Army Launches Acquisition Review

The Department of the Army announced yesterday it is launching a detailed, comprehensive 120-day study of its acquisition organizations, policies, workforce and processes, including how it acquires and handles equipment.

Commissioned by Secretary of the Army John McHugh, the study is going to look at the full range of acquisition practices, from requirements to funding to management and oversight of key acquisition programs. The analysis will expand upon progress made in acquisition reform following the 2009 implementation of the Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act and will identify areas for growth, improved efficiencies and cost savings. The assessment will also incorporate lessons learned from eight years of war that often included nontraditional acquisition processes.

The primary objective of this initiative is to find a plan for near-term actions that will make the Army acquisition process more efficient. The study will look at key acquisition processes such as Department of Defense 5000 series documents, rapid acquisition processes, technology development and testing.

The Army review will be conducted by an independent panel co-chaired by the Gil Decker, a former Army acquisition executive, and retired Army Gen. Lou Wagner, who previously served as Army deputy chief of staff for research, development and acquisition.