Big changes are finally reshaping how the Pentagon buys and innovates, and the next wave of reform is already underway

The 2026 NDAA marks one of the most significant shifts in defense acquisition in more than a decade, from reshaping how the Pentagon buys to opening new paths for commercial innovation. It also sets the stage for DoD’s next round of ecosystem reforms, with lawmakers already at work on the 2027 bill. We’ll break down what’s really changing and what it means for industry with former Pentagon official Stephanie Barna.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.