The new defense authorization bill passed by Congress mandates the Defense Department "modernize" its lengthy requirements process, with an interim report due to lawmakers by Oct. 1, 2024 that could include seismic reforms to the Pentagon's labyrinthine acquisition system.
The provision, based off language in the Senate’s version of the fiscal year 2024 defense authorization bill, directs the defense secretary “to modernize the Department of Defense’s requirements processes in order to improve alignment between modern warfare concepts, technologies and system development and reduce the time to delivery of needed capabilities to department users,” according to a conference report released by Congress earlier this month.
Under the law, the Pentagon has until Oct. 1, 2025, to “develop and implement a streamlined requirements development process,” including revision of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System.
Various “reform elements” the provision calls for include streamlining requirements documents, reviews, and approval processes, focusing on programs below the threshold of major defense acquisitions.
Revised management practices would use “a clean-sheet approach that avoids prescriptive language, is based on mission outcomes and assessed threats, enables a more iterative and collaborative approach with the Armed Forces, [and] maximizes the use of commercial products or commercial services,” the bill states.
The Pentagon must also prioritize a new process that allows for a “broader range of new or alternative technological opportunities,” according to the bill.
The department must also “retire and replace” the Defense Architecture Framework with a new structure focused on “interoperability through application program interfaces, enterprise architectures and platforms, and government and commercial standards.”
The law would also require DOD’s new requirements process ensure that software, artificial intelligence and data capabilities be prioritized for rapid integration and sustainment than “tradition” platforms.
With respect to implementation of the new requirements paradigm, DOD would be required to “collaborate with industry partners, contractors of the department and nontraditional defense contractors,” along with science and technology laboratories.
Though the defense secretary would formally direct the effort, it would be run by the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acting in concert with the military secretaries, combatant commanders and the under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.
An interim report is due to congressional defense committees no later than Oct. 1, 2024, regarding “efforts to develop and implement the streamlined requirements development process.”
The effort, which is certain to be a heavy lift for DOD given the size of its weapon system portfolio and the hundreds of billions of dollars involved, will, however, have the benefit of recommendations made by the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution Reform Commission, which is slated to release its final report in March 2024.