Event: Opening programs to modularity and iteration -- Acquisition NEXT

In this special episode of the Acquisition Talk podcast, we listen into an event hosted by that explores how defense programs can harness modern development practices. Center for Government Contracting executive director Jerry McGinn moderates a panel with DIU director Michael Brown, head of strategy at Anduril Industries Zachary Mears, and Deputy PEO for Ground Combat Systems James Schirmer. They discuss ideas brought up in the Acquisition NEXT report recently released by Mason GovCon including adaptive requirements, continuous market research, and modular open systems. Watch the video here: https://coursemedia.gmu.edu/media/Acquisition+NextA+Opening+Programs+Up+to+Modularity+and+Iteration/1_8ky6faoq In the episode, Jim Schirmer describes how in the new optionally-manned fighting vehicle, the Army is trying to control the architecture and define the key interfaces. This would allow companies to keep the intellectual property to their black boxes inside the interface boundaries while releasing government from the vendor lock of being beholden to the prime for all upgrades. "For us, this is this is new territory, so it's way too soon to know." Zach Mears from the new defense entrant Anduril described the barriers to entry associated with long sales cycles and continuing resolutions, issues that rarely plagues commercial business. This can be a lot for companies to tolerate, especially if it is low profitability and only represents a few percent of their revenue. He argues the government needs to award and incentivize companies based on value rather than reducing everything to a labor hours. By doing so, government ignores issues of employee skill and use of modern software techniques. This focus on value is easier when evaluating functional prototypes rather than paper plans. At Anduril, Zach said, "We believe that risk to delivery as well as the risk to return on capital investment on capability should rest with industry." Mike Brown argued that 11 out of 14 of the defense modernization priorities are led by commercial firms, meaning DoD must have a "fast follower" strategy for adopting and integrating commercial tech. In this world, "You don't need to start with requirements, the commercial market has already built it." Usually defense official think the longer they criticize paper designs they will get to the right answer. However, this reliance on prediction indicates hubris. The alternative is an iterative approach, akin to how aircraft in the 1950s, can help align DoD with commercial processes. This podcast was produced by Eric Lofgren. You can follow me on Twitter @AcqTalk and find more information at https://AcquisitionTalk.com.