BUYING FOR THE RIGHT BATTLE: DETERMINING DEFENSE ACQUISITION STRATEGIES
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) acquires operational systems via defense acquisition programs (MDAPs). An average MDAP today will take about eight years to deliver a new system (or new capabilities) to the operating forces using existing acquisition processes. Cycle time is the duration between the start of system development until it is available for use. Programs can execute as planned when program cycle times are shorter than the pace of technology and adversary change. The pace of technology and adversary change is pushing the Department of Defense to streamline acquisition processes and delivery products faster. The DoD streamlines acquisition processes to reduce cycle times to respond to new needs. These process changes can deliver capabilities sooner, but with greater risk, effort, and cost. In extreme cases, Rapid Acquisition Offices are used to deliver interim solutions typically within two years of request. Such responsiveness requires extraordinary effort and leadership involvement to succeed. These rapid and responding programs compete with traditional acquisition programs for resources and priorities. Some programs will lose resources and support, and will deliver required systems to the operating forces later and in smaller quantities than initially planned. These rapid programs compete with traditional acquisition programs for resources and priorities, meaning some still required programs will deliver required systems to the operating forces later and in smaller quantities than initially planned, unless changes are made to reduce their cycle times. This research will develop a program database from publicly available sources. Statistical methods will be used to develop and quantify significant predictors for the cycle times of different acquisition strategies. These results will be used to examine the risk factors associated with achieving program objectives with a reduced cycle time, and quantify performance indicators for different acquisition strategies. Finally, a decision framework will be developed to help program management offices determine appropriate acquisition strategies and process modifications to meet changing program schedule objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00341910004
Entities
People
- Amirhossein Etemadi
Organizations
- George Washington University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Washington Headquarters Services