Navy and Marine Corps IT/IS acquisition: a way forward

Abstract

Currently, a disconnect exists between procurement speed and final delivery of capabilities that require IT/IS solutions. Schedules for delivering these capabilities have remained a cumbersome and lengthy hindrance. War-fighting capabilities are consistently degraded as time-dependent requirements are outpaced by new technology before delivery. To determine the current impediments within the IT/IS procurement process, we limit our examination to the IT/IS decision-making processes, policies, and organizational structures that may be affecting the timely delivery of IT/IS systems. For the purpose of this thesis, the term governance encompasses these focus areas. Though we discuss aspects of the acquisition process and its guiding policies, a full analysis of the process remains outside the scope of this thesis. Instead, we chose to focus on how governance is affecting the timely delivery of IT/IS capabilities to the warfighter. A timeline analysis of relevant defense program cases forms the basis of our assessment of IT/IS governance. The aim of this thesis is to right-size the governance, or authority therein, required to effectively deliver IT/IS solutions to the war-fighter. We conclude with findings and recommendations as well as further research into adjusting responsibilities and authorities for IT agencies and acquisition professionals.