The US Space Force is introducing some of the most far-reaching reforms in acquisition aimed at speeding the development and transition of advanced space systems based upon rapid prototyping and flexible timelines to sustain a strategic edge.
The United States Space Force is undergoing massive changes in its acquisition systems designed to fast-track the development of innovative and advanced spacecraft systems and fast-track their deployment. These efforts are aimed at improving the strategic advantage of the nation in space by stimulating creativity and removing the unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Emphasis on Rapid Prototyping
A major part of the reform strategy is rapid prototyping. Rapid prototyping allows acquisition programs to quickly develop field prototypes to test and improve on new technologies. In doing so, the weapon system developer can shorten the timeline for development and therefore accelerate the delivery of new capabilities to counter emerging threats.
Implementation of Space Acquisition Tenets
The Space Force established specific acquisition tenets to guide it with reform:
Go Smaller: Using existing technologies to minimize nonrecurring engineering efforts will shorten the development time.
Develop in Manageable Segments: As much as possible, ground and software-intensive systems should be delivered in smaller increments under steady development.
These tenets propel speed into acquisition, ensuring timely delivery of new capabilities.
Addressing Underperforming Programs
The Space Force closely supervises programs that are not performing and strives to achieve acquisition excellence. Even before delays and cost overruns occur, the Space Force will identify issues early on in development so as to prevent wasting resources on programs that do not perform as intended.
Aligning with Requirements from DOD
The reforms tie back to the overall DOD impetus to promote such reforms since they are being modeled after DOD initiatives. It is anticipated that the DOD will soon issue additional guidance in support of these rapid prototyping and other innovative acquisition strategies, all with the intention of making defense procurement more agile and responsive.
Conclusion
Through these comprehensive acquisition reforms, the U.S. Space Force is preparing to rapidly develop and deploy advanced space capabilities. By focusing on rapid prototyping, establishing relevant acquisition tenets, and strengthening program oversight, the service aims to preserve and expand its strategic advantage in an increasingly contested environment.
