A Framework for Aligning Fast-Moving Commercial Technologies With Conventional Acquisition Processes

Abstract

Small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS) are increasingly important for ground combat operations. SUAS extend ground unit situational awareness and their ability to prosecute targets, and may enhance command and control. Their fast development cycles, commercial availability, and still-maturing operational concepts, though, do not align well with conventional U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) force development processes and timelines. This paper proposes a framework to address this misalignment by rapidly capturing unstructured qualitative insights on SUAS usage and converting them into procurement and allocation levels within the context of existing force development processes. The process leverages semi-structured interviews and document collection for data collection, followed by a mixed method approach using qualitative coding and mathematical matching. The result is a set of procurement and allocation levels that balances current operational needs with opportunities for experimentation and concept development.