[War] US: "Taming the Procurement Beast"

[John Penta]

"Taming the Procurement Beast"
11 March 2014
Pres. John Williams
USA
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Procurement had always been one of John Williams's pet issues during
his legislative (and now executive) service.

Well, okay. Maybe that was the wrong phrase.

Some called it a passion. Some, an obsession. Some called it the
wonkiest focus of a President in years.

He had to agree with the last; it was rather wonky.

But even his critics generally acknowledged honorable motives. He did
try to make the system better.

Sometimes it just...didn't survive first contact.

But it was a credit to...persistence? Insanity? Whatever...Fact was,
it was an unending project.

It was how government spent a large chunk of taxpayer dollars; buying
stuff, designing stuff, building stuff.

Thus the following memo, from the POTUS to all acquisition authorities
in the DOD, since they were the worst offenders.
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Subject: Some guidelines on the procurement process (Or "Taming the beast")

We've done a lot to reform the procurement system of the DOD, but not
enough. Namely, there seems to be a chronic inability on the part of
procurement authorities to make up their mind.

So I'm going to force the issue.

Effective now, this is how DOD will handle requirements.

One: By the start of SDD, you will have definitive requirements set.
The system to exit SDD must meet those requirements. Milestone review
authorities get one shot, -one- shot, to modify requirements during
SDD without the approval of the Defense Acquisition Board, which will
rarely be granted. Yeah, unless you want to get slow-roasted, *decide
what you want*.

Two: No more than three Engineering Change Orders per project without
DOD approval. NAVSHIPS, this includes you. We noticed.

Three: Requirements should be no more specific than absolutely
required. Ship construction and other major projects are horrible
here, and should be wary of the habit. Don't specify the bolts to use,
specify what the system the bolts hold in should do.

Four: Design to the *current* SOTA. Just allow for line replacement as
the SOTA advances.

Five: Tell the truth. It shouldn't have to be mentioned, but the
constant overoptimism and promising more than can be delivered is
infuriating. People will lose their jobs if this keeps up. If Congress
doesn't like reality, take a stand: They have to accept reality.

There will be Presidential support for that...But not for the usual lies.

Any questions, ask.
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Such was how reform happened. Slow, gentle nudges mixed with hard smacks.
---
Actions:
1. New regime at DOD, yup. To encourage the rest of government.
2. Rule 1: Make Up Your Goddamn Mind. Seriously.
3. Rule 2: See rule 1.
4. Rule 3: Quit overspecifying.
5. Rule 4: You do not have the money to drive SOTA anymore. Build to
current SOTA, leave room to upgrade.
6. Rule 5: Tell the truth, even when it hurts. Or go home.