When acquisition theory runs into funding realities
In unmanned maritime systems, the Navy’s learning curve and operational experience is rapidly accelerating… For example, Task Force 59 is challenging the process in which […]
Management
Space Force acquisition reorg moves in the right direction
Following a 90-day review, the head of Space Systems Command Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein proposed a new structure built around five program executive offices: Assured Access […]
The fractured nature of accountability in defense acquisition
I was talking to someone the other day quite senior in the acquisition arm of a service who was basically saying look — my role […]
Have irregularities marked the success of weapons programs in years past?
Jerry McGinn: … the Department of Defense is stuck with the ’60s approaches which requires three years to really plan and then program and then […]
Mason GovCon releases Acquisition Next: A playbook to break the industrial age paradigm
I’ve talked a lot about PPBE Reform on this blog, and while that is an important effort, there’s a lot that the workforce can do […]
Here are the first picks on the PPBE Reform Commission
There seems to be broad agreement among most stakeholders the US needs “better, faster, affordable” development and acquisition of emerging technologies that will drive competitive […]
Software Acquisition Pathway meets a requirements roadblock from the Joint Staff
Sponsors utilizing the software acquisition pathway per reference III for software only will submit a Software-ICD (SW-ICD) to the Joint Staff Gatekeeper to assess for […]
Will defense tech be able to compete with an innovating enemy?
When a program manager in the Pentagon is getting threat briefs, they’re your best friend before the program starts. They want to hear all about […]
The state of defense acquisition as 2021 draws to a close
Previously, I discussed the messaging from the Reagan National Defense Forum that “Time is running out with Silicon Valley.” It was intimated that major acquisition […]
Why does DoD often take 10-15 years to deliver “big juicy targets”?
DoD still operates with enterprise processes and management practices designed around programs from 60 years ago. These program-centric constraints drive longer timelines, fewer quantities, and […]
Commercial tech, “fast follower” strategies, and a framework for rapid acquisition
Here’s a flash talk with DIU’s Mike Brown at the Aspen Security Forum: There are so many innovations in the commercial sector that could be […]
What are the prerequisites to defense budget reform?
Here’s a snippet from Christopher O’Donnell, acting ASD(Acquisition) at the 2021 GMU/DAU conference: What the MTA has shown is that the JCIDS process and the […]
Are we starting to see the backlash to OTAs?
Here’s a Q&A from a Mitchell Institute webinar discussing Other Transactions (OTAs): Audience question: There’s lots of new platforms being developed or being procured under […]
Release of the DoDI 5000.91 Product Support Management
The DoDI 5000.91 Product Support Strategy contains 12 elements in the Integrated Product Support (IPS) and 10 elements in the Lifecycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP). This […]
Is software showing the cracks in DoD’s industrial age system?
Here are some excerpts from a good long-form article from from Lauren Williams at FCW, Why DOD is so bad at buying software: It can […]