Streamlining the Acquistion Process

Post-cold war, post-9/11, radically evolving threats, emerging technologies, the information explosion, and a seemingly endless supply of new requirements all have contributed to the requisite for acquisition reform. A great deal of time and attention has been spent on "tweaking" Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition processes and "reviewing" myriad lessons learned, yet acquisition programs are continually out of money, behind schedule and seemingly out of touch with warfighter requirements. This research explores possible answers, and provides actionable recommendations, for strategic reform that directly benefits the warfighter.Accordingly, primary consideration is given to place the user, Combatant Commands, squarely in a demand function, a function that does not effectively exist today. Overall recommendations are based upon an incentive structure that works; that of the free marketplace. A marketplace effectively incorporates the functions of demand, supply and oversight. This study is different for three reasons. First, recommended action illustrates a synchronized timeline to field weapon systems that are initiated on behalf of the user, not a timeline that is behest of the supplying provider. Second, it offers solutions to fix part of DoD's current funding mechanism and reduce costs by architecting optimized solutions on behalf of the future joint warfighter, not on the parochialism of a military service. The Under Secretary of Defense provides oversight while establishing capability portfolio directors that ensure architected solutions. Finally, the analysis offers a way forward to regain acquisition superiority through workforce transformation.This essay ties space acquisition to the greater whole of acquisition. Three reasons, first, Congress has little faith in DoD's ability to manage them; space programs have been plagued with issues. Second, space acquisition is very expensive, unforgiving, and a growing business; it provides a backdrop for acquir