Improving Acquisition

Convening experts and policy makers to discuss the workings of the defense acquisition system, DIIG explores potential reforms to deliver responsive, efficient acquisition in support of future missions

The acquisition system is critical to how DoD functions, yet it is plagued by inefficiencies and organizational obstacles that prevent a more streamlined, cost-effective acquisition process. The most urgent needs of the system shift over time, as demonstrated by the strain the U.S. response to the Russian war in Ukraine put on munition stockpiles. By critically examining key debates surrounding acquisition discussions and analyzing U.S. defense acquisition issue areas with DoD and industry partners, DIIG aims to identify opportunities for improving the acquisition system across all facets of the defense industrial base.

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Pausing Proliferation: Facing China's Military Engine Development

A panel discussion on Chinese military engine development between the Director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group (DIIG) at CSIS, Dr. Cynthia R. Cook, former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Brigadier General Dave Stilwell, and Director of The Defense Concepts Organization and former Specialist in Military Aviation at the Congressional Research Service, Mr. J.J. Gertler.

Event — April 18, 2023

Leveraging Networks in Future Operations: DISA's Changing Role in Battle Networks

As the Department of Defense adapts to the challenges of a changing world, it has important choices to make about the future mission and organization of the Defense Information Systems Agency, the organization created in the Cold War to unify its top-level communications.

Report by Gregory Sanders and Rhys McCormick — January 31, 2022

2021 Defense Acquisition Trends: Topline DoD Trends after a Half Decade of Growth

Defense contract obligations grew by 8 percent in FY 2020, driven by spending on products manufactured by the Big Five defense contractors. On the cusp of a new National Security Strategy, this piece explores how a half-decade of growth has changed defense acquisition.

Critical Questions by Gregory Sanders, Won Joon Jang, and Alexander Holderness — December 2, 2021

The Army's Next-Generation Combat Vehicle

Please join CSIS's Defense Industrial Initiatives Group for an interview with Major General Richard Coffman, Director of the Army Futures Command's Next-Generation Combat Vehicle Cross-Functional Team.

Event — March 10, 2021