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Acquisition reform remains largely ineffective in reducing weapon system acquisition cycle time because it has focused on processes associated with cost and schedule rather than funding.
Much attention has been focused on defense acquisition reform in recent decades. That is not at all surprising considering the average acquisition cycle time for weapon systems is currently 10-15 years and annual defense procurement expenditures exceed $60 billion. DoD cannot continue to have 15-year weapon acquisition cycles when the underlying technology becomes obsolete in 24 years. (3:3) Since the end of the Cold War, America has seen an increase in regional conflicts and operations other than war, making threats unpredictable and robust. The ability to rapidly respond to changes and opportunities is key to maintaining a long-term military advantage at an affordable price. The warfighter must have the right weapons at the right time and at the right quantities to successfully achieve national security objectives. The underlying imperative for acquisition reform is to make weapon systems faster, cheaper, and better. (4:16)
Acquisition reform remains largely ineffective in reducing weapon system acquisition cycle time because it has focused on processes associated with cost and schedule rather than funding. One of the principal barriers to reducing acquisition cycle time is the overriding impact of the funding-based limitations on defense projects. By funding each project based on its development related requirements and providing contractor incentives to establish realistic schedules, the acquisition system will be better able to meet the warfighter's needs. (53) The Air Force should fully fund acquisition category III (ACAT III) pilot programs to help build the case for reducing weapon system acquisition cycle time throughout the Department of Defense. By focusing on smaller ACAT III programs for which it controls the funding distribution, the Air Force can establish pilot programs to reduce acquisition cycle time, ensure short-term success, and make appropriate proposals that will affect major defense acquisition programs (ACAT I). Reducing acquisition cycle time will allow the Air Force to procure weapon systems faster and divest itself of aging systems that impact the warfighter's readiness. This by no means is current transformational thinking. Indeed, our acquisition process has been transforming since the birth of our nation.
Since 1776, Congress has passed over 4,000 statutes dealing...