The Connectivity Opportunity and Multi-Mission Similitude: the TTNT Example

11/08/2009
With a significant shortfall in spending for new power projection platforms, the U.S. faces a core challenge of how to most effectively build forces for the years ahead. At the heart of this opportunity will be to shape joint con-ops for the US Air Force and Navy and to ensure…

Is the MRAP Acquisition a Model for Acquisition, Rapid or Otherwise?

11/08/2009
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were rapidly acquired based upon an undeniable urgent operational requirement.  In short, the rapid fielding of MRAPs was an absolute necessity.  The use of improvised explosive devices in Iraq and beyond had become a clear threat after several years in the Iraqi theater.  And,…

Speaking from Experience: Ken Miller’s Column

11/03/2009
I have had a broad experience base in Acquisition:  from working as a junior engineer on a few Programs to Deputy PEO for Naval TACAIR Aviation, on to a series of positions in the departments of the navy and the air force in the Acquisition, Strategy/programming and Requirements/Policy sectors. A…

Lessons Learned from the B-2 Acquisition Process

11/03/2009
Robert Dudney,  Editor in Chief of Air Force Magazine,  comments on the “Real B-2 Acquisition Mistakes” and the lessons one should apply when thinking about the acquisition of the next-generation bomber. *** In the B-2 program, one can find lots of mistakes not to repeat, but they aren’t as Robert Gates…

Richard McCormack on the Current State Of U.S. Research

11/01/2009
The State Of U.S. Research: Fund Only Old Ideas It has gotten more difficult for university researchers to conduct high-risk research in the United States. Few programs exist for research into "transformational" science and technology, according to witnesses at a recent hearing on the subject held by the House Science…

Richard Aboulafia on Italian Aerospace and Defense

11/01/2009
In his recent monthly Teal newsletter, Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group provided an insightful overview on the state of play of Italian aerospace and defense.  The global business is in a serious period of re-structuring and redesign.  The Russians, the Brazilians, the Chinese and the Japanese all have aspirations,…

ECATS: Pioneering Outsourcing In French Pilot Training

10/26/2009
In June 2009, ECATS celebrated its 50,000 flying hours at Le Bourget and has been pioneering a new approach in outsourcing training services’ support, which is now being duplicated and expanded accross France. This report focuses on such a “success story” by attempting to provide an overlook of the lessons learned ever…

The New Chrysler Approach to Suppliers: The New DOD Acquisition Model?

10/26/2009
In a recent Wall Street Journal piece on the new Chrysler and its struggle to build new cars, the authors underscored a core challenge facing the new Chrysler management.  They have designs for new cars; they have assembly lines in mind for the new cars; they just don’t have the…