DoD Launches Pilot Programs for Software Procurement; Ellen Lord Quoted

The Department of Defense (DoD) has made continued efforts to transform software procurement across the military,  FedScoop reported Thursday. Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment and four-time Wash100 Award recipient, has developed pilot programs to test the acquisition.

The “Color of Money” tests will analyze how contracting officers purchase software under its own “budget activity.” The BA-8 has been designed for an agile procurement process. Lord stated that DoD has support from Congress on authorizing the new budget activity.

Lord said her office will continue to finalize its policy and implementation of the innovation board’s recommendations. In Jan. 2020, Lord issued an interim policy memo on changes to software acquisition practices, and said the department is “on track” to replace the interim policy with final guidance that will create new pathways to buy code.

The policy will ensure that contracting officers are equipped with the best practices, including agile and DevSecOps. In addition, Lord stated that her office is working with the Defense Digital Service to expand the program to improve recruitment and retention of technical officials. 

Potomac Officers Club will host its 5G Summit on October 27, 2020. Click here to register for the event. Lord will serve as a keynote speaker at the summit. 

She will discuss emerging programs, priorities and challenges within the integration process of the new 5G framework. As emerging technologies continue to become an integral part of business and innovation, leaders across all divisions must stay ahead of the curve to tackle national and global issues. 

5G wireless technology is anticipated to unleash unprecedented levels of connectivity between millions of new internet of things devices and there are already a range of deployments making their way across the U.S. and in a few federal agencies. 

Join Potomac Officers Club for its 5G Summit on Oct. 27, 2020 to learn about the impact that innovative technologies and 5G integration have on the private and public sectors, the steps the federal agencies have taken to remain up to speed with the rapid advancement of technology, and the future programs, plans and priorities as the nation aligns with emerging technology.

Don’t miss out on this must see event! Click here to register for the 5G Summit on October 27th.