The Talent Valley of Death: Reforming the Workforce Before the Rules

In this episode of Beyond the FAR, host Jessica Tillipman speaks with Bonnie Evangelista, Karen Thornton, and John Willison about the “talent valley of death” facing U.S. federal acquisition. As sweeping policy reform—including the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul—promises speed, innovation, and empowered contracting officers, the panel asks whether the acquisition workforce is prepared to carry it forward. They examine persistent challenges in cultivating critical thinking, experiential learning, cross-agency mobility, and mission-driven culture. A central question emerges: Can meaningful reform succeed without first investing in people? Their conversation underscores the need to redefine education, leadership, and talent development to ensure reform endures.

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