Iuvo Systems’ Post

📣 Potential for some good changes in Army procurement. [Industry Article] Young Bang Details Army Efforts to Modernize Acquisition Processes To take advantage of the capabilities industry has to offer, the Army is embracing more flexible acquisition methods and moving away from strict adherence to traditional approaches. The Army recently released a directive calling for the adoption of a hybrid model, which he said “encourages all different types of things, encourages creativity, but doesn’t want us to default to firm-fixed-price.” https://lnkd.in/ehWzfUj6 #GovCon #SmallBusiness #Accounting #GovernmentContracting #GovernmentContractor #FederalContracting #FederalGovernment #DoD #Army #Procurement #Acquisition

The US Army is modernizing its capabilities, focusing on technology, acquisition, and production. Young Bang, the Army's principal deputy assistant secretary, highlights the challenges of migrating to digital systems and the shift to agile acquisition at speed. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ezn-PWtQ _____ #digitalsystems #agileacquisition #governmentcontracting

What does right sizing (or right timing) acquisition speed look like? industry and DoD have two very different definitions for what is "fast".

Speeding Up #Digital Acquisition Dramatically in the US Navy Procurements since 2015 took at least 5 years to complete; some stretched out to 15 years. This is at a time when new #AI capabilities happen daily. PEO Digital has created a surge of partnerships with new and #innovative companies that may have found it too burdensome and time-consuming to sell to the #military in the past. "We are simplifying and expediting how we identify the best internal and external #innovations and getting them to the field faster and at better value." https://lnkd.in/e3waBJAn ⬇️ Our insights in the comments below ⬇️ #DoD #DefenseTech #SpeedOfOperationalRelevance

My personal take: 1. We are undermanned in critical acquisition areas. My theory is that the unmanning is because the pay scale is the same or similar across agencies regardless of differences in workload. Why would 1102’s stay at an agency doing critical mission support when that person can “take their talents to South Beach” and do half the work for the same pay? There are a dedicated few that will remain, but that results in competency and dedication being rewarded with burnout. 2. We are not adequately leveraging technology to reduce admin burdens on 1102’s while simultaneously supporting regulatory compliance. AI tools are helping, but there are a lot of existing tools that would be transformative for acquisition yet resisted because many mid-level leaders act as clay layers or gatekeepers to restrict information from going to the right places and people to make informed decisions. 3. Accountability. Let the 1102’s do their job and use appropriate administrative remedies in situations that warrant such responses. It’s difficult to retain in environments where 1102s are accountable for mistakes but barred from holding industry to task. I get that we have to protect the industrial base, but we should not be industrial welfare.

This is a great #article describing the need for contracting to grow the fleet and #fleet #capacity. Additionally, a look at how to improve the contracting process which can improve #timeliness, #effectiveness, and #efficiency without sacrificing due diligence and #quality. To harness the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations's call we need to #GetReal and #GetBetter, and we will, the #nation will meet these #challenges head on. #mai #marineacoustics #industrialbase #innovation #technology #shipbuilding #readiness US Navy #navy #usnavy #usn #submarines #CNO #adapt #evolve Doug Robb Kate Robb Defense News There is no substitute for fleet capacity. But generating it depends on healthy #partnerships between the #government and #industry. After decades of corporate consolidation, the pendulum now swings toward consensus that the U.S. #defense industrial base must once again expand. Recent efforts by the United States Department of Defense and US Congress reflect this new course and a desire to attract new companies that have not historically contributed to the defense #mission. While these #strategic frameworks are valuable for shaping the department’s vision, translating them into action also requires adjusting the underlying tactical and administrative processes that bind ideas and obligations. That means turning attention to how the Navy contracts for supplies and services. To many, contracting remains a perceived acquisition obstacle: The #Federal Acquisition Regulation, or #FAR — canonically referred to as the #contracting bible — includes the phrase “shall not,” “may not” and “will not” 1,379 times. Nevertheless, four contracting policy alterations can complement the broader #acquisition change taking place and accelerate delivery of fleet capability and capacity. https://lnkd.in/gMtfjhqe

The United States Department of Defense and the Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to increase the participation of minority business enterprises within the defense industrial base: https://lnkd.in/ey8E-Jr8   “This MOU represents a significant step in expanding access to defense contracts for minority business enterprises, ensuring that our supply chain is diverse, resilient, and capable of addressing the demands of our national defense,” said Dr. William LaPlante, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

At a time when New Zealand are investigating a Defence Industry Strategy this provides insight into supporting Small and Medium Business working with Defence.

The U.S. Army is embarking on a comprehensive modernization initiative aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities through agile acquisition and streamlined production processes. Led by Young Bang, the Army is embracing digital transformation and flexible acquisition methods to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge prototypes and technologies crucial for national defense. This shift towards a hybrid acquisition model underscores the Army’s commitment to fostering innovation and agility while maintaining rigorous standards of excellence. By soliciting feedback through RFIs and hosting industry days, the Army aims to forge stronger partnerships with commercial entities capable of delivering scalable solutions and expertise. Join the winning network with CRG as we support industry partners in navigating these evolving opportunities, leveraging our expertise to help clients succeed in the dynamic landscape of defense acquisition and modernization. CRG’s SMEs & dedicated teams excel in providing comprehensive pre- and post-award support. Visit https://crgroupinc.com/ or reach out to us at contact@crgroupinc.com to learn more about how CRG can empower your organization. IL - VA - DC - Dubai, UAE. #CRG #USArmy #Modernization #AgileAcquisition #DefenseIndustry #NationalSecurity #HybridAcquisition #DoD #DIB #IndustryEngagement #DefenseModernization #ArmyStrong #Agile #MissionReadiness #Acquisition #Strategy #Approach #Hardware #Software #Infrastructure #DefenseTech #DigitalTransformation #Technology #Innovation

In an era of Great Power Competition, technology remains key to maintaining a competitive edge in our nation’s defense. However, many small businesses continue to struggle with integrating their technology solutions into the United States Department of Defense. This trend is slowly reversing thanks to partnership opportunities made possible by Barksdale Air Force Base’s Air Force Global Strike Command's A5N Division, known as the Commercial Capabilities Integration and Transition (CCIT) division. Through AFWERX, CCIT secured a $26 million Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) award for AFGSC in August 2023; the first funding award of this magnitude for the command. Formed in 2023, the CCIT forges historic connections between small business innovators and the DoD. CCIT to date has secured contracts totaling $240 million of outside AFGSC funding for 70 modernization technologies from United States small businesses, with an additional $74.3 million in pending contracts for 13 other bonus technologies. Read more here: https://ow.ly/5AAG50SHEJy . . . #AFWERX #AFVentures #SBIR #STTR #STRATFI #contracts #USAF #DAF #DoD #GreatPowerCompetition #BarksdaleAFB #AFGSC #CCIT #technology #innovation