Strategic Foresight The path forward requires us to embrace strategic foresight in our approach to IP and data rights within defense acquisitions that establish warfighting sustainment capability. By integrating flexible IP manage- ment models and harnessing the ca- pabilities of advanced manufacturing, we can ensure that our sustainment strategies are not only resilient but also adaptable to the ever-changing dynamics of modern warfare. It becomes increasingly clear that our approach to IP must be informed by a comprehensive understanding of the department’s responsibility to provide technological protections as vendor IP travels across the globe, particularly into compromised envi- ronments. By aligning our IP strate- gies and plans with legislative ac- tions to bolster the industrial base, we can ensure that our sustainment efforts are not only flexible and adap - tive but also secure, forward-looking, and ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s battlefield. Conclusion–Resilience and Flexibility In the evolving landscape of global defense, our approach to IP and data rights must be adaptable and ready to evolve with the technological
University; an M.P.A. from Georgia College and State University; and an M.S.S. from Air Uni- versity, Air War College. The author can be contacted via osd. pentagon.ousd-a-s.mbx.dasd-product- support@mail.mil . The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the Department of War. Reproduction or reposting of articles from Defense Acquisition magazine should credit the authors and the magazine.
and operational threat landscape. These concepts lay the groundwork for a future where sustainment must be not just reactive but anticipa- tory and adaptable in time to meet emerging threats. Infusing our acquisition and sus- tainment strategies with flexibility and foresight ensures that our de- fense ecosystem remains as resil- ient as a well-constructed battle plan that has several backup plans and no single point of failure, and therefore capable of withstanding inevitable shifts and challenges over time. This dedication to adaptability not only broadens the strategic op- tions available to commanders but bolsters our operational readiness and strengthens national defense against unexpected challenges while enhancing cost-effectiveness. SMITH most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Product Sup- port and Principal Advisor to Office of the Secretary of War leadership on readiness and sustainability of major weapon systems. She was responsible for developing and imple- menting acquisition and sustainment strate- gies and processes that provide Warfighters with cost-effective weapon systems readi- ness across the life cycle. Her career tenure includes more than 40 years of logistics, acquisition, and supply chain experience within the department. Smith holds a B.S. in Administration from South Carolina State Uni- versity; an M.S. in Administration–Logistics Management from Georgia College and State
Related Resources
– (ACQ 0720) Intellectual Property (IP) and Data Rights (Online Training Course) – (ACQ 0740) Fundamentals of an Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy (Online Training Course) – (ACQ 0770) Intellectual Property (IP) Issues in Cloud Storage Services (Online Training Course) – (CLM 002) Intellectual Property (IP) Valuation (Online Training Course)
MDAP Program Manager Changes With the assistance of the Office of the Secretary of War, Defense Acquisition magazine publishes the names of incoming and outgoing program managers for major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs). This announcement lists such changes of leadership for both civilian and military program managers for the months of January through March 2026. ARMY
AIR FORCE Col. Jameson P. Locklear replaced Col. Jonathan A. Varoli as Program Manager for the M-Code Aviation Receivers Joint Program Office on Feb. 19, 2026. Col. Jonathan A. Varoli replaced Col. Robert McFarland as Program Manager for the F-15 Program on Feb. 26, 2026. FOURTH ESTATE None
Lt. Col. Christopher Wimsatt relieved Lt. Col. Nathan Greer as Product Manager for UH-60M Product Office effective Oct. 24, 2025. NAVY/MARINE CORPS Capt. Robert K. Oswald was selected as Program Manager for Columbia Class Submarine Program (PMS 397) on Jan 20., 2026.
26 DEFENSE ACQUISITION MAGAZINE | MARCH – APRIL 2026
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