Buying for the Right Battle: Determining Defense Acquisition Strategies

Abstract

The Department of Defense (DoD) acquires operational systems via defense acquisition programs. It takes an average of about eight years to deliver a new system (or new capabilities) to the operating forces using existing acquisition processes. The duration between the start of system development until it is available for use is the program cycle time. Programs can execute as planned when program cycle times are shorter than the pace of technology and adversary change. The pace of technology and adversary change is pushing the Department of Defense to streamline acquisition processes and deliver products faster. These process changes can deliver capabilities sooner, but with greater risk, effort, and cost. In extreme cases, Rapid Acquisition Offices are used to deliver interim solutions typically within two years of request. Such responsiveness requires extraordinary effort and leadership involvement to succeed. These rapid programs compete with existing programs for resources and priorities, meaning some still required programs will deliver required systems to the operating forces later and in smaller quantities than initially planned, unless changes are made to reduce their cycle times. This research developed several research datasets from publicly available sources. Quantitative methods were used to identify significant cycle-time factors related to acquisition strategies, the defense market and program objectives. A decision framework is presented to help program management offices identify historical program precedents and potential acquisition strategy modifications to meet changing program cycle time objectives.