DoD Information Technology Acquisition: Delivering Information Technology Capabilities Expeditiously

Maintaining an information advantage for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its military departments is critical to national defense objectives and the acquisition of new information technology (IT) is key. The DoD seeks to quickly acquire IT systems that meet requirements and are within budget; however, this goal has been very difficult to achieve given the cumbersome and deliberate process through which IT systems have been acquired. Essentially, the DoDs acquisition process cannot keep pace with the rapid development of IT systems that occurs in the commercial sector. For years, the DoD has relied on a common approach in acquiring different systems and services. This approach has been laced with inefficiencies and inadequacies that have resulted in prolonged schedules as well as increased cost. Currently, the DoD is implementing a new IT acquisition process; however, this new process does not resolve all the issues that have plagued IT acquisition. This study will identify the causes or impeding factors that have prevented the DoD from acquiring new IT systems in a timely manner and will recommend alternative solutions to solving the problems. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to the DoDs efforts to resolve the issues that continue to undermine timely IT acquisition.