Booz Allen’s Joe Shepherd: DoD’s Acquisition Approach Should Encourage Rapid Tech Delivery

Joe Shepherd, a vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, has said that the Department of Defense’s current acquisition methods tend to slow down the delivery of advanced technologies like directed energy weapons to warfighters.

In a guest piece published Wednesday on National Defense Magazine, Shepherd wrote that the acquisition plans developed too long before the expected execution date will inhibit contractors from introducing new technologies that could improve operations during the interval period.

He recommended that DoD establish a single roadmap that aligns military needs with industry-led research and development initiatives as well as ensure that the directed-energy capabilities developed in national laboratories are operational prototypes that can be used in the field.

He also suggested that the Pentagon continue efforts to accelerate acquisition and delivery such as the Rapid Innovation Fund program and other transaction authorities.

“The current approach prevents the brightest ideas and best technical solutions from reaching our warfighters in a timely manner,” said Shepherd. “However, with some adjustments to the process, the department and industry can work together to speed the development, access, and results of advanced technologies, ensuring that those millions of dollars invested in directed energy and evolving technology achieve their full potential.”