One Small Step for Space Acquisition Doctrine
budgeting, and execution (PPBE) process. Figure 2 highlights the overlap of processes and policies that guide the decision support system for defense acquisition (Defense Business Board, 2023). Researchers have conducted several acquisition reform studies over the years, each proposing ways to enable more effective acquisition. These studies are discussed in the Literature Review section of this article.
FIGURE 2. DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR DEFENSE ACQUISITION
Planning, Programming, Budget and Execution (PPBE)
SAE
Joint Capabilities Integration & Developement System (JCIDS)
Defense Acquisition System (DAS)
PEO
PM
“Little a” acquisition
“Big A” acquisition
Note. PEO = Program Executive Office; PM = Program/Product Manager; SAE = Service Acquisition Executive. Purpose of the Study Space acquisition professionals often lament that the Space Force struggles with acquisition; however, focusing solely on the negative fails to inspire improvement and discounts the fact that acquisition is a complex and challenging endeavor. Moreover, many acquisition success stories across the DoD can be adopted and applied in the Space Force. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO), among others, are renowned for their ability to develop, build, and deliver technology. The awareness of these successful examples prompted the following questions that guided this research. What makes these organizations unique? Why are their acquisition processes and culture difficult to replicate? What tactics, techniques, and procedures separate high-performing organizations from underachieving organizations?
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Defense ARJ, Summer 2025, Vol. 32 No. 2: 132—193
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