The Defense Information Systems Agency has unveiled new guidance to accelerate its acquisition framework in response to the Department of War’s directive to speed capability delivery and reduce bureaucratic friction.
DISA said Wednesday the update reinforces reforms DISA began implementing over the past two years, particularly the shift to a portfolio acquisition executive, or PAE, structure designed to centralize governance and strengthen integration across programs.
Speaking at a recent industry event, DISA Acquisition Director Jason Martin noted that while this restructuring predates the department-wide mandate, it aligns with Secretary of War and two-time Wash100 Award winner Pete Hegseth’s focus on operational agility.
What Is Changing Under DISA’s Acquisition Model?
DISA’s approach centers on empowering PAEs with decision authority over integrated capability portfolios rather than individual programs. The model is intended to break down organizational silos and align accountability at the portfolio level.
According to Martin, the structure has already been applied to efforts such as the Joint Operational Edge–Coalition Environment prototype. “We were told in 90 days we would do JOE-CE. We prioritized, we moved resources around, and we are ready for Keen Edge. We are there now,” he continued.
Caroline Bean, PAE for services at DISA, said the agency is also encouraging earlier engagement with industry, expanded use of acquisition flexibilities such as other transaction authorities and greater acceptance of iterative prototyping.
How Does This Connect to Broader DISA Contract Efforts?
The portfolio-based structure complements other consolidation initiatives, including the Joint Enterprise License Agreement program, known as JELA, which seeks to reduce duplicative IT purchases across the department. DISA has established four consolidated JELAs and is scaling the program to further unify vendor terms and streamline procurement.
In parallel, the agency is applying lessons learned from the current Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability contract as it prepares its JWCC-Next acquisition strategy. John Hale, chief of product management and development at the Defense Information Systems Agency, indicated that the next iteration may expand access to ancillary cloud ecosystem services while avoiding overlap with the existing vehicle.
