Defense procurement
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.
SN Military.Space | Faster acquisitions a ‘daunting task’ for DoD; Satellite comms: What does DoD want?
Air Force Gen. John Hyten has been insistent that U.S. military space programs need to “go faster” as adversaries continue to close in on the United States.
Air Force secretary raises space awareness inside Pentagon; Startups grab spotlight at satellite industry’s annual DC trade show
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson is using regular meetings with her Army and Navy counterparts to keep her colleagues up to date on space issues and on the emerging concept of “multi-domain” military operations that requires broader sharing of information.
Griffin rails at DoD procurement culture: ‘We make things expensive that don’t need to be’
Griffin: In the DoD space business there is a culture of “perfect mission assurance” that leads to overly complex and expensive systems.
Op-ed | As adversaries threaten U.S. space systems, serious changes are needed in defense procurement
Rigidity of the military requirements process means that systems cannot be changed easily after development begins, resulting in systems that are technologically obsolete by the time they reach production.
