Defense procurement
On National Security | DoD’s buying habits a continuing source of frustration
Over the course of just six months, three senior defense officials responsible for technology programs announced they were stepping down, voicing disappointment in a culture they view as an impediment to innovation.
Military buyers challenged to stay up on the latest commercial space innovations
Space Force Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein said commercial innovation today is "outpacing the demand signal from the government."
Deputy secretary Hicks: DoD is searching for better ways to work with startups
Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said DoD still has a long way to go in making its procurement process more suitable for the commercial industry
DoD wants to change how it buys space technology – but can it?
As the Pentagon prepares for the possibility that adversaries will target national and commercial satellites, the government’s ability to adopt commercial industry’s best technologies has become a major topic of discussion.
Space Force wants to create a more welcoming environment for private industry
The U.S. Space Force’s procurement arm based in Los Angeles has launched a new effort to attract commercial space companies that do not typically work with the government.
U.S. military looking to build lasting relationships with commercial space industry
Government buyers are still trying to figure out how to work with private firms and attract suppliers that have not traditionally sought government contracts, officials said Dec. 14 at a TechCrunch conference.
Changes ahead for Space Force procurement organizations
A new senior procurement executive for space programs will oversee the transfer of the Space Development Agency and a restructuring of the Space Systems Command
On National Security | In the new space era, a changing role for the U.S. government
The pace of technological innovation in the space business has long been dictated by government-funded programs of record. But as the private sector increasingly drives innovation, government buyers are trying to figure out their role in the new space era.
Space Force warned to avoid past mistakes as it pursues new satellite acquisitions
The Space Force has plans to acquire billions of dollars worth of new satellites and needs to make sure it avoids the missteps that plagued previous acquisitions, said the Government Accountability Office.
Study calls on U.S. to change how it buys space technology, reduce congestion in low orbits
The Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress released a new report May 4 calling on the U.S. government to accelerate the procurement of commercial space technologies and manage growing congestion in low-Earth orbit.
On National Security | Space acquisition reform awaits Biden’s Pentagon team
Satisfying congressional demands for a revamped space acquisition process will now fall on President-elect Joe Biden’s Pentagon team.
Raymond: Space Force has a plan to unify acquisition agencies
The Space Systems Command will bring together multiple agencies that currently handle space acquisitions.
On National Security | How the military buys satellites may have reached a turning point
The idea that DoD can save time, money and make space systems more resilient by moving to proliferated systems has been talked about for years. But many reform efforts could not overcome bureaucratic inertia.
Space Force proposes ‘alternative acquisition system’ with less red tape
The U.S. Space Force is asking for changes in the rules that currently are in place for buying new weapon systems.
On National Security | New blood wants a real chance to challenge DoD’s big space primes
Big-money satellite procurements remain firmly in the clutch of the big primes. Nowhere is this more apparent than in missile defense satellite programs.
Not everyone on Capitol Hill disapproves of the Air Force launch strategy
The House Appropriations Committee commended the Air Force’s launch procurement strategy for increasing competition and eliminating U.S. reliance on Russian rocket engines.
Air Force leaders tout progress in space procurement reforms
A reorganization of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and the establishment of a rapid procurement office for space are just the initial steps toward getting “better and faster,” Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Stephen Wilson said last week.
Air Force turns to nontraditional contracting for space technology projects
The Space Enterprise Consortium does not follow the arcane defense acquisition regulations. It requires traditional defense contractors to work with nontraditional vendors.
Mike Griffin’s tough talk to Pentagon contractors: Be a team player, look at your own red tape
Griffin: "The bumper sticker version of my job is that I don’t have anything to do with anything that the Defense Department is currently buying. "
SN Military.Space | Space reforms near decision point • SMC Commander: Procurement slow but not broken • Mattis downplays impact of Trump trade wars
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters the Pentagon appreciates the congressional focus on space issues and is not being passive about space reforms, although he would like to see further debate on the pros and cons of reorganizing the military.
