Pentagon acquisition executives have begun using a new rapid prototyping and fielding authority that could streamline traditional weapon system development, but might also test the patience of Congress should it lead to costly failures. The new authority, which has generated significant buzz within the Defense Department's acquisition community, comes from section 804 of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. Section 804 provides DOD a pathway to accelerate rapid prototyping for "middle tier capabilities" that can be fielded within...