US Army Prepares for Shift to New Software Procurement Approach

The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems is planning to implement a continuous integration/continuous delivery approach to software acquisition in compliance with policy reforms.

The Army Materiel Command is currently responsible for maintaining software produced by PEO EIS program management offices. Under the new acquisition paradigm, PMOs will oversee the entire development process, gaining the ability to determine whether a given effort requires Army funds for operations and maintenance or research, development, testing and evaluation.

In addition, such funds will be allocated directly to programs via the Army’s annual Program Objective Memorandum instead of being coursed through the AMC.

Aric Sherwood, director of PEO EIS’ Acquisition Innovation Directorate, said the changes could lead to more RDT&E funds being granted. He explained that under Agile development principles, software products are in constant development rather than maintenance.

The policy updates are slated to take effect on Oct. 1, 2023, the beginning of government fiscal year 2024, DVIDS reported Wednesday.