Recommendations for Improving Agility in Risk Management for Urgent and Emerging Capability Acquisitions – Quick Look Report

October, 2017
IDA document: D-8798
FFRDC: Systems and Analyses Center
Type: Documents
Division: Information Technology and Systems Division
Authors:
Authors
Laura A. Odell, Cameron E. DePuy, J. Corbin Fauntleroy, Tyler C. Rabren, Miranda G. Seitz-McLeese See more authors
This memorandum provides the results of an analysis of statutory and DoD requirements for risk management levied on Urgent and Emerging Capability Acquisitions. IDA reviewed statutory language and DoD policies and regulations for meeting risk management requirements and interviewed subject matter experts to support the analysis. Although no statutory changes are needed to simplify or improve the agility of the defense acquisition systems for urgent and emerging capability acquisitions, due to their risk-adverse posture, some programs are not taking advantage of the ability to tailor security authorization packages (including the ATO decision) to accurately reflect the operational situation. This memorandum recommends changes in DoD Instruction 8510.01 for streamlining the process for obtaining and authorization to operate (ATO) for urgent and emerging capability acquisitions.