Recent Developments in U.S. Government Defense Acquisition Policy (June 2-7, 2025)

1. Executive Summary

The week of June 2-7, 2025, marked a period of significant activity in U.S. government defense acquisition policy, characterized by key leadership appointments, the launch of critical workforce development initiatives, and continued legislative focus on reform. While the Federal Register did not publish new Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) rules during this specific timeframe 1, the events of the week underscore a persistent strategic pivot towards commercial solutions, accelerated capability delivery, and enhanced oversight in defense procurement.

The developments observed this week are not isolated occurrences but rather represent a continuation and acceleration of the broader reform agenda initiated by recent Executive Orders (EOs). For instance, the confirmation of Michael Duffey as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the announcement of the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) Fellowship directly align with the objectives of Executive Orders (EOs) 14265 and 14271, which emphasize speed, commercial solutions, and streamlining in defense procurement.2 This alignment suggests that even in the absence of new regulatory text, the strategic direction and momentum of policy reform are robust and are being actively pursued through leadership appointments and strategic initiatives. Furthermore, the prominence of programs like the ICAP Fellowship highlights that policy changes are increasingly recognizing the human element—the acquisition workforce—as fundamental to successful implementation and innovation. This indicates a strategic understanding that simply issuing directives is insufficient; the workforce must be equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to effectively execute these new policies, thereby addressing a critical enabler for acquisition reform.

2. Key Policy Developments: June 2-7, 2025

This section outlines the key events and announcements that have shaped defense acquisition policy over the past week, providing essential context and initial analysis.

2.1. Confirmation of New Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S))

On June 2, 2025, the Senate confirmed Michael Duffey as the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.3 This appointment is a critical development, as the USD(A&S) serves as the Pentagon's top official responsible for weapons buying and sustainment. Duffey's confirmation is a significant policy event, as the individual holding this position will substantially shape the strategic direction and implementation of defense acquisition throughout the Department of Defense.

During his confirmation process, Duffey articulated several key priorities that provide a clear roadmap for the coming months and years. These priorities include a commitment to "rebuilding" the military, rapidly accelerating the delivery of capabilities, and "repatriating" supply chains to the U.S..3 He also emphasized the importance of modernizing and streamlining the defense acquisition system, which involves attracting more private capital investment and new entrants into the Pentagon's acquisition ecosystem to maximize competition, quality, and affordability within the defense industrial base.3 Additionally, Duffey committed to reviewing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC 2.0) initiative. His prior government experience includes serving as Associate Director of National Security Programs in the Office of Management and Budget and as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense.3

A comparison of Duffey's stated priorities with the objectives of recent Executive Orders reveals a strong thematic alignment. For instance, EO 14265 aims to "accelerate defense procurement" and "reform antiquated defense acquisition processes" with an emphasis on "speed, flexibility, and execution. ".2 Similarly, EO 14271 mandates agencies to "procure commercially available products and services to the maximum extent practicable".6 The congruence between Duffey's agenda and these executive directives indicates a unified, top-down push for comprehensive acquisition reform within the current administration. This suggests that Duffey's leadership will likely reinforce and drive forward the existing strategic direction for defense procurement.

2.2. Launch of FY26 Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) Fellowship

On June 3, 2025, the Defense Department announced the opening of applications for the fiscal year 2026 Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) Fellowship, with applications accepted through July 31, 2025.4 This 12-month program, a collaborative effort between the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), is designed to cultivate contracting professionals proficient in commercial acquisition.4

The ICAP Fellowship provides participants with hands-on experience in DIU's commercial solutions opening process and the use of Other Transaction (OT) authority, a flexible contracting mechanism that facilitates engagement with non-traditional defense companies.4 The program's design directly supports broader efforts to modernize defense acquisitions by emphasizing a preference for commercial solutions, thereby aiming to create a more agile, effective, and efficient procurement system.4

This initiative serves as a concrete example of how the Department of Defense is operationalizing its policy preference for commercial solutions, a mandate stemming from EO 14271.8. By investing in the human capital necessary to execute this shift, the DoD acknowledges that policy directives alone are insufficient; skilled personnel are required for effective implementation. The program's specific focus on OT authority and engaging non-traditional defense companies also indicates a strategic effort to broaden the defense industrial base and inject more innovation into defense procurement. This directly addresses a core objective of EO 14265, which seeks to spur innovation within the defense industrial base and promotes the use of OT authority to expedite acquisitions.2 The ICAP Fellowship thus represents a direct link between high-level policy goals and the practical means of fostering new capabilities through workforce development and engagement with diverse industry partners.

2.3. Upcoming Congressional Hearing on Accelerating Defense Innovation

On June 5, 2025, the House Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs announced an upcoming hearing titled “Clearing the Path: Reforming Procurement to Accelerate Defense Innovation,” scheduled for June 11, 2025.12 This hearing will critically examine how bureaucratic red tape impedes innovation within the defense industry and, consequently, impacts national security.12

The hearing’s stated objective is to explore avenues through which Congress can modernize government procurement and acquisition processes to foster innovation, strengthen national security, and enhance government transparency.12 Invited witnesses include representatives from key industry associations such as the Aerospace Industrial Association and the National Defense Industries Association, as well as the U.S. Government Accountability Office. 12

The timing of this congressional hearing, occurring shortly after significant executive branch policy pushes—including the aforementioned Executive Orders and the confirmation of new leadership—indicates a strong and potentially bipartisan consensus across government branches regarding the urgent need for defense acquisition reform. This parallel action by the legislative branch suggests a broad, systemic recognition of the challenges in defense acquisition and a shared commitment to finding practical solutions, which could lead to more robust and enduring reforms. Furthermore, the hearing signifies continued legislative scrutiny of defense acquisition processes. This external pressure from Congress will likely reinforce the Department of Defense's internal efforts to streamline and accelerate procurement, ensuring accountability for reform initiatives and maintaining a sustained focus on the issue.

2.4. DFARS Update (Effective January 17, 2025, Listed this Week)

Acquisition.GOV, an official source for U.S. defense acquisition policy, lists a "DFARS Change 01/17/2025" with an effective date of January 17, 2025.14 While the substantive change itself predates the current week, its continued presence or highlighting on the "new updates" section of an official site this week suggests ongoing efforts to disseminate or draw attention to recent regulatory adjustments. It is important to note that the Federal Register index for the Defense Acquisition Regulations System confirms no new publications between June 2 and June 5, 2025, indicating that this is a listing or dissemination event rather than a new rule publication within the specified week.1

The provided information does not offer granular details on the specific content of this January 17, 2025, DFARS change, beyond general categories such as "Definition of Material Weakness," "Technical Amendments," and "Update of Challenge Period for Validation of Asserted Restrictions on Technical Data and Computer Software".1 Nevertheless, the continued emphasis on DFARS updates underscores the ongoing regulatory adjustments that underpin broader policy shifts within defense acquisition.

The fact that a DFARS change from January is still being highlighted in June, while executive orders are pushing for rapid reform, points to an inherent lag in formal regulatory processes, such as those governing the FAR and DFARS, compared to the agility of executive directives and leadership appointments. This highlights a persistent challenge in implementing rapid and comprehensive change across the defense acquisition system. This tension between the speed at which executive policy can be articulated and the slower pace of formal regulatory updates represents a key dynamic in the current landscape of acquisition reform.

Table 1: Overview of Key Defense Acquisition Policy Developments (June 2-7, 2025)

Date of Event/Announcement	Event/Policy Title	Key Details/Significance	Relevant Source(s)
June 2, 2025	Confirmation of Michael Duffey as USD(A&S)	Senate confirmed the Pentagon's top weapons buyer. Duffey's priorities include accelerating capability delivery, streamlining acquisition, and reviewing CMMC 2.0.	3
June 3, 2025	Launch of FY26 Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) Fellowship	Applications opened for a 12-month program training contracting professionals in commercial acquisition and Other Transaction (OT) authority.	4
June 5, 2025	Announcement of Congressional Hearing on Accelerating Defense Innovation	House Oversight Committee announced a hearing for June 11, 2025, to examine bureaucratic red tape hindering defense innovation.	12
Ongoing (Effective Jan 17, 2025)	DFARS Change 01/17/2025	A DFARS update, effective January 17, 2025, was listed this week. Content includes technical amendments and updates on data restrictions.	1

3. Contextualizing Recent Policy: Implementation of Executive Orders

The recent developments this week are best understood within the broader context of foundational Executive Orders that are actively shaping U.S. defense acquisition policy. These EOs provide the overarching framework for the strategic shifts currently underway.

3.1. Executive Order 14271: Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts

Executive Order 14271, titled "Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts," was issued by the President on April 15, 2025.6 Its implementation guidance was formally signed on May 27, 2025, by John M. Tenaglia, Principal Director for Defense Policy, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy.8 This Executive Order mandates that federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, "procure commercially available products and services... to the maximum extent practicable," aligning with the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (FASA).9

The implementation guidance for EO 14271 details a comprehensive, two-pronged approach to achieving this mandate:

●      Section 4: Review of Pending Actions: By June 15, 2025, contracting officers are required to review all pending Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) actions. This encompasses all open agency solicitations, pre-solicitation notices, solicitation notices, award notices, and sole source notices for prime contract awards involving non-commercial products or services valued at or above the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). This review, however, does not apply to contracts that have already been awarded. For each relevant notice, contracting officers must consolidate or create an application requesting approval to proceed with a non-commercial procurement. These applications must include a detailed description of the procurement, comprehensive market research, price analysis used to determine the availability of commercial products and services, and, crucially, a justification for pursuing a non-commercial solution.9

●      Section 5: Oversight of Non-Commercial Procurements: Going forward, Program Managers and requirement owners, in collaboration with contracting officers, must submit Requests for Approval (RFAs) for non-commercial procurements before releasing solicitations valued at or above the SAT. The Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) or their delegated authority, which can be no lower than a General Officer, Flag Officer, or a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), serves as the "approval authority" for these requests.9 RFAs can be developed on an individual or class basis and must include detailed market research and a justification for the non-commercial approach. The approval authority is mandated to act on these RFAs within 30 days of receipt. Furthermore, DoD SPEs are required to submit agency reports to the Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy (DPCAP) by July 25, 2025, and annually thereafter, to support the Department’s consolidated response to the EO.9

This Executive Order and its accompanying guidance fundamentally shift the burden of proof in defense acquisition. Instead of primarily justifying the use of commercial solutions, the emphasis is now on rigorously justifying non-commercial procurements. This change will compel a more stringent and documented market research process, pushing program managers and contracting officers to actively seek commercial solutions as a first preference rather than defaulting to unique government specifications. The mandate for SPE-level approval, or a high-level delegation, for non-commercial procurements, coupled with explicit reporting requirements, signifies a move towards more centralized control and heightened accountability for the implementation of commercial solutions. This measure aims to prevent circumvention of the commercial preference at lower levels and ensures transparency in tracking the effectiveness of this policy.

Table 2: Key Provisions of Executive Order 14271 Implementation Guidance

Guidance Section	Key Requirement/Provision	Action/Deadline	Approval Authority/Responsible Party	Relevant Source(s)
Section 4: Review of Pending Actions	Review all pending FAR actions (solicitations, notices for prime non-commercial contracts ≥ SAT).	By June 15, 2025	Contracting Officers (submit applications to Approval Authority)	9
Section 4: Review of Pending Actions	Submit applications for approval to proceed with non-commercial procurements, including market research, price analysis, and justification.	By June 15, 2025	Contracting Officers (submit applications to Approval Authority)	9
Section 5: Oversight of Non-Commercial Procurements	Submit Request for Approval (RFA) for non-commercial procurements under FAR-based prime contracts.	Before releasing solicitations ≥ SAT	Program Managers & Requirement Owners (in collaboration with Contracting Officers)	9
Section 5: Oversight of Non-Commercial Procurements	Establish internal review and approval process for all non-commercial procurements.	Ongoing	Agencies (Approval Authority: SPE or delegated GO/FO/SES)	9
Section 5: Oversight of Non-Commercial Procurements	Approval Authority to assess RFA sufficiency and provide recommendations.	Within 30 days of RFA receipt	Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) or delegated authority	9
Section 5: Oversight of Non-Commercial Procurements	Submit agency report on non-commercial procurements to DPCAP.	By July 25, 2025, and annually thereafter	DoD Senior Procurement Executives (SPEs)	9

3.2. Executive Order 14265: Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base

Executive Order 14265, "Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base," was signed by President Trump on April 15, 2025.2 This EO is a foundational document aimed at accelerating defense procurement and revitalizing the defense industrial base, with a pronounced emphasis on speed, flexibility, and execution in acquisition processes.2

Key provisions of this Executive Order include:

●      A directive for the Secretary of Defense to submit a plan within 60 days of the order's date to reform the Department of Defense's acquisition processes. This plan is to incorporate, to the maximum extent possible, a first preference for commercial solutions and a general preference for Other Transactions Authority.2

●      An instruction for the Secretary of Defense to oversee a review of relevant DoD instructions, implementation guides, manuals, and regulations related to acquisition. The goal of this review is to promote expedited and streamlined acquisitions. Notably, where new supplemental regulations or internal guidance are proposed, the EO mandates the application of a "ten-for-one rule," requiring the removal of ten existing regulations for each new one introduced.2

●      A requirement to restructure performance evaluation metrics for acquisition workforce members. These new metrics are intended to include the ability to demonstrate and apply a first consideration of commercial solutions, adaptive acquisition pathways through the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, and iterative requirements based on user perspective.2

●      A provision for considering potential cancellation for any program more than 15 percent behind schedule or over cost based on its current Acquisition Program Baseline (APB), or if it is unable to meet key performance parameters or is unaligned with the Secretary of Defense's mission priorities.2

●      Formal definitions for key terms such as "Adaptive Acquisition Framework" and "innovative acquisition authorities," which include Other Transactions Authority, commercial solutions, and Rapid Capabilities Office policies.2

●      This Executive Order is also closely linked to the broader "Revolutionary FAR Overhaul" initiative, which seeks to reduce the FAR to only those provisions required by statute or necessary for simplicity, usability, efficacy, or national security.6

EO 14265 represents a holistic reform mandate, extending beyond mere procurement methods to encompass policy, workforce incentives, and program management. This comprehensive approach indicates a recognition that acquisition reform requires a multi-faceted strategy to address systemic challenges. The inclusion of the "ten-for-one rule" for new regulations highlights a strong deregulatory impulse, aiming to reduce bureaucratic overhead and accelerate processes. This policy directly targets the reduction of regulatory burden, which is intended to result in faster acquisition cycles and greater agility.

3.3. DoD Directive 5134.20E: Missile Defense System Acquisition Policy

DoD Directive 5134.20E, titled "Missile Defense System Acquisition Policy," became effective on April 25, 2025.16 This directive establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures specifically for the acquisition of missile defense system (MDS) elements by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA).16

Approved by the Secretary of Defense, this directive holds particular significance as it designates the Director, MDA, as the DoD Executive Agent for Hypersonic Defense.16 The directive outlines general acquisition procedures, detailing the technology development, product development, and production phases, as well as specific requirements for testing and requirements generation within the context of MDS acquisition.16

The designation of MDA as the DoD Executive Agent for Hypersonic Defense within this directive underscores the critical national security priority assigned to this specific domain. This indicates a strategic intent to establish a streamlined and dedicated acquisition pathway for these crucial capabilities, reflecting the urgency and importance of hypersonic defense. The existence of a specific directive for Missile Defense System acquisition further underscores the Department of Defense's (DoD) willingness to create tailored acquisition policies for highly critical and complex programs, rather than relying solely on a one-size-fits-all approach. This complements the broader Adaptive Acquisition Framework, providing specialized guidance where unique program characteristics or national security imperatives require it.2

4. Broader Trends and Strategic Implications

The recent policy developments, including those observed this week, align with several overarching trends that are reshaping the U.S. defense acquisition landscape. These trends carry significant strategic implications for both government and industry stakeholders.

4.1. Persistent Emphasis on Commercial Solutions and Innovation

A consistent and powerful theme across recent policies is the strong preference for commercial solutions and a drive for innovation. Executive Orders 14271 and 14265 explicitly prioritize leveraging commercial products and services to the maximum extent practicable.2 The launch of the ICAP Fellowship directly supports this by training the acquisition workforce in commercial procurement methods.4 Furthermore, the stated priorities of the new USD(A&S), Michael Duffey, include attracting more private capital and new entrants into the defense industrial base.3 The ongoing "Revolutionary FAR Overhaul" also aims to simplify regulations to enhance usability and strengthen the procurement system.6

This consistent messaging, along with the concrete actions taken across executive orders, leadership appointments, and workforce development programs, confirms a deep-seated commitment to leveraging commercial technologies and practices. This strategic shift is driven by a desire to achieve greater speed in capability delivery, enhance cost-effectiveness, and gain access to cutting-edge innovations that may not traditionally originate within the defense industrial base. The emphasis on Other Transaction Authority (OTA) serves as a key mechanism to facilitate this engagement with non-traditional defense contractors and commercial entities.2

This strong preference for commercial solutions signifies a move towards a more market-driven acquisition approach. The Department of Defense is increasingly seeking to adapt readily available commercial products rather than demanding bespoke military-unique solutions unless necessary. This has profound implications for defense contractors, who must adjust their business models to offer commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) or easily adaptable commercial products and services. Moreover, the promotion of "innovative acquisition authorities" like OTA, along with the explicit shift from "avoiding risk" to "actively managing risk," within the core operating principles of the defense acquisition system, suggests a cultural evolution toward greater experimentation and agility in procurement.2 This implies a willingness to accept a higher degree of programmatic risk in exchange for speed and access to cutting-edge innovation.

4.2. Continued Focus on Acquisition Workforce Development

The sustained focus on developing the acquisition workforce is another prominent trend. The launch of the ICAP Fellowship exemplifies this commitment, aiming to create a cadre of professionals proficient in commercial acquisition.4Broader directives, such as DoD Instruction 5000.66, outline the comprehensive Defense Acquisition Workforce Education, Training, Experience, and Career Development Program.19 The new USD(A&S), Michael Duffey, also lists acquisition workforce development among his key priorities.3

Beyond specific initiatives, the Department of Defense recognizes that successful acquisition reform fundamentally hinges on a skilled and adaptable workforce. Training programs, revised performance metrics designed to incentivize new approaches 2, and continuous learning opportunities are considered crucial for empowering acquisition professionals to navigate new acquisition pathways and implement policy changes effectively.

This consistent investment in workforce development signals that the DoD views its acquisition professionals not merely as administrators but as strategic enablers of national security objectives. The Department understands that policy changes are only as effective as the people implementing them. By developing a workforce proficient in commercial solutions and agile methods, the Department of Defense is directly addressing the imperative to "deliver performance at the speed of relevance," a core principle articulated in DoD Directive 5000.01.18 This connection suggests that human capital development is viewed as a direct lever to overcome bureaucratic inertia and accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to warfighters.

4.3. Streamlining Processes and Reducing Bureaucracy

An overarching goal of recent defense acquisition policies is to streamline processes and accelerate the delivery of capabilities. Executive Order 14265 explicitly aims to "reform antiquated defense acquisition processes with an emphasis on speed, flexibility, and execution" and to "eliminate unnecessary tasks, reduce duplicative approvals, and centralize decision-making".2 The "ten-for-one rule" for new regulations, coupled with the "Revolutionary FAR Overhaul," further reinforces this commitment to reducing regulatory burden.2 The upcoming congressional hearing on accelerating defense innovation also highlights that streamlining processes remains a key area of concern for external stakeholders.12

This determined drive to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy implies a significant cultural shift within the Department of Defense. It signals a move away from a compliance-heavy mindset towards one that prioritizes efficient outcomes. Phrases such as "eliminate unnecessary tasks" and "reduce duplicative approvals" are not just about procedural adjustments; they are about fundamentally changing how individuals within the acquisition system work and make decisions, potentially challenging long-standing bureaucratic norms.

The emphasis on streamlining and reducing approvals, combined with revised performance metrics that incentivize adaptive acquisition pathways 2, could lead to greater empowerment of program managers. This aligns with recommendations from the Section 809 Panel, which advocated for empowering program managers.18 If program managers are granted more authority and face fewer bureaucratic hurdles, they can act more quickly and decisively, which is a key desired outcome of the current reform efforts.

Table 3: Overarching Themes in Recent Defense Acquisition Policy

Theme	Description/Strategic Goal	Supporting Policy/Initiatives	Key Implications
Commercial Solutions Preference	Leverage commercial technologies and practices for speed, cost-effectiveness, and access to innovation.	EO 14271 6, EO 14265 2, ICAP Fellowship 4, USD(A&S) Priorities.3	Shift to market-driven acquisition; defense contractors must pivot to commercial-first models.
Speed & Agility	Accelerate capability delivery and reform antiquated processes with emphasis on flexibility and execution.	EO 14265 2, USD(A&S) Priorities 3, Adaptive Acquisition Framework.2	Cultural shift towards risk-taking and experimentation; iterative development becomes standard.
Workforce Development	Cultivate a skilled, adaptable acquisition workforce capable of navigating new pathways and implementing policy changes.	ICAP Fellowship 4, DoDI 5000.66 19, USD(A&S) Priorities.3	Human capital viewed as a strategic enabler; directly addresses the "speed of relevance" challenge.
Streamlining & Deregulation	Reduce bureaucratic overhead, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and simplify regulatory frameworks.	EO 14265 ("ten-for-one rule") 2, "Revolutionary FAR Overhaul" 6, Congressional Hearing.12	Push for a cultural shift towards efficiency; potential for increased program manager empowerment.

5. Conclusion

The week of June 2-7, 2025, although not marked by the publication of new significant regulatory documents in the Federal Register, clearly demonstrates the ongoing momentum of U.S. defense acquisition reform. The confirmation of Michael Duffey as Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, along with his stated priorities, and the launch of the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) Fellowship, underscore a continuous commitment to accelerating capability delivery, prioritizing commercial solutions, and strategically investing in the acquisition workforce. The upcoming congressional hearing further reinforces the bipartisan urgency surrounding these reforms, indicating a broad consensus across government branches on the necessity for change.12

The confluence of recent Executive Orders, leadership appointments, and workforce initiatives suggests that "speed, flexibility, and execution" are rapidly becoming the prevailing approach for defense acquisition, moving away from traditional, linear, and often protracted processes.2 This represents a fundamental reorientation in the philosophy of defense procurement. The success of this comprehensive defense acquisition reform is highly dependent on the interconnectedness of its various pillars: clear policy directives, strong leadership vision, a capable workforce, and robust legislative oversight. For example, a well-articulated policy favoring commercial solutions will not achieve its full potential without an acquisition workforce trained and empowered to identify and procure such solutions effectively.

The current policy landscape indicates a continued, aggressive push towards agility, innovation, and efficiency in defense procurement. Looking ahead, stakeholders can anticipate further emphasis on:

●      Commercial Integration: Expect more refined guidance and more substantial incentives for leveraging commercial technologies and practices across all acquisition pathways.

●      Workforce Transformation: Ongoing efforts will focus on training and fostering cultural shifts within the acquisition community to adopt new methods, enhance risk management, and adopt adaptive approaches.

●      Data-Driven Decisions: There will likely be a greater reliance on data transparency and advanced analytics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to guide acquisition choices and enhance program performance.18

●      Performance-Based Accountability: Ongoing examination of program performance is likely to result in stricter accountability measures and the possibility of canceling projects that consistently underperform against established baselines.2

●      Legislative Engagement: Congressional oversight will remain active, potentially leading to additional legislative actions aimed at codifying or further supporting the ongoing reforms.

These developments indicate a dynamic and transformative period for defense contractors and the broader defense industrial base. Achieving success in this evolving environment will require adaptability, a solid understanding of commercial market dynamics, and a proactive approach to engaging with the Department of Defense's increasingly agile and outcomes-focused acquisition ecosystem.

Works cited

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