Building on the Center report, Acquisition Next: A Playbook to Break the Industrial Age Paradigm, this conversation examines successful contracting methods for software-intensive programs.
The U.S. Army’s first contract with the Wright Brothers in 1907 for an aircraft purchase was a scant two pages. Fast forward to 1955, the Navy’s F-4 Phantom II development specification fit on two pages. Just a few years later, the Air Force’s TFX aircraft contract required 250 pages, and in 1965 the C-5A transport aircraft came in at 1,500 pages. Long lists of specifications and contract data requirements have slowed down defense business practices. It conflicts with modern software development and can drive away the firms government needs most. How can contracting support the software development methods proven to work in the commercial sector?
- Can defense contracting align with agile/devops principles?
- When is modular contracting the right strategy, and how is accountability assured?
- What is the minimum necessary rights for DoD to avoid vendor lock?
- How can consumption-based solutions help expand the “as a service” model?
- What is possible today to make defense contracting recognizable to nontraditional firms?
Background Information
- Acquisition Next: A Playbook to Break the Industrial Age Paradigm
- Videorecording of March 2 Companion Acquisition Next Webinar: Opening Programs Up to Modularity and Iteration