3rd Annual MOSA for Defense and Warfare Summit
Defense Strategies Institute’s 2nd Annual MOSA for Defense Summit will provide a forum for members of the DoD, Military Services, Industry, Academia, and other key stakeholders to discuss the warfighting imperative of implementing a modular open systems approach (MOSA) in the design, development, delivery, acquisition, and sustainment of modern defense systems.
96.1 billion dollars or 31% of the DoD’s total investment funding, was dedicated to major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs) in FY 2025. These programs under US law: Title 10 U.S.C. 2446a.(b), Sec 805 states all major defense acquisition programs (MDAP) are to be designed and developed using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). This approach is an attempt to counter rapidly modernizing adversaries and is DoD’s plan to modernize its acquisition and development processes, prioritizing adaptability, accelerating innovation, and lowering cost. A cornerstone of this transformation is the implementation of MOSA across all defense systems. MOSA is an integrated business and technical strategy that uses open standards and modular design to achieve competitive and affordable acquisition and sustainment of defense systems throughout their lifecycle MOSA enhances flexibility, interoperability, and efficiency, ensuring the U.S. maintains a technological edge.
This year’s MOSA for Defense Summit brings together leaders from across the DoD, industry, and academia at the forefront of MOSA implementation. Attendees will gain insights into how these organizations are implementing this critical strategy and the resulting benefits.
The summit will explore how MOSA is driving enhanced competition, innovation, interoperability, and cost-effective system design and delivery through open system development. By enabling easier and more cost-effective addition, removal, and replacement of components and subsystems, MOSA enhances program agility and reduces costs. This year’s event will delve into MOSA’s impact on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Air Dominance, Space and Missile Defense, and Ground Combat Systems. Attendees will also hear the role of Intellectual property laws play in MOSA and hear from the perspective of a Tri service panel. Connect with senior leaders and join the critical discussion around implementing open systems across the DoD.
Speaker and Presenter Information
Event Moderator: The Honorable Nickolas H. Guertin Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition
Brig. Gen. Jason Voorheis, USAF Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft, AFLCMC
The Honorable Dr. Douglas Schmidt Dean, William & Mary, School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics. Former Director of DOT&E
Michael Heaphy Director, Defense Standardization Program Office (DSPO), DLA
COL Ryan Nesrsta, USA PM, Utility Helicopters, PEO Aviation
CAPT Jarrod Hair, USN Program Manager, PMA 209—NAVAIR
MAJ Robert Perez-Alemany Program Manager, DIU
Joseph Dana Teague Power, Thermal, and Energy Storage Lead, AFRL
Nicholas Borton Program Director, SOSA Consortium
Alicia Taylor FACE Consortium Program Director, The Open Group
Dr. Steven Davidson Chief Scientist for Systems Architecture, Electronics Systems Innovation Center at The MITRE Corporation
Thomas Karr Chief Scientist, Sensors and Directed Energy, MITRE
Expected Number of Attendees
150Relevant Government Agencies
Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, DOD & Military, Coast Guard, FAA, Federal Government
View Exhibitor/Sponsorship Details
When
Wed-Thu, Apr 8-9, 2026
Cost
| Advanced Registration: industry and contractors: | $990.00 (Until 02/06/2026) |
| Early Registration: industry and contractors: | $1090.00 (Until 03/06/2026) |
| Standard Registration: industry and contractors: | $1290.00 |
| Early Registration: Non-profit, Academia, FFRDC: | $690.00 (Until 03/06/2026) |
| Standard Registration: Non-profit, Academia, FFRD: | $790.00 |
| ACTIVE-DUTY US MILITARY & GOVERNMENT: | $0.00 |
Where
151 St George - National Harbor
151 St George Blvd
Oxon Hill, MD 20745
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Website
Click here to visit event website
Organizer
Defense Strategies Institute (DSI)





