Defense Department Launch Studies to Address Modernization Challenges

The Defense Innovation Board is undertaking two studies to enhance the Department of Defense’s acquisition and data readiness.

At a board meeting earlier in November, officials identified streamlining acquisitions, rapid deployment of technology and promoting competition as some of the primary obstacles to modernization, GovCIO Media & Research reported Friday.

CACI International Director Susan Gordon, leader of the “Lowering Barriers to Innovation” study and a past Wash100 winner, said areas being looked into include security processes, authority to operate, personnel practices and acquisition mechanisms.

At the meeting, U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matt Pine noted that employee promotions based on complying with requirements have made it challenging to find talent and the “desire to change things.”

Meanwhile, Pine described the Pentagon’s acquisition process as its greatest impediment, noting long development periods and the formation of monopolies within the defense industrial base.

The second Defense Innovation Board study, “Building a DOD Data Economy,” aims to identify best practices for handling data.

Results are expected to be shared during the board’s meeting on Jan. 26, 2024.