In a bold move to strengthen national security, the President of the United States has issued a new executive order aimed at revitalizing the country’s defense acquisition processes. This landmark directive outlines a comprehensive plan to enhance the speed and efficiency of military procurement, ensuring that the United States military maintains its position as a global leader in defense capabilities.
The executive order articulates the President’s commitment as Chief Executive and Commander in Chief to ensure that the U.S. military possesses the most lethal warfighting capabilities in the world. The defense industrial base, a key component of this effort, alongside the defense acquisition workforce, is highlighted as a national strategic asset crucial for success.
Recognizing years of misplaced priorities and poor management within the defense acquisition system, the President noted that the current framework fails to provide the speed and flexibility necessary for decisive military advantages. To address these deficiencies, the new policy aims to accelerate defense procurement and revitalize the defense industrial base to uphold peace through strength.
To facilitate this objective, the executive order mandates immediate reforms within the Department of Defense’s acquisition processes. These reforms will emphasize rapid execution and adaptivity, with a specific focus on utilizing existing authorities to expedite acquisitions.
Within 60 days of the order, the Secretary of Defense is tasked with submitting a plan that prioritizes commercial solutions and encourages the use of Other Transactions Authority to streamline processes. The order stresses the importance of using these pathways consistently for all Department of Defense contracting actions.
Additionally, a detailed review will focus on functional support roles within the acquisition workforce, aiming to eliminate unnecessary tasks and reduce duplicative approvals. This comprehensive review is not limited to program managers but will also evaluate contracting officers, engineering authorities, financial managers, cost estimators, and logisticians.
Another significant component of the executive order is the establishment of a Configuration Steering Board. This board, comprised of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Service Acquisition Executives, and Component Acquisition Executives, will be instrumental in managing risk across all acquisition programs.
At the core of this reform initiative is the aspiration to modernize the duties and composition of the defense acquisition workforce. The Secretary of Defense is instructed to develop a plan within 120 days to reform and train the acquisition workforce, which includes a restructuring of performance evaluation metrics to promote innovative approaches and a first consideration of commercial solutions.
In addition, the Secretary will analyze acquisition workforce staff levels necessary for effective development, delivery, and sustainment of warfighting capabilities. The plan will establish field training teams led by seasoned acquisition executives to provide hands-on guidance and resources, facilitating the implementation of innovative acquisition authorities.
Moreover, the executive order outlines specific directives regarding major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs). Within 90 days, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with other military leaders, must conduct a sweeping review of all MDAPs to ensure alignment with the President’s policy goals.
Programs that fall significantly behind schedule, exceed budget, fail to meet performance parameters, or are misaligned with mission priorities will face potential cancellation. This proactive approach aims to ensure resources are allocated efficiently and effectively, focusing on programs that advance the nation’s defense capabilities.
Furthermore, the Secretary of Defense is directed to compile a list of all MDAP contracts alongside their performance metrics for review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This comprehensive assessment is expected to lead to further scrutiny of all remaining major systems not classified as MDAPs.
The executive order also emphasizes the importance of streamlining and accelerating the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System. A thorough review of this system is to be completed within 180 days, with the goal of enhancing the acquisition process.
As part of these reforms, the executive order defines key terms related to the new acquisition framework, including the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, which seeks to deliver timely and suitable solutions to military personnel. The order also outlines what constitutes commercial solutions and innovative acquisition authorities.
This executive order is poised to significantly impact how the Department of Defense conducts its procurement activities, reshaping the defense industrial base and the acquisition workforce. With a clear emphasis on speed, flexibility, and innovation, the President’s directive is a watershed moment in American defense strategy, seeking to restore an edge that has been compromised in recent years.
In summary, this executive order signifies a renewed commitment to enhancing national security through a robust and efficient defense acquisition process. By prioritizing innovation and responsiveness, the U.S. military aims to navigate the complexities of modern warfare with unmatched agility and capability.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/modernizing-defense-acquisitions-and-spurring-innovation-in-the-defense-industrial-base/
