Successes in a Time of Transition.

AuthorAshworth, Sid
PositionNDIA Perspective

As my tenure as chair of the board of directors for the National Defense Industrial Association comes to an end, I am pleased to share with you our 2018 successes.

I am confident that these actions will continue to position the nation's largest defense trade association for increasing influence. Under Hawk Carlisle's leadership, combined with the dedicated support of our members, I am convinced that NDIA will thrive as it renews its mission of championing ideas and issues that contribute to the strength, resiliency and capacity of the defense industrial base.

The association's role in facilitating a vigorous and collaborative community in support of defense and national security and convening legal and ethical forums for the exchange of ideas, information and viewpoints is well recognized and valued by our major stakeholders, administration officials and military leaders.

I am especially proud of NDIA's development of a strategic campaign plan, with goals, objectives and metrics to determine priorities, guide operations and measure success over the next five years. Its six strategic priorities are: foster small business success; gain acquisition agility and regulatory efficiency; strengthen the defense industrial base and workforce; promote innovation in technology and process; expand international security cooperation and interoperability; and advance budget stability.

These priorities provide a solid foundation for the association, allowing it to rapidly adapt within an increasingly complex global environment. However, its core mission has not and will never change. The association will continue to serve as the trusted leader in our industry, always working to ensure American warfighters operate with the best weapons systems and support.

Throughout 2018, NDIA enjoyed significant success championing issues within its strategic campaign plan. Most importantly, under Carlisle's guidance, the staff embarked on an ambitious path to solidify and expand the association's thought leadership. For example, it made significant contributions to the Section 809 Panel to streamline and codify defense acquisition regulations. We also began an exciting venture to develop an annual assessment of the health and readiness of the defense industrial base. We hosted invitation-only Senior Executive Series events on acquisition, artificial intelligence and other transaction authorities. Additionally, the communications staff leveraged senior staff expertise to...

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