Wednesday, April 26, 2023
10:00-11:00 am

Online
(Zoom link sent out prior to webinar)

FREE Registration

The USSOCOM SBIR/STTR program supports the full spectrum of the Special Operations Forces Acquisition Technology & Logistics Science & Technology commodity areas by stimulating technology innovation in small businesses through contract awards aimed at discovering, developing and rapidly inserting new capabilities to solve Special Operation Forces’ needs.

SOFWERX is a platform established under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between USSOCOM and DEFENSEWERX to help USSOCOM solve challenging Warfighter problems. It is a public facing emissary that facilitates collaboration, innovation, prototyping and exploration with Industry, Labs, Academia and Government Stakeholders.

During this specialized webinar, hear directly from USSOCOM Program Manager Mina Marcurius Khalil who will cover:

  • Intro to SBIR/STTR
  • SOCOM Specific SBIR/STTR program
  • SOCOM technology needs
  • SBIR/STTR submission best practices

You will also hear directly from Leslie Babich, SOFWERX Director, who will explain SOFWERX and share how industry can engage/share technology with SOCOM stakeholders via their platform.

There will be time for live Q&A.

Presented by:

Mina Khalil

USSOCOM SBIR/STTR Program Manager
Mina Khalil is the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Manager at the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Mina Khalil has a plethora of experience in rapid development in NAVIAR and USSOCOM as a Systems Engineer and Program Manger producing state of the art systems and solutions for Department of State, SOUTHCOM, USSOCOM, and SOCCENT. Mina’s experience includes vehicular and aircraft C4I integration, operation centers, PSYOP broadcast systems, IT and data management, analytics software development, and satellite communication. Mina’s Program Management past work also includes small business innovation, design, integration, supply chain management, and future innovative development.

Mina has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from UNCC and a Masters in Technical Management from JHU.

Leslie Babich

SOFWERX Director
Leslie Babich joined the DEFENSEWERX team to lead SOFWERX in Tampa, FL in October 2020. As the Director of SOFWERX, Leslie provides operational and personnel oversight while developing and implementing business plans that optimize results for its government partner, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Leslie brings 20+ years of special operations experience where she served as an MC-130 Pilot in Air Force Special Operations Command and held various leadership positions to include squadron command, Director of the Commander’s Action Group at Headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command, and Commander, Joint Special Operations Air Component - Central. She also served as the Fixed-Wing Assessment Director and Chief of Program Analysis and Evaluation at the United States Special Operations Command in the Force Structure, Requirements, Resources and Strategic Assessment Directorate. During her service, she deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Enduring Freedom-Philippines, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Prior to joining SOFWERX, Leslie was employed as a Business Unit Manager with Jabil Defense and Aerospace in Saint Petersburg, FL.

Leslie received her Bachelor of Science in Management from the Air Force Academy, her Master of Arts in Counseling and Leadership from the University of Colorado, and her Master of Science in International Strategic Studies from the Air War College at Maxwell AFB.

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