Pre-Conference Primer — Day in the Life Series: Affiliated Operation Plans Nuances – Nuanced, Practical Insights and How to Secure Approvals and What Can Trigger DCSA Denials

Sep 29, 2026 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Robert Benn, CPP, PSP, PCI
Senior Consultant
Monoc

Ben Cote
Partner
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Richard Ray
FSO
Eutelsat Network Solutions

Please note: Registration for the Pre-Conference Primer is separate from the main conference.

This session will explore how the FOCI national security scrutiny has evolved from a focus on investment and ownership to the modern focus on codified mitigation of foreign ownership, and levels of foreign influence. Topics will include:

  • Describing services: Clearly identify who is providing the affiliated operation, who the recipients are, and outline the associated costs and benefits
  • Implementing services: Explain how affiliated operations will be carried out and whether participation is mandatory
  • Adopting Technology: Specify what technology is being used, who owns it, the types of information being shared, and how frequently interactions occur
    • What to ask your security committees
    • Managing the financial burden: How companies can effectively plan for and handle costs
    • Customizing your AOP to fit your organization’s structure and needs
  • Key strategies for mitigating and managing affiliated operations
    • Practical tactics for identifying, handling, and reducing risks in affiliated operations
    • Ensuring DCSA compliance while improving operational efficiency
  • Developing internal steps to ensure proper risk mitigation, including:
  • Review of services: Establish internal processes to ensure compliance with mitigation procedures, and define how the FSO and Technology Control Officer (TCO) can collaborate to maintain compliance