FY26 NDAA Acquisition Reform: What Changed, What Didn’t and What Comes Next

Another cycle of NDAA-driven Acquisition Reform has concluded, beginning with the introduction of the FoRGED Act and SPEED Act and culminating in the enactment of the FY26 NDAA. Join Dr. Arun Seraphin and Moshe Schwartz for a detailed discussion of NDAA acquisition reforms and why this legislation could represent one of the most significant defense acquisition reform packages in decades. Drawing on Moshe’s deep defense acquisition expertise, the conversation breaks down what changes to acquisition policy were enacted, what did not make it into law, and how Congress and the Department of Defense are aligned on implementation.The discussion examines major acquisition changes introduced in the FY26 NDAA, including expanded acquisition authorities, best-value decision-making, commercial-first acquisition preferences, and new roles and responsibilities across the defense acquisition workforce. Moshe and Arun analyze the potential impact of these reforms on defense contractors, including nontraditional defense contractors, with a close look at implications for intellectual property rights, consumption-based acquisition models, sustainment strategies, and the elevated roles of portfolio acquisition executives and product support managers within the Department of Defense.Etherton and Associates: https://www.ethertonandassociates.com/ETI's Insights into FY26 NDAA: https://www.emergingtechnologiesinstitute.org/publications/insights/fy2025ndaaFY26 NDAA: https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s1071/BILLS-119s1071enr.pdfBe sure to follow us on social media for updates, inside scoops, & more:LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4htROo0Twitter: https://bit.ly/48LHAx3Facebook: https://bit.ly/47vlht8 And for more podcasts, articles, & publications all things emerging tech, check out our website at: https://bit.ly/47oA5K1