Systems Approach to how DoD Acquires Systems

A paper I wrote a year or so ago for CSIS. happy holiday!

Systems Approach to how DoD Acquires Systems

Download Systems_Approach_to_how_DoD_Acquires_Systemsv2.pdf

This paper examines the methods and means that the DoD uses to acquire systems. Specifically, this paper explores how using a systems-approach can better meet the need for joint capabilities than the current practice of optimizing components. As missions evolve, systems need to be more robust, resilient and adaptive to new concepts of operation. We do not have the luxury of designing and deploying systems that cannot evolve over their lifespan. Instead, the Defense Department needs to adopt strategies that enable the reconfiguration of systems to meet changing mission requirements.

...
Conclusion
The gap between a commanders’ ability to carry out joint missions and the bureaucracy’s ability to acquire the fighting force must be addresses by the use of market mechanisms for the DoD acquisitions process.  The fact that needs are not being met on the ground is proof that our joint concepts are out of sync with actual capabilities. Centralizing the acquisitions process has not solved this problem and will not as long as our military continues to grow in size and complexity. 

Implementing a market based approach for acquisition reform will change the operational paradigm from one of process and control to one of accountability and execution, saving time and money over the long run. Markets mechanisms may not solve all of DoD’s acquisition issues, but they will help to create joint capabilities that make the military better suited to rapidly changing missions than it is with current acquisitions schemes.