RSVP Now for UMD's DoD Federal Acquisition Reform Panel

The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to rely on the linear acquisition processes developed decades ago, even as weapon system programs continue to exceed their planned schedules and budget baselines. In order to respond to today's uncertain and ever-changing threat environment, all of the major stakeholders agree that DoD must transition toward a system with greater agility and responsiveness. CPPPE has developed a new adaptive acquisition process. 

"The recommendations are timely and critical for all business areas that work with the federal government. The US confronts an exceedingly complex and challenging risk environment.  Of special concern is the rigidity of DoD acquisition processes that impairs our ability to access cutting edge technologies from the private sector. This is especially problematic in the ICT (information and communications technology) sector, where advances in platform IT and weapon systems require the integration of advanced technologies and algorithms developed outside of the defense domain. Maintaining US technology advantages requires that we improve acquisition and development processes that target non-traditional sources of ideas in academic research and the commercial sector." -- B. David Mussington, Ph.D., CISSP, Professor and Director, Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise at UMD's School of Public Policy (from 2011-2013 Mussington served as the Director of Surface Transportation Security Policy at the National Security Council and from 2006-2010 he served in leadership roles at the Office of Inspector General and as Chief of Corporate Security at Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation))

"In this world of global/ real-time rapid response - it's critical that government and industry are given all the tools to help drive innovation to meet warfighter requirements.  In order for that to happen more effectively and efficiently, the Acquisition Process must become as agile as our warfighter.   This report emphasizes the need and identifies the recommendations needed for change!" -- Lou Kratz, VP and MD from Lockheed Martin.

NOVEMBER 2 LUNCHEON PANEL @ UMD

The UMD Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise (CPPPE) is hosting a panel discussion on Acquisition Reform within the Department of Defense (DoD). Congress has already directed major organizational changes within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  These included splitting the responsibility of the Under Secretary of Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics between two new positions - - an Under Secretary of Research Development and Engineering, and an Under Secretary of Acquisition.  CPPPE's will also be releasing its report Acquisition Reform to Enable Military Effectiveness and report with recommendations on other process changes that are needed.  These include:

• Eliminating unnecessary documentation.
• Streamlining milestone documentation; providing a single, integrated plan to Milestone Decision Authority (MDA), with detailed plans approved at a lower level.
• Eliminating milestone C; since, in reality, LRIP equals production.
• Rapidly implementing outcome / performance based contracts for sustainment.

The panel will feature the perspectives of key leaders with years of experience in the government and the private sector.

The panel consists of:

• Lou Kratz – Sr. VP, Logistics and Sustainment, Lockheed Martin, (Former Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of Defense)
• William Lucyshyn – Director of Research and Professor, Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland (Former AF and DARPA Program Manager)
• Stan Soloway, President, Celero Strategies LLC. (Former President and CEO of Professional Services Council and Former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense

CPPPE has been conducting research in the area of Acquisition for over 17 years, under the leadership and expertise of its founding Director, Dr. Jacques S. Gansler, (Former Undersecretary of Defense (AT&L) from 1997-2001) who is now Professor Emeritus.  Acquisition research is one of the Center's main research thrusts, and is led by William Lucyshyn, CPPPE's Director of Research, and Research Professor.

The Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise provides the strategic linkage between the public and private sector to develop and improve solutions to increasingly complex problems associated with the delivery of public services—a responsibility increasingly shared by both sectors.  Operating at the nexus of public and private interests, the Center researches, develops, and promotes best practices; develops policy recommendations; and strives to influence senior decision-makers toward improved government and industry results.
For more information on CPPPE, please visit…….www.cpppe.umd.edu

SOURCE University of Maryland Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise