Acquisition transformation - AT

TIG Brief: The Inspector General, July-August, 2003

The team assessed ...

... the ability of the Air Force to implement new acquisition policies, initiatives and processes. The review focused on concepts outlined in SAF/AQ's June 4, 2002, policy memo, Reality-based Acquisition System Policy for all Programs. Data was collected through interviews with over 351 personnel, including 56 general officers and members of the senior executive service, and eight defense industry corporate vice presidents. To identify impediments to implementing acquisition transformation, the Eagle Look team interviewed personnel in Air Force organizations involved in all aspects of the acquisition process, both space and nonspace, including HAF, HQACC, HQ AFMC, HQ AFSOC, HQ AFSPC, HQ AMC, AFC2ISRC, AFOTEC, and all AFMC/AFSPC product and logistics centers. The team also conducted interviews with DoD acquisition organizations to get a broader perspective.

The team found ...

... that without significant work to address cultural barriers, infrastructure weaknesses and resource limitations, the Air Force is not currently on a path to successfully transform acquisition. Specific impediments hampering the Air Force's ability to transform included:

- no apparent baseline, metrics or a clearly defined end state with which to manage the transformation;

- insufficient workforce familiarity with transformation concepts;

- workforce attitudes, perceptions and expectations--most notably widespread cynicism regarding another effort to "fix" the acquisition system; and

- lack of appropriate workforce training and experience to implement some transformation concepts.

Look forward to ...

... establishment of change management criteria for the transformation.

... clear communication by senior leadership of the transformation rationale, their support of the acquisition workforce and their expectations of all personnel involved.

... improvement in the availability, training and experience of personnel.

... leadership attention to specific cultural, infrastructure and resource impediments.

Want to know more? Contact the team chief, Lt. Col. Dave Buckman, DSN 246-1740, david.buckman@kirtland.af.mil.