DoD has introduced a preliminary version of the second phase of its Better Buying Power acquisition best practices initiative first launched in 2010.
According to the Pentagon, affordability analysis is now part of the standard Defense Acquisition Board planning process because of the BBP initiative, helping to facilitate investment decisions.
"Should Cost" estimates are being used as standard practice within the military services, and competitive incentive contracts, services acquisitions, and small business opportunities are now receiving greater attention and focus, DoD said.
It listed 36 initiatives organized into seven focus areas, including a new focus area reflecting the importance of DoD’s total acquisition workforce.
The seven focus areas are:
* Achieve Affordable Programs
* Control Costs Throughout the Product Lifecycle
* Incentivize Productivity and Innovation in Industry and Government
* Eliminate Unproductive Processes and Bureaucracy
* Promote Effective Competition
* Improve Tradecraft in Acquisition of Services; and,
* Improve the Professionalism of the Total Acquisition Workforce
BBP 2.0 introduces a new focus area to support and recognize members of the acquisition workforce. Within this area are four new initiatives:
* Establish higher standards for key leadership positions
* Establish stronger professional qualification requirements for all acquisition specialties
* Increase the recognition of excellence in acquisition management; and,
* Continue to increase the cost consciousness of the acquisition workforce
