Tag: Issues In DOD

DoD Forms Advisory Panel to Help Firms that Aren’t Typical DoD Contractors

Changing Regulatory Instructions for the DoD are Fueling a Need for More Technological Adaption.
Changing Regulatory Instructions for the DoD are Fueling a Need for More Technological Adaption.

The most innovative companies have countless ideas and technologies that are useful to the Department of Defense, but doing business with DoD can look and feel very differently than what tech firms are used to. In Silicon Valley and beyond, firms that prize speed, agility, and the ability to pivot or launch a product on a moment’s notice can feel encumbered by red tape when collaborating with the government.

A DoD advisory panel was recently formed to expedite collaboration with non-traditional contractors—those companies who aren’t accustomed to DoD contracts.

So far, the Government Accountability Office has identified these challenges facing DoD contractors’ equipment needs, negotiations, and finances:

• Complex processes

• Drawn-out processes

• Inexperience on the part of DoD staff

• Unusual, government-specific terms and conditions

• Unpredictable budget and cash flow issues

• Conflicts with intellectual property rights

Government and the tech industry have long enjoyed a two-way street of innovation and growth. What’s different now? According to the GAO, the private sector has increased R&D spending by 200% since 1987, while the government has held steady at 10% growth.

Among the goals: speed up contracting agreements to 60 days max, and enable DoD agility with easier access to new technology platforms.

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Military Leadership Must Reflect the Nation’s Diversity

Diversity in the Military
Diversity in the Military

As our country takes a hard look at the meaning of diversity today, should that examination include the military? A former Assistant Secretary of Defense explains why it’s important for the military to mirror the society it serves.

Does Diversity Have a Place in the Military?

Todd A Weiler is a decorated combat veteran who served in both the Clinton and Obama administrations. He wrote about his views on the topic for The Hill in the wake of Army Secretary nominee Mark Green’s withdrawal after negative reactions to comments he made about minorities.

Weiler points out that with an active draft, it’s easier to get a fair representation of all socio-economic groups. While the all-volunteer force has been largely successful, it “requires constant vigilance” to ensure that certain groups are not underrepresented.

Dangers of a Disaffected Public

According to Weiler, a strong connection between society and military is a vital part of democracy. If civilians perceive a disconnect between themselves and the military, they’re less likely to speak up on matters of defense, resulting in decisions that may not serve the best interests of the public.

During Weiler’s time at the Pentagon, he says the standard they used for accepting enlistees was simply whether they were willing and able to serve. He concludes by saying it’s imperative that the next Army Secretary follows this principle.

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DoD Cracks Down on Employees Leaving to be Contractors

Small aircraft
DOD Lost an Employee to Boeing

Possible conflicts of interest when Department of Defense (DOD) employees leave to work for defense contractors should be of interest to every tax payer in the country. CNS News reports, when Darleen Druyun, one of the Pentagon’s top-level acquisition officials, was offered a job by Boeing earning $250,000 a year, it clearly compromised the negotiations of a contract for a tanker project. In her role as Principal Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Druyun gave Boeing preferential consideration and agreed to a higher price for the project. She then left the DOD to accept the job at Boeing.

Problems still exist

The unethical behavior earned Druyun a $250,000 fine and nine month sentence in federal prison. It also prompted officials to add the “revolving door” provision to the National Defense Authorization Act in 2008. Audits in 2010, 2014, and March of 2016 show potential conflicts of interest remain a major concern. Among other problems with reporting, the required online database known as the After Government Employment Advice Repository (AGEAR) is lacking much necessary information to be an effective tool.

DOD contractor equipment

Civilian contractors are constantly under scrutiny and must operate as efficiently as possible. The GSA has a wide range of requirements for Military and DOD contractors.

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