Express lanes needed to accelerate acquisition.

• Author: Mabbett, Artie
• Position: Viewpoint

The traffic in the Washington, D.C., region is consistently among the nation's most gridlocked. The 1-95 corridor and the metropolitan loop known as the Beltway is typically fraught with congestion and roadblocks, making it challenging, if not impossible, for travelers to get to their destination on time.

A knowledgeable traveler can plan conservatively, increasing the time budget, but this is not always possible. The recent addition of alternative "express lanes" offers a more predictable path along the same routes. These lanes require a special type of car--a high occupancy vehicle for example--or an access pass, but offer a road free of congestion, giving the traveler the freedom to control how and when he or she arrives at the destination. Not everyone uses these lanes because there is a cost, but when time is critical, this option can be invaluable.

The metro area is home to another type of congestion that causes delays and budget pressures. Delivering new or upgraded capability to the military services almost always includes a bout with heavy traffic as a program makes its way around the acquisition "beltway."

A major defense acquisition program (MDAP) must travel the routes mapped out by the DoD 5000.02, a process designed to address statutory, safety and operational risk. These processes that are determined by budget can vary by program size, but are not distinguished by operational priority. There is no express lane for a program that requires a predictable delivery date. The operational community's requirements process can identify "urgent needs." Unfortunately, these efforts typically end up on the same congested highway as other programs.

Just like the vehicles with special access, the acquisition "express lanes" should have equally well-established criteria for what is considered "special." First and foremost, the program should be one addressing an urgent and compelling need such that the governing organization has the fortitude to allow the program the latitude to accept a higher level of "managed risk." Establishing plans and processes to prioritize delivery will enable execution at the pace of the technology. A clearly delineated set of minimum requirements, including measures of cost and schedule, will help ensure alignment with the stake-holders' objectives.

10 U.S. Code [section] 2430 defines a major defense acquisition program by its budget, which is research and development and/or procurement and production. The DoD...