Defense Acquisition Leaders Aim to Transform Accountability

On November 7, 2023, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared that “Acquisition is now a warfighting function,” marking a significant shift in the approach to defense procurement. This statement encapsulates a profound transformation that aims to redefine the role of acquisition professionals within the U.S. Department of Defense. For the first time in over five decades, the emphasis is on empowering acquisition teams to take ownership of their projects, rather than merely managing risks and avoiding blame.

The Pentagon’s top acquisition officials, including Gen. Dale R. White, Lt. Gen. Robert M. Collins, VADM Seiko Okano, and Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Purdy, assert that the focus on accountability is not about punishment but rather about liberation. They argue that traditional accountability methods have stifled innovation and driven talent away from the acquisition workforce. Instead of fulfilling predetermined requirements while facing bureaucratic obstacles, they propose a model that aligns responsibility with authority.

Redefining Accountability in Acquisition

Historically, accountability in defense acquisition has often equated to holding program managers responsible for outcomes over which they had limited control. The existing framework, governed by the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), has led to delays and cost overruns, with program managers facing pressures from multiple stakeholders. The new approach aims to change that.

The acquisition leaders stress that true accountability requires decision-making authority. “You can’t hold someone accountable for a race they’re not allowed to run,” they explain. By granting program managers greater authority and aligning their responsibilities with actual decision-making power, the Pentagon seeks to create an environment where talented individuals can thrive and innovate.

One key change involves the introduction of new Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs), who will not only be accountable for the outcomes of their programs but also empowered to achieve them. This new structure is designed to foster a sense of psychological ownership among acquisition professionals, enhancing their commitment to deliver results.

Emphasizing Speed Over Perfection

The Pentagon’s leadership recognizes that the existing system has prioritized avoiding acquisition risks, often at the expense of operational effectiveness. As Secretary Hegseth stated, “We will accept acquisition risk to reduce operational risk.” This paradigm shift means that the department is willing to field solutions that are 80 percent complete within two years instead of waiting for a perfect solution that may take a decade.

By prioritizing timely capability delivery, the U.S. Department of Defense aims to enhance its operational readiness in a rapidly evolving security landscape. This includes leveraging commercial off-the-shelf technologies and adapting equipment in operational environments to maintain agility and responsiveness.

The new acquisition framework also emphasizes collaboration between acquisition professionals and operational partners. By involving operators in the decision-making process, the Pentagon seeks to ensure that critical capabilities can be delivered on time, even if they are not perfect. This approach fosters shared ownership of decisions, enabling teams to act quickly and efficiently in times of need.

The leaders urge acquisition professionals to embrace this moment as an opportunity to redefine their roles. They acknowledge the high stakes involved but emphasize that the rewards of contributing to national security and military effectiveness are significant.

The transformation within defense acquisition is not merely about restructuring; it is about building a system where ownership translates into accountability, which in turn accelerates speed and effectiveness in military operations. As stated by the acquisition leaders, “We are warriors, and our nation is counting on us.” This call to arms is a pivotal moment for acquisition professionals, inviting them to step forward and deliver solutions that matter in the face of evolving threats.