Discover Blacksmith AI
Forging the future of AI in GovCon
At Blacksmith AI, we're driven by the simple idea that innovation shouldn't be halted by outdated tools. We build technology that makes government contracting faster, smarter, and more secure. Our flagship platform, VULCAN, brings proposal writing, contract intelligence, and team collaboration into one AI-powered workspace built for clarity and compliance. AI adoption is not about replacing people, but rather giving mission-driven professionals better tools to win.
Our goal is to help empower every defense contractor, from startups to enterprise teams, operate with the same precision as the missions they support. We stay focused on what matters most. Everything we build is designed to strengthen readiness and trust, adapting to how real teams work instead of forcing them to adapt to us. Our approach blends agility with integrity, making sure every feature we release is secure, transparent, and built with purpose.
Our Leadership
Meet the Founder
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Jack McGowan
Jack McGowan is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blacksmith AI. In his role, he leads the company's product vision, software development, business strategy, and client relationships. Jack is also the lead engineer behind VULCAN, Blacksmith AI's flagship product with patent-pending technology. VULCAN is the first of many platforms that Jack and the Blacksmith AI team believe will revolutionize the GovCon process.
Originally from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jack graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2026 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. While still completing his degree, he founded Blacksmith AI in July 2025 after recognizing a critical gap in the tools available to small and mid-size defense contractors. Having worked closely with government contractors during his time as an intern with a small contractor on a Legacy System Modernization Program Contract, Jack saw firsthand how fragmented the existing software landscape was. Small businesses were forced to purchase multiple expensive platforms that each only solved one piece of the puzzle.
That frustration became the driving force behind VULCAN. With no formal software development background, Jack taught himself software engineering and built a production-grade platform from the ground up as a solo founder. VULCAN unifies contract search, proposal automation, competitive intelligence, geospatial mapping, CRM, and a multi-model AI assistant into a single secure environment. The platform's integrated workflow architecture is patent-pending, and Blacksmith AI now serves multiple customers across the defense contracting industry.
Beyond VULCAN, Jack has expanded Blacksmith AI's services to include custom web development, AI consulting, and tailored software solutions for organizations looking to modernize their operations. His work has earned recognition from leaders in the defense community, including the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association, retired service members, and Oklahoma State Representatives.
University of Georgia — B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 2026
The Blacksmith AI Pledge
“We recognize the sanctity of workflow processes in the GovCon industry and the fear of handing that over to artificial intelligence. At Blacksmith AI, we believe that AI is a tool that enhances a workforce, not a replacement for it. We believe that the future of AI is here, and we pledge to build a secure, compliant, and safe platform that benefits contractors worldwide.”
— John J. McGowan V, Founder & CEO of Blacksmith AI