Editor's Perspective
President Obama took office facing many of the decades-old problems in acquisition that have bedeviled previous administrations. The litany of oft-repeated problems with the DoD acquisition process remains intact for resolution—from the presence of a risk-adverse culture to shortfalls in qualified acquisition program managers. As the White House Website for defense agenda promises to review weapons programs, it skirts the actual issue of acquisition reform. As it appears the secretary of defense, by proxy, will address acquisition reform on behalf of the executive branch, there is another partner to enlist in reforming the unwieldy process.
Rep. Ike Skelton, chairman, House Armed Services Committee, understands the challenges of acquisition reform—in particular for military space and missile defense. The chairman’s HASC oversight plan for this Congress notes, “Particular attention will be given to the technical readiness of particular space systems in current development, with the objective of decreasing technical risk in acquisition programs.”
That’s a great start, but there’s more work ahead on both sides of the Hill and on both sides of the political aisle. The position of a cookie-cutter approach to acquisition as espoused by some members of Congress is dangerous. The same acquisition process that supports an MRAP vehicle cannot be expected to support the procurement and launch of a surveillance satellite. MSMF will follow the dialogue regarding acquisition reform and, in particular, how it impacts our community.
I look forward to your comments and feedback.
 Marty Kauchak, Editor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
