Synopsis
The Defense Business Board (DBB) report, “A Review of Space Acquisition,” was commissioned following the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act’s directive to review the unity of effort in the decision-making process for space acquisition. This study, conducted by the DBB’s Business Operations Subcommittee, focused on identifying statutory or regulatory changes to improve space acquisition governance, authorities, and membership of the Space Acquisition Council (SAC), streamlining acquisition processes, and enhancing innovation opportunities.
Approach and Methodology
The study was conducted over six months, involving interviews with 60 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including DoD acquisition/operations leaders, private sector executives, academics, and non-DoD government leaders. It also included a comprehensive review of academic studies, articles, and previous DoD publications.
Key Observations and Recommendations
The study identified several key areas for improvement:
- Governance to Enable Agility: The study suggested empowering the Space Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) with more authority and flexibility. Recommendations included allowing the Space SAE to use Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) pathway for all Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP)-equivalent efforts and delegating Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) to Program Executive Officers (PEOs).
- Funding Flexibility for Innovation: It was recommended that a “single color of money” be used for space programs to enable more flexible funding management, and the reprogramming limit for Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) should be raised.
- Reducing Non-Value-Added Bureaucracy: Recommendations included keeping the National Reconnaissance Office and Missile Defense Agency separate from the Space Force and allowing Program Managers to select which organizations can comment on their acquisition documents.
- Streamlining Processes to Enhance Innovation: The study recommended a follow-on study to reform the Joint Capabilities Integration & Development System (JCIDS) requirements process.
- Enhancing Communication and Understanding Between Operations and Acquisition Communities: To bridge this gap, the study suggested evaluating the Integrated Mission Delta concept and requiring acquisition professionals to have operational experience.
- Improving Commercial Industry Engagement: This included setting up a team to report on security vetting for new commercial space businesses and hiring experts with venture capital experience.
- Developing Proficient Acquisition Professionals: Training tailored to the attributes of the emerging industrial base and instruction on tailoring major capability acquisition pathways for space systems was recommended.
- Increasing Transparency and Trust: Providing electronic access to authoritative acquisition data was suggested to foster transparency among stakeholders.
Best Practices and Final Comments
The report praised the professionalism and ambition of various Space Force and DoD agencies in recognizing challenges and fostering improvement. Notable practices included the Integrated Mission Deltas, Space Systems Command Commercial Space Office, and leadership initiatives by the Space SAE. The DBB acknowledged the hardworking DoD acquisition professionals and the vital role they play in maintaining America’s preeminence in space.
