Defense Acquisition Research Journal #109

One Small Step for Space Acquisition Doctrine

ORGANIZATION (CONTINUED)

Agile Methodologies Milestone Tracking

Emphasize agile development, early testing, and flexibility Track key milestones and deliverables for accountability

Earned Value Management Technical Performance Metrics

Use EVM for cost and schedule tracking

Monitor TPMs to assess technical progress and quality

Program Management Reviews Regular PMRs to monitor progress and performance Note. EVM = Earned Value Management; IPT = Integrated Program/Product Team; OTAs = Other Transaction Authorities. MOTIVATION Trust and Transparent Processes Fosters stakeholder relationships and minimizes disruptions Hiring and Retaining the Right People Ensures program success through skilled, motivated personnel Incentives and Penalties Strategic use of incentives, milestone payments, and penalties Regular Performance Reviews Conduct regular reviews and communicate to ensure accountability Contractual Enforcement Leverage CDRLs, documentation, and enforcement mechanisms Contractor Monitoring Utilize modern tools (e.g., CPARS, Jira) to monitor KTR performance Note. CDRLs = Contract Data Requirements Lists; CPARS = Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System. EMPOWERMENT Empowered Program Managers Entrust experienced Program Managers with authority to make decisions Proximity to Decision-Makers Physical closeness enables rapid action and communication Trust and Collaboration Open communication between government, contractors, and operators Decentralized Decision-Making Empowering teams through delegated authority and trust

TEAMWORK

Collaborative Relationship Management Open Communication & Transparency Continuous Feedback and Evaluation Regular In-Person Collaboration

Foster executive engagement, partnerships, and working relationships Fosters success through open dialogue and shared goals Postaward debriefs and reviews improve future performance Builds strong relationships and bridges communication gaps Balancing risk and collaboration between government and contractors

Risk Balancing

Trust and Understanding

Essential for positive team dynamics

Early Ground System Readiness Collaboration with Transition Partners Integration of Space and Ground User and Leadership Advocacy

Prioritize ground development and readiness before launch Close collaboration and alignment with transition partners Align space and ground development milestones Ensure strong user involvement and leadership support Close collaboration and frequent meetings with contractors

Contractor Engagement

KNOWLEDGE

Technical Expertise and Tailoring

Adapt PM approach based on program needs and staff expertise Leverage cost-effective, flexible components for integration Encourage creativity while leveraging proven solutions Emphasize historical/past performance and current subject matter expertise Thorough technical assessments by qualified experts and teams Conduct detailed cost analysis and assess schedule feasibility Balance proven operational performance and innovation potential

COTS and Modularity

Balance Innovation & Current Tech Prior Experience and Expertise

Technical Evaluation Rigor Cost and Schedule Realism

Proven Capability & Innovation Risk Management and Mitigation

Identify and manage technical and programmatic risks

Note. COTS = Commercial-off-the-Shelf.

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Defense ARJ, Summer 2025, Vol. 32 No. 2: 132—193

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