Guest Speaker Notes

Ms. Estep, a key leader in defense acquisition and industrial base modernization, was the featured guest speaker at the recent EEMG luncheon. With extensive experience in strategic procurement, defense policy, and workforce management, she provided valuable insights into the evolving priorities within the command.

Her address covered critical topics, including personnel management, funding priorities, industrial base revitalization, and shifting acquisition strategies.

AFMC has conducted a comprehensive review of its probationary workforce, identifying fewer than 20 employees for elimination due to underperformance. Additional cuts may be necessary to meet the Department of Defense’s mandated 8% reduction.

The FY26 budget is expected to reach Capitol Hill by mid-April. Program offices are undergoing intense "funding drills" to finalize AFMC’s budget request, with funding priorities directed toward:

• Nuclear
• Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS)
• Autonomy
• Cyber
• Munitions
• Missile Defense

Ms. Estep emphasized the urgent need to expand and modernize the industrial base, focusing on advanced and additive manufacturing technologies. These efforts align with the command’s ongoing Digital Material Management initiatives.

Additionally, AFMC will continue leveraging agile acquisition strategies, including Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs, and other non-traditional procurement methods.