GAO on DOD Acquisitions: Contracting for Better Outcomes

In its September 2006 review of the state of US Defense Department contracting, the US Government Accountability Office wites:

“In the last 5 years DOD has doubled its commitment to major weapon systems from $700 billion to $1.4 trillion, and DOD is counting on these efforts to fundamentally transform military operations… While the amount, nature, and complexity of DOD contract activity have increased, its acquisition workforce has remained relatively unchanged in size. At the same time, the acquisition workforce faces certain skills gaps and serious succession planning challenges. There are a number of DOD practices which undermine its ability to establish sound business arrangements…”

The contracting environment is changing, and DoD will need to change with it. Read the report here [Report page | TXT | PDF format]

Transcript: Brig-Gen. Ham on the Stryker in Iraq

M1126 ICV & Squad, Iraq

The M1126 Stryker armored personnel carrier‘s performance in Iraq came as a surprise to a number of individuals – including their commanders in some instances.

What follows is a transcript from the US Army’s recent “Warrior’s Corner” series (Oct 3/06). The presentation by Brigadier General Carter Ham, available in synchronized audio and Power Point, is titled “Stryker: Meeting the Challenge in Iraq.” Brig.-Gen. Ham served with two of the Stryker Brigades, both at Fort Lewis, WA in 2003 and in Iraq during 2004. His views would appear to mesh with the Army’s official position, but they are very definitely his own as well.