https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/13 This collection includes graduate student research conducted at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) on defense-focused acquisition topics and supported by sponsored funding through the Acquisition Research Program (ARP). Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:23:53 GMT 2026-03-28T00:23:53Z https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5496 Title: Future of the Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Program Authors: Brendan Haber Abstract: Difficulties managing cost growth, schedule overruns, and performance issues in the Ford-class aircraft carrier program are a critical oversight topic and a key problem area in planning for the Navy’s future. While the Navy is conducting research and focusing efforts on managing cost growth in production, further research is needed into the program management structure and utilization of current acquisition policy and guidance to assess possible courses of action. A case study analysis of the Ford-class program—contextualized by a review of current literature to include acquisition policy—identified the various constraints, priorities, and impacts of acquisition strategy decisions to provide insight into future courses of action and objectives required for program success. The program has seen poor outcomes, primarily due to external pressure and an inability to mitigate constraints despite conducting detailed planning for tailored acquisition strategies. Changes are recommended to the current utilization of the Major Capability Acquisition pathway and organization of program offices and support staff to provide a clearly structured framework that mitigates constraints on the design and build process of Ford-class aircraft carriers. Description: Acquisition Management / Graduate Student Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5496 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5495 Title: Case Study of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Additive Manufacturing Initiative Authors: Yolanda Lester; Kimberly Madison Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM) is a manufacturing paradigm revered by the United States with inspired interest, as the Department of Defense (DOD) strategizes to revitalize its industrial bases. AM is a vital component of the DOD strategic initiatives to implement an agile supply and logistics framework. The Office of Naval Research, in collaboration with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, is conducting the Energetic Materials Additive Manufacturing (EMAM) study. The catalysts for the study are the high rate of anomalies and constraints of traditional manufacturing. The EMAM study objective is to determine the efficacy of two AM methodologies, Direct Ink Write and Digital Light Processing, in relation to the manufacturing of propellant. Painter suggests the long-term goal is to field the AM product upon the successful completion of design verification testing and qualification. EMAM research indicates that AM of propellant is a viable alternative to traditional manufacturing. The Direct Ink Write methodology is a feasible solution to address the Hercules Experimental Smokeless 5808 quality concerns, while fostering sustainable practices. An evaluation of the EMAM project concluded that a cost–benefit analysis, formalized processes, and protocols are necessary to establish a formalized acquisition program. The investment of resources will enable future research and development, technological advancement and warfighter readiness. Description: Acquisition Management / Graduate Students Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5495 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5494 Title: Plotting the Future: Updating the DoD's Innovation Policy Gap to Reclaim Technological Leadership Authors: Leland LeBaron Abstract: "This research, covering 1982–2022, critically examines the U.S. DOD innovation policy leadership, analyzing the National Military Strategy (NMS) and National Defense Strategy (NDS) compared with the innovation strategies of leading U.S. businesses. It centers on Five Critical Innovation Areas: Flexible Organizational Structure, Agile Funding, Risk Tolerance, Minimal Security, and Customer-Centric Approach. The study uses a comparative analysis to benchmark DOD policies against advanced commercial entities’ policies. It delves into the NMS and NDS, juxtaposing them with commercial innovation practices to pinpoint policy discrepancies and potential enhancement areas. Key findings highlight a pronounced lag in DOD’s policy development, contrasting sharply with its pro-innovation rhetoric. This gap, persisting over four decades, impedes the DOD’s ability to adapt to rapid technological changes and shifting national security landscapes. The study identifies a crucial need for DOD to transition to a more responsive and dynamic policy framework, especially in the face of evolving technologies like AI. Recommendations emphasize incorporating the Five Critical Innovation Areas into DOD policy to foster innovation. This aims to enhance the DOD’s technological edge and strengthen U.S. national security. The study highlights the urgent need for the DOD to revitalize its policy approach, aligning national security goals with technological leadership in military policy." Description: Acquisition Management / Graduate Student Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5494 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5493 Title: Measure and Assess the Effectiveness of Navy and DoD Pilot BA-08 (Software) Program Performance Authors: Jessica Bianco; Laura Hujber Abstract: The software development problem within the Department of Defense (DOD) is that the software acquisition process is not optimized for continuous development. A disconnect exists between best practices in software development and the ability to balance and deliver utilizing multiple appropriations. The software and digital technology pilot program, BA-08 pilot program, was formed to explore the benefits of single appropriation acquisition and how it could assist in mitigating the software development problem. The following questions are addressed: Does realigning funding provide a more manageable acquisition path for continuous delivery of software capability? How are the DOD’s current software acquisition practices providing a hindrance to continuous delivery of capability? Is the BA-08 program most effective with commercial or DOD-specific software? We concluded that the report findings did not present enough evidence to conclude that the improvements seen across the programs could be singularly tied to the programs’ participation in the BA-08 pilot because the majority of the programs are also enrolled in additional initiatives. Additionally, there was not enough data collected by the program to come to a conclusion on the distinction if the BA-08 program was most effective with the acquisition of commercial software, or with DOD-specific capability. Description: Acquisition Management / Graduate Students Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://dair.nps.edu/handle/123456789/5493 2026-03-26T00:00:00Z