DoD Software Acquisition - A New Approach

U.S. National Security increasingly relies on software to execute missions, integrate and collaborate with allies, and manage the defense enterprise. However, fielding new software-based capabilities takes too long, is too expensive, and exposes warfighters to unacceptable risk by delaying their access to tools they need to ensure mission success.  The current approach to software development is based on traditional acquisition norms and has become a source of risk to the DoD.  The ability to develop, procure, assure, deploy, and continuously improve software is a process that will fundamentally change DoD acquisition. The National Defense Strategy acknowledges the DoD’s ability to adapt and respond to quickly changing threats is now determined by its ability to develop and deploy software to the field rapidly.

The purpose of this workshop is to explore with visionary leaders how software acquisition must change, examine critical issues such as workforce abilities, and hear from DoD leaders about how they are acquiring software differently.