Read the most recent CSIS research on Department of Defense acquisition policy and contracting trends.
Congress wants to end U.S. military’s dependence on a Russian-made rocket engine. But, what’s the rush? Before hastily cutting off the engines we need, Congress should ensure there is a viable alternative available.
The Packard Commission reform transformed the acquisition side of the Department of Defense. However, it also decapitated the innovation ecosystem. If we are to restore the culture of innovation the Packard Commission will need be addressed.
At current budgetary levels modernization is a third priority behind rebuilding readiness and maintaining force structure. Additionally, any increase in budget will be unlikely to help resolve this challenge. This report reviews the army modernization challenge.
Despite worries that early-stage “seed corn” R&D would be disproportionally targeted for cuts, CSIS found that the “seed corn” R&D was relatively preserved in the FY 2015 Department of Defense contract data. Additionally, this report analyzes the data to identify other key findings.
Questions and answers about a stand-alone acquisition reform bill released by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry.
This inaugural report in the Defense Outlook Series looks back at what happened in 2015, specifically with respect to strategy and the security environment, the debate in Congress over the defense budget and force structure, and changes in the acquisition system, and looks ahead to what these developments may mean in 2016 and beyond.
This report details the plans for major acquisition programs over the next fifteen years and explores the complicating factors that may make the situation more problematic for policymakers. It analyzes a range of options to mitigate the bow wave, including increasing the budget, cutting additional force structure, and making trades among major acquisition programs.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current and future outlook for defense acquisition by combining detailed policy and data analysis.