Assessing Department of Defense Use of Data Analytics and Enabling Data Management to Improve Acquisition Outcomes

Abstract

Congress heightened its interest in the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) use of data analytics in acquisition decision-making, requesting in late 2016 a briefing “on the use of data analysis, measurement, and other evaluation-related methods in [DoD] acquisition programs.” Congress’s interest includes analytic and other evaluation-related methods for acquisition that utilize data, the availability and management of data (e.g., best practices for data collection, delivery, and availability), and opportunities to improve these aspects for improving acquisition program management and decision-making. This research informed the secretary’s briefing to Congress. Our research found that the DoD is applying a breadth of data analytics across the whole acquisition life cycle, but more progress can be made. Challenges include data access disincentives, mixed data governance activity, and cybersecurity barriers to using commercial analysis software.