Defense Acquisition System and its challenges from PM's point of view

Abstract

The Defense Acquisition System acquires weapon systems and other items used by armed forces to meet threats to national security in a rapidly changing internal and external environment. Over the last decade, many improvements have been implemented in the Defense Acquisition System. Some have been extremely effective, and others less effective, but the dynamic environment and desire to be perfect lead to continuous change. This thesis analysis the Defense Acquisition System and its challenges from a program manager's perspective and presents a snapshot of the current system by means of a comprehensive review of the system and a survey of acquisition managers. The major conclusion drawn from this research is that the uncertainty of the environment and the unstable/lack of funding are the main sources of the challenges. Rigid controls placed on all the resources are detracting the program manager from higher primary function of managing the program. Therefore, effective communication and cooperation between interested parties and an increased empowerment of the PM will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defense Acquisition System.