Does Well And Where It Fails
17:02
Audience Q&A: Scaling Vs Efficiency
19:17
Tactical Planning And Execution Pace
HSDF THE PODCAST
Enabling the Frontline: Acquisition, Enterprise Support, and Operational Needs Part 2
Feb 09, 2026
Homeland Security & Defense Forum

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense Forum

 What does it take to bring biometrics, non intrusive inspection tech, and AI to 328 ports of entry, hundreds of facilities, and far flung checkpoints you don’t even own? We pull back the curtain on modernization that works in the field, not just on slides, and share how we balance speed, safety, and accountability when the mission changes by the hour.

 Featuring:

  • Ntina Cooper, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Services, CBP 
  • Jody Hardin, Executive Director, Innovation and Strategy Directorate, Office of Field Operations, CBP
  • Earl Lewis, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Acquisition, CBP
  • Ryan Scudder, Former EAC for Enterprise Services, CBP (moderator)

This discussion took place December 12, 2025 at 8th Annual Homeland Security & Defense Forum Border Security Symposium

Follow  HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security.  Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion.  For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.