PLEASE JOIN US for a special hybrid presentation on Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and unwritten requirements, led by Professor Randolph (Randy) Willard of the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). The event will take place at Sapphire Indian Cuisine in Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), where attendees can also enjoy a selection from the restaurant’s excellent menu.

Note that the restaurant is conveniently located near the intersection of Interstate 15 and Rancho Bernardo Drive!

MAIN INFORMATION

Date: Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30-7:15 PM (presentation starts at 6pm)

Location: Sapphire Indian Cuisine Restaurant, 16785 Bernardo Center Dr, San Diego, CA 92128 (Google Maps)

Cost: Free! An option dinner of Indian cuisine and soft drinks will be offered at $5 for INCOSE members and students / $15 for non-members.

Zoom Link: https://incose-org.zoom.us/j/83167189009?pwd=TvAQtLtPy8cz2byB2VHrR2O7UlOsCR.1

Meeting ID: 831 6718 9009
Passcode: 381914

Dial-in Number: 669-900-6833 (passcode listed above)

SYNOPSIS

This presentation will explore Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and the often unwritten requirements found in DoD contracts. It will begin with an overview of the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) (located in San Diego, CA), followed by a discussion of Contract Award Timelines, Government Source-Selection Teams, RFP Sections L&M, Government Unwritten Requirements (hints, clues, indications), and Business Development (BD)/Proposal/Bid Team actions to address.

This presentation is especially relevant to those who work on Government contracts!

PRESENTER

Randolph Willard

Mr. Randolph Willard is a retired U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officer with more than two decades of active duty experience operating, testing, and evaluating both Fast Attack and Strategic Ballistic Missile submarines. His Navy service included roles as Chief Nuclear Engineer, Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Nuclear Prototype Unit in Idaho Falls, and program management positions at NAVSEA and PEO Submarines, where he earned DAWIA Level III certification in Program Management. Following his military career, he has spent over twenty-five years in executive and leadership roles in the defense industry and as a Professor of Program Management at the Defense Acquisition University in San Diego. He has supported a wide range of defense organizations, laboratories, and major contractors, including NAVSEA, PEOs, DOE national laboratories, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Johns Hopkins APL, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Viasat, and the U.S. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center.

Mr. Willard holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Vanderbilt University, completed Navy nuclear engineering training, and pursued postgraduate studies at MIT, Yale School of Management, the Defense Systems Management College, and the Defense Nuclear Weapons School. He has taught acquisition, nuclear weapons acquisition, systems engineering, and test and evaluation courses to military, government, and industry professionals nationwide. He is currently available for consulting and speaking engagements on defense and energy acquisition, program management, business development, and foreign military sales, and can be reached at dodacq@gmail.com.

See full bio

Show Attendees

Join us on Saturday, Nov 1, 2025, from 4:30-7:30pm at the FAMILY FUN CENTER in Poway at our annual STEM Recognition Celebration!

INCOSE SD’s STEM program provides STEM awards to schools and groups, including the 2024-2025 school year, and the students will present their projects. Everyone – students, teachers, family and friends – is welcome to attend and see the awesome work our next generation of systems engineers.

Come celebrate STEM and have a blast! Food and Raffle included! Visit their webpage at FamilyFunCenter.com

All kids receive a free $20 game card as part of their registration.

Main Information

Date: Saturday, Nov 1st, 2025, from 4:30-7:30pm

Location: Family Fun Center, 12900 Gregg Court, Poway, CA 92064 (Google Maps)

Cost: $20/person, $70 Family of 4. Register below!

Food: Pizza, Popcorn, Drinks!

About the Family Fun Center

Located in Poway, the City Fun Center is San Diego’s premier family entertainment destination, offering a unique blend of fun activities including mini-bowling, mini-golf, and private party rooms. The center has over 100 exciting games – including driving, pinball, and video games – using game cards and e-tickets. Attractions include:

• 4-player PACMAN SMASH air hockey
• Classic air-hockey
• 4 mini-bowling lanes
• Walk-In Interactive games including Laser Frenzy and Time Freak
• Two player Fast-n-Furious driving simulator
• 9-hole black light glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course

Food

We plan to keep it simple this year and focus on the fun! Join us for plenty of Pizza, loads of Popcorn, and soft drinks.

Raffle

Due to the overwhelmingly positive response we had last year, we will once again hold a RAFFLE for toys, gadgets, and extra game cards! Everyone will receive one free ticket when checking in, and extra tickets will be available for sale for $1 each, 6 tickets for $5, or 15 tickets for $10. Good luck to all!

About the INCOSE SD STEM Program

The San Diego chapter is a yearly sponsor of Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM) for local schools. Each year, the chapter solicits short proposals from area teachers who teach after-hours STEM classes to students, helping prepare the next generation of systems engineers for our country. In 2024, the chapter awarded the following three schools:

• Poway High School – Robotic parts for new robot for FIRST robotics competition
• Rancho Bernardo High – Entry fee for regional competition
• Casita Center – 3D printer & LEGO Education SPIKE Expansion set

If you would like to make a contribution to our INCOSE San Diego STEM fund, it would be warmly appreciated! Please select STEM Donation in the registration below – Thank you!

Questions?

Please contact us at info@sdincose.org. Thanks.