House passes bill to upgrade DOD acquisition workforce
The bill seeks to reform the 80 percent of the Defense Department's acquisition system that 2009's reform didn't touch, some lawmakers say.
The House has passed a bill to reform a large portion of the Defense Department’s acquisition processes, with an emphasis on its workforce.
It passed the Implementing Management for Performance and Related Reforms to Obtain Value in Every Acquisition Act, or the IMPROVE Acquisition Act, by 417-3 on April 28.
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The bill aims to overhaul the acquisition system, streamline getting equipment to the warfighter in combat and saving an estimated $135 billion over the next five years, according to several House members' estimates.
Provisions of the bill would:
- * Require DOD officials to comprehensively manage the department's acquisition system and its acquisition workforce.
- * Reform financial management through incentives.
- * Enhance competition for contracts by “responsibly” expanding DOD’s industrial base to gain access to more cutting-edge technology.