Defense Acquisition Magazine March-April 2026

SOFTWARE INNOVATION TEAM AWARD WINNERS

B-21 Software Factory Team, United States Air Force The B-21 Software Factory Team demonstrated exceptional innovation and a com - mitment to delivering critical software capabilities for the B-21 Raider program. In managing a $4.5 billion software portfolio, the team spearheaded efforts to revo - lutionize acquisition through Commercial Solutions Openings, resulting in $427 million in savings and accelerating contract timelines by more than six months. They led implementation of cross-functional agile methodologies, achieving a 500 percent improvement in defect resolution and a 200 percent increase in fea- ture delivery speed. During the first year of flight testing, more than 90 percent of software defects were resolved in the labs, demonstrating their commitment to software quality. The team drove development of a cloud-based architecture, achieving significant cost avoidance and early fielding of capabilities. Their dedi - cation, innovative approaches, and commitment to Warfighter needs have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the B-21 program and its importance to national defense.

FLEXIBILITY IN ACQUISITION TEAM AWARD WINNERS

Soldier Precision Targeting Devices, United States Army The Soldier Precision Targeting Devices team is recognized for exceptional in- novation and leadership in flexible acquisition. As the first DoW organization to operationalize the FY 2024 Class Deviation for contracts supporting Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, the team accelerated loitering munitions delivery by more than 12 months. Through undefinitized contract actions, alpha contracting, and industrial base investments, they delivered ready-now capability while design- ing next-generation systems. Their dual-track execution model advanced Army modernization, expanded production capacity, and established replicable ac- quisition models across the DoW. The Soldier Precision Targeting Devices team exemplifies agile, effective acquisition in support of urgent operational needs and future force readiness. Flank Speed Wireless Development and Deployment Teams, United States Navy The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, Program Executive Office Digi - tal, and Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Comput - ers and Intelligence Flank Speed Wireless Teams are recognized for their tireless innovation in delivering Flank Speed Wireless capability to the Fleet. Originally intended as a quality-of-life game changer for deployed personnel, Flank Speed Wireless, via STARLINK connectivity, is now also being employed tactically, in- creasing data transfer rates from low double digits to as high as 1,000 Megabits per second. Because of the teams’ distinct efforts and innovative solutions in delivering Flank Speed Wireless, deployed connectivity, even in remote areas, can be leveraged both for personal and operational benefit.

52 DEFENSE ACQUISITION MAGAZINE | MARCH – APRIL 2026

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