CNA Independent Assessment: Air Force Acquisition. Return to Excellence
Abstract
Since the mid 1990s, the AF has experienced a number of symptoms that indicate problems with its acquisition system and processes. On 18 September 2008, CNA was asked to select the members, appoint a chair, and manage the activities of an executive panel composed of retired senior uniformed and civilian executives with significant experience in managing acquisition programs and portfolios from an AF, defense, and industry perspective. Under the direction of CNA, the executive panel, supplemented by CNA acquisition experts, made a broad-ranging, top-to-bottom assessment of the current state of AF acquisition. We interviewed, in-depth, 48 current and former senior acquisition officials and executives from the AF, the office of the Secretary of Defense, the Navy, and private industry. This report is organized into two broad categories with six topic areas: A. People 1. Culture, 2. Senior leadership, and 3. Workforce and structure. B. Process 1. Acquisition process and policy, 2. Requirements, and 3. Budget discipline. This report contains 24 recommendations, and 21 subrecommendations. This summary recaps the 10 most important recommendations, including five that we believe are critical and must be implemented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA517006
Entities
People
- Dan Davis
- Gary E. Christle
- Gene Porter
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses