Defense issues acquisition marching orders

The Pentagon unveiled new rules Tuesday aimed at ending years of massive cost overruns.

By Suzanne Kubota
Senior Internet Editor
FederalNewsRadio.com

The Pentagon plans to announce new acquisition and procurement guidelines today for how it buys things as part of a drive to cut $100 billion over the next five years from back end operations so that money can be spent on fighting wars.

Reuters reports the guidelines “will include a renewed focus on competition, moves to include suppliers outside the defense industry, simpler paperwork requirements, quicker work on programs, and efforts to discourage frivolous contract protests, according to one source briefed on the measures.”

A DoD official tells Defense News the goal is to increase buying power while ensuring a financially healthy industrial base.

The guidelines come after months of internal discussion and more than 500 recommendations from members of the acquisition community, industry, academia and Congress.

According to The Hill, companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing Co. “have all backed the effort and applauded Pentagon officials for reaching out to the industry for input.”

The changes are seen by many as a pre-emptive strike to avert cuts as the Senate gears up for action on next year’s defense authorization bill. Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to bring the bill up for debate on the Senate floor next week.

According to Reuters, Congress is “putting up a huge fight over big program changes given lawmakers’ need to protect high-paying aerospace jobs in the current difficult economy.”

The guidelines will be released at a 2 p.m. news conference. Stay tuned for updates throughout the day from the DorobekInsider and FederalNewsRadio.com.

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