Tidal "Ty" McCoy II

Prior to joining DNI Gabbard's team in April of 2025, Tidal “Ty” McCoy II served as a Principal at Nextfed inc., where he led the firm’s Intelligence and Acquisition Strategy practice and played a key role in high-stakes M&A deals across the defense and intelligence sectors. Ty served as the firm's go-to expert for navigating the intersection of national security, emerging tech, and private capital—regularly advising on some of the most notable transactions in the dual-use venture capital and private equity landscape.

With his track record of aligning cutting-edge startups with mission-driven government needs, Ty became a fierce advocate for pushing innovators through the acquisition gauntlet — faster, cheaper, and smarter. His work helped bridge the gap between small tech firms and government missions, driving impact and efficiency where it counts.

Before joining Nextfed in 2022, Ty spent nearly 15 years at the Central Intelligence Agency, holding senior roles in Acquisition and Contracting. He most recently served as Senior Acquisitions Advisor to the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, where he helped dismantle systemic procurement bottlenecks and foster closer collaboration with industry. He also managed the IC’s business relationship with In-Q-Tel and the general start-up/Venture Capital community, identifying breakthrough technologies and how to fast-track for commercialization or government use cases.

Early in his career, Ty led several acquisition organizations for the CIA’s Directorate of Science & Technology, overseeing a multi-billion dollar portfolio and a team of acquisition professionals supporting HUMINT tech programs. He spearheaded enterprise-level change efforts, consolidating key contracting operations and modernizing engagement strategies with the commercial sector.

Ty is a champion of acquisition reform and innovation, advising on some of the most complex systems the IC fields. His focus: make acquisition and IC resources a strategic advantage — not a barrier.

Ty holds both a B.A. in Finance and an MBA from Virginia Tech.