Defense Acquisition Workforce Modernization

Abstract

This report will examine the state of the acquisition environment, detail requirements for the acquisition workforce, note challenges to modernization, and make definitive recommendations for meeting these challenges. More specifically, Section Two will examine the state of the acquisition environment in the twenty-first century, and include a discussion of the impacts on acquisition due to rapidly changing technology, supporting current military operations, severe budgetary pressures, and legislative and regulatory changes. Section Three of this report will briefly examine each component of the acquisition workforce, including: politically appointed personnel; military personnel; and, civilian personnel. Section Four will highlight desired characteristics we believe are necessary for the acquisition workforce to possess in order to become “smart buyers” for the twenty-first century. Section Five will review the challenges likely faced during the course of acquisition workforce modernization. Section Six will provide a series of recommendations we believe will assist the Department of Defense in effectively modernizing its acquisition workforce. Finally, Section Seven will provide concluding remarks.