Portfolio Acquisition How the DoD Can Leverage the Commercial Product Line Model

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DoD) can foster dynamic, efficient, and innovative solutions for tomorrow's warfighter by structuring acquisition portfolios that deliver an integrated suite of capabilities. Such portfolios would permit execution of many core acquisition elements and processes at a level above the individual program to enable enterprise management, economies of scale, and faster capability deliveries. While large DoD programs navigate the acquisition life cycle individually, large commercial businesses manage integrated product lines for items ranging from automobiles and personal electronics to software and health services. The portfolio framework proposed in this paper establishes broader entities that involve an active government and industry community throughout the acquisition life cycle. Portfolios would scope programs and increments from high-priority requirements, mature technologies, and rigorous analyses covering a comprehensive mission area. Portfolio strategies, roadmaps, and architectures would guide development of a suite of smaller programs, allocating budgets, personnel, and other resources dynamically to the highest priority efforts. Reorganizing from a product-based model to a portfolio model would enable more successful and faster delivery of integrated mission capabilities.