This week, two members of our Sales team—Geronimo Moreno and Hope Skibitsky—traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to attend two of the most impactful events in the DoD IT calendar: the AFCEA Montgomery IT Summit (MITS) and the BES Industry Day. These gatherings aren't just another stop on the federal conference circuit—they're where acquisition, technology, and mission priorities converge.

And this year, there was one unmistakable throughline: AI is no longer an emerging concept—it’s operational.

Generative AI and the Future of Contracting

One of the most compelling sessions came from Lt. Connor Bright, who shared how his acquisition team is actively integrating Generative AI into the contract award process.

Traditionally, much of contracting involves reviewing repetitive documentation, formatting proposals, and conducting compliance checks—tasks that are necessary but often time-consuming. By using GenAI tools to automate these low-complexity, high-frequency actions, his team is reclaiming hours each week. That saved time is now redirected toward more strategic efforts: refining acquisition strategies, engaging stakeholders earlier, and ultimately delivering capability faster.

This is a powerful signal for anyone in the GovCon space. If you’re preparing proposals, managing task orders, or leading delivery teams, now’s the time to ask: How could AI streamline your internal processes—without sacrificing accuracy or compliance?

BES Industry Day: Listening Before Leading

At PEO BES Industry Day, we heard from program leaders who weren’t just outlining requirements—they were encouraging dialogue. The discussions focused on clarity, collaboration, and shared accountability between government and industry.

For small and mid-sized businesses, this kind of transparency is critical. It helps level the playing field and gives companies the insight they need to build realistic, compliant, and competitive solutions. BES leadership emphasized early engagement, giving attendees a clearer sense of what’s coming, what matters most, and where innovation is most needed.

Local Momentum, National Impact

Rounding out the trip, we had the opportunity to attend a Montgomery Chamber of Commerce event that highlighted the vital role local small businesses play in the federal ecosystem. These businesses aren’t just subcontractors—they’re creators, integrators, and sometimes the very first adopters of tools and talent that scale across larger programs.

The event served as a reminder that innovation doesn’t just come from big firms or national labs—it often starts with a team of ten in a small shop doing focused, mission-critical work that grows into something much bigger.

Final Thoughts

Events like MITS and BES Industry Day are more than just an opportunity to network—they’re a temperature check on what’s happening right now across the defense IT and acquisition community. And this year, the message was loud and clear:

• AI is becoming embedded in acquisition strategy

• Government leaders are asking the right questions—and open to real answers

• Small businesses have a bigger seat at the table than ever before

If you missed the event, don’t worry—we put together a quick video recap where Geronimo shares highlights and reflections straight from Montgomery. Whether you're leading proposals or managing delivery, there's something in it for you.