Overview
For small and medium businesses focusing on USSOCOM, it is not just about having the right technology. It is about understanding how the organization thinks, how it identifies capability gaps, and how it decides who to engage with. That is where many businesses fall short.
For many companies, SOCOM is one of the most attractive but least understood parts of the DoW. Between its unique acquisition authorities, specialized funding vehicles, and mission-driven culture, the standard approach that works with other agencies often does not translate here. This webinar brings clarity to what works, how to position your company effectively, and how to pursue SOCOM in a way that is credible, relevant, and actionable. We will focus on how to engage with USSOCOM and how to position your company in a way that resonates.
Hosted by Grant Engine, this discussion reflects our broader mission of helping innovative companies secure non-dilutive funding by engaging the right federal stakeholders with precision. We work with companies to sharpen positioning, improve readiness, and pursue high-value funding pathways with far greater strategic focus. In this session, Ashley M. Farrier, Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at USSOCOM, will share firsthand insight into how SOCOM evaluates companies, where opportunities exist, and what a strong approach looks like from their perspective.
The session will be practical and grounded. We will cover how to navigate the landscape, avoid common mistakes, and take the right first steps toward building real engagement with SOCOM.
Why this webinar matters
SOCOM moves differently than most parts of the DoD. Opportunities are often less visible, timelines can be shorter, and relationships and positioning tend to matter more. That means companies that understand how to engage early and approach SOCOM the right way have a real advantage. Those that take a generic or reactive approach often struggle to gain traction.
Hosted by Grant Engine, a leading partner to innovative companies pursuing high-value non-dilutive funding and strategic federal growth.
Join the Office Hours Session (Optional but Valuable!)
After the webinar, continue the conversation during our interactive Office Hours session.
This is your opportunity to:
- Confidentially discuss your specific company and project.
- Ask questions sparked by the webinar
- Gain additional insights from our experts
- Learn through shared Q&A and discussions with other participants
Office Hours are held after the webinar and require a separate registration.
Meet Your Speakers
Sam Tetlow is Founder & CEO of Grant Engine. Grant Engine has a proven model of delivering funding to leading life science companies through the NIH SBIR program as well as DARPA, BARDA and other DoD sources. Sam has successful experience as an entrepreneur and investor in life sciences companies such as EpiCypher (named best University Startup of 2016 by U.S. Congress), ILS Genomics, Immunologix, Gentris Corporation, and Tranzyme Pharma (IPO April, 2011) among others.
As a leader within companies Sam has a functional focus on product development, sales, finance and corporate development. Sam continues to build on his venture capital experience by investing into compelling companies as an Angel. Sam seeks results and has a proven track record. Sam has generated a 5.8x return on invested capital, with 76% cash realization in his last 14 years of investing.
Sam holds a MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School (Beta Gamma Sigma, 2003) and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Honors, 1993). He has been on Mt. Everest, is a former competitive triathlete, and an avid proponent of doing good while doing well.
Ms. Ashley Farrier currently serves as the Director of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). As Director, Ms. Farrier assists the USSOCOM acquisition workforce with advancing small business participation in Special Operations Forces (SOF) unique procurements.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Farrier served as the Division Chief for the Headquarters and Services Support Contracting Division within Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology & Logistics (SOF AT&L). During this time, she was responsible for overseeing the execution of the Command’s multibillion-dollar professional services portfolio.
Ms. Farrier has a strong background in Federal contracting having worked in contracting for 13 years both at USSOCOM and with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. During her contracting tenure, she held multiple warrants and began her advocacy for partnering with Small Businesses.
She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Tampa, and her MBA from Saint Leo University.