In the ever-changing drone industry, where innovation often outpaces regulation and hype can overshadow reality, Delta Advisory Group (DAG) stands out as purveyors of true clarity. Founded by Bill Daggett, a seasoned veteran with a rich background in the military and defense contracting, DAG helps companies navigate the complex landscape of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) – and separate fact from fiction. This article, based on a recent Dawn of Autonomy podcast, delves into Daggett’s fascinating journey, the origins of DAG, and its innovative initiatives such as the Community Aerial Response Ecosystem (C.A.R.E.) program and “red teaming” for counter-UAS strategies.
Bill Daggett: A Life of Entrepreneurship and Service
Bill Daggett’s entrepreneurial spirit has always been part of his DNA, manifesting itself at an early age. “I started creating side companies when I was eight years old,” Daggett reflected. “It’s always been embedded in me.”
This innate drive has continually shaped his path; from enlisting in the U.S. Air Force straight out of high school to creating business ideas that pushed the boundaries of innovation.
Daggett’s military career was marked by distinction, including service as a security policeman (now “security forces”), graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and later as a pilot, flying Learjets and transitioning into the Fargo Air National Guard’s MQ-1 and MQ-9 programs. His experience not only spans both active duty (enlisted and officer) and the Guard, but also a stint as a defense contractor.
With his unique background, discipline, and competitive nature, Daggett leverages each of his various skill sets to succeed in each of his ventures. One of his most compelling entrepreneurial ventures outside the military was a peanut butter substitute company aimed at school food programs. This innovative product addressed a significant concern in schools: peanut allergies.
“I bet my house on a dream,” Daggett shared, recalling the risks he took with this company. “I know what it’s like to go to bed on Thursday night having no understanding of how I was going to make payroll on Friday.”
Despite many challenges, the company succeeded and eventually served six of the ten largest school districts in the U.S. Daggett’s personal experiences in entrepreneurial ventures informs his current approach at DAG, where he aims to prevent others from facing similar challenges. It also showcases his ability to identify and capitalize on market needs and provide informed guidance.
Getting to Know DAG
DAG was born out of a need to separate fact from fiction in the drone industry. By focusing on what is viable, DAG helps both investors and inventors navigate the full scope and complexity of the dual-use UAS industry.
The Origin Story
Bill Daggett observed that many companies seemed to be overpromising and underdelivering, which he believed would harm the industry’s reputation.
“DAG’s mission is to provide objective insights, helping clients make informed decisions by cutting through the hype,” Daggett explained. This approach is particularly crucial in an industry where a single misstep can have far-reaching consequences. “We started DAG to try to help people understand what’s real and what is not,” he said.
The Team and Partnerships
A decade has passed since DAG began. Today it operates with a lean core team which often collaborates with external experts. This flexible structure enables DAG to address a broad spectrum of client needs without being limited by a large-sized team.
“We only have between three and four working full-time,” Daggett mentioned. “When we come across a potential client or a question that we don’t have the expertise for, we bring in the right people to provide insights, or introduce them to a trusted partner to assist in the project.”
This approach allows them to remain agile and tap into a wide range of specialized knowledge across the industry. For example, by partnering with intellectual property (IP) experts and other industry professionals, DAG can provide comprehensive support to its clients on a wide range of issues; From legal matters to engineering solutions, and everything in between.
The Portfolio and Client Base
DAG serves two primary types of clients: investors and inventors. “On the investor side, we help them with due diligence,” Daggett explained. “On the inventor’s side, we sit down with them and try to help them lay out a viable pathway to revenue.”
Specifically, for investors, DAG’s due diligence services assess the viability and risks associated with potential investments. On the other side, DAG works closely with inventors to develop a viable pathway to market. This includes helping to refine a start-up’s messaging and directing focus towards the most promising market segments. This dual approach allows DAG to support both the financial and creative pillars of the drone industry.
DAG’s Role in Regulation and Compliance
DAG also plays a significant role in regulation and compliance by walking with clients through the complicated legal landscape of the drone industry. Whether it’s establishing a UAS program for law enforcement or ensuring regulatory compliance, DAG provides invaluable expertise and assistance. By focusing on building sustainable programs that can operate independently after their involvement, DAG ensures that clients remain well-equipped to manage their UAS operations effectively, even post-engagement.
“If someone comes to us and says, ‘We’re a law enforcement entity that wants to establish a UAS program,’ we help them build that program,” Daggett said. “Our goal is to help them build, so that after a period of time, we can move on and they can continue operations on their own,” he explained.
What’s Next: DAG’s Big Future Projects
The DAG, under Bill Daggett’s leadership, stands poised to continue to make significant impacts in the drone industry. Here’s what is next for the company.
C.A.R.E. – The Community Aerial Response Ecosystem Program
One of DAG’s most ambitious upcoming initiatives is the Community Aerial Response Ecosystem Program or C.A.R.E. program. Designed to bring drone technology to mid-sized and rural communities, this program aims to position drones as community assets, often located at schools. By doing this, C.A.R.E. should increase utilization while spreading costs across multiple entities.
This model not only enhances school safety but also provides a resource for local law enforcement and emergency services. “What if instead of being located at a fire department or police station, the UAS was located at a school? ” Daggett posed. “This allows us to have an asset increasing the safety and security of the school environment on a regular basis, unless there is an incident which has a higher priority within the community.”
By making drones community assets, DAG hopes to increase their accessibility and effectiveness in smaller communities. While DAG plans to leverage existing UAS infrastructure and partnerships to make C.A.R.E. a success, they also intend to reach out to partners throughout the industry that might be interested in participating in this potential pilot program in North Dakota.
Red Teaming for Counter-UAS Strategies
In addition to the C.A.R.E. program, DAG has started “red teaming” initiatives focused on counter-UAS (C-UAS) strategies. This approach involves simulating adversarial drone scenarios to test response protocols for installations like prisons, bases or airports. This allows DAG to simulate real-world scenarios, providing clients with actionable insights on how to manage potential threats effectively.
“We’re bringing together a team to assist,” Daggett explained. “We develop profiles so if an installation… needs to respond to a UAS, we help them develop their response.”
By collaborating with various C-UAS companies, DAG provides an unbiased assessment of different technologies to ensure that clients receive the most effective solutions tailored to their specific needs. This initiative is particularly timely, given the increasing presence of drones in public spaces and the need for robust security measures.
DAG’s Impact and Future
By focusing on what is real and viable, DAG helps both investors and inventors navigate the complex landscape of UAS. The C.A.R.E. program and C-UAS red teaming initiatives demonstrate DAG’s commitment to practical, community-driven solutions. “We will help you understand what’s real and what is not,” Daggett emphasized. “We pride ourselves in giving you that objective, clear-eyed insight.” With its no-holds-barred approach and dedication to industry growth, whether through public safety initiatives or defense strategies, DAG’s expertise will undoubtedly help to shape the drone industry’s future in a way that’s grounded in reality and serves the greater good.