Acquisition Transformation Strategy – U.S. Department of War (.gov)

Acquisition Transformation Strategy – U.S. Department of War (.gov)

By GovPrepare News Desk – November 12, 2025

Standfirst: The U.S. Department of War has launched a comprehensive Acquisition Transformation Strategy to modernize defense procurement, streamline processes, and strengthen interoperability across federal and allied agencies. This overhaul will impact contractors, supply chains, and defense readiness nationwide.

Key Highlights

• Launch of a new Acquisition Transformation Strategy by the U.S. Department of War
• Objective to modernize procurement, improve accountability, and accelerate delivery of capabilities
• Emphasis on digital acquisition tools, data interoperability, and cybersecurity
• Multi-year timeline with implementation beginning Q1 2026
• Projected $12.5 billion investment across six strategic domains
• Alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) reform initiatives and NATO interoperability goals

Background and Context

The Department of War, operating within the structure of the U.S. Department of Defense, has long been responsible for managing procurement of military technologies, weapons systems, and logistics for land-based operations. However, systems and procedures dating back decades have introduced inefficiencies in cost, time-to-field, and accountability.

According to a 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, more than 70 percent of large defense acquisition programs experienced schedule delays, and over 60 percent went over budget. Additionally, the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) repeatedly cites acquisition reform as a top legislative priority due to evolving threats and global supply chain vulnerabilities.

To remedy these challenges, prior defense initiatives – such as Better Buying Power (2010-2015) and the Section 809 Panel (2016-2019) – laid the groundwork for the current transformation. The new Acquisition Transformation Strategy aims to build upon these lessons with a future-focused, data-enabled approach.

The New Development

On November 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of War officially announced the launch of its Acquisition Transformation Strategy during a press briefing held at the Pentagon. Secretary of War Gen. Martin G. Kellingsworth outlined the expansive plan aimed at overhauling procurement life cycles and integrating next-generation digital tools for acquisition processes.

The strategy will be funded through a projected $12.5 billion budget reallocation and new defense appropriations across fiscal years 2026 to 2030. It prioritizes six strategic domains:

• Digital Acquisition Platforms: Development of a unified digital procurement portal to replace legacy systems
• Data Interoperability: Standardized data protocols to ensure seamless coordination with DoD, NATO, and Five Eyes partners
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Integration of AI/ML for risk analysis and predictive logistics
• Cybersecurity Assurance: Embedding zero-trust architecture across the acquisition lifecycle
• Workforce Modernization: Training 45,000 acquisition professionals under the Certified Defense Acquisition Workforce (CDAW) initiative
• Supplier Resilience: Investment in domestic microelectronics and rare-earth supply chains

The Department has also established the Acquisition Transformation Command Center (ATCC), which will oversee phased implementation and performance monitoring of the strategy beginning in Q1 2026. Reporting structures and KPIs will be published quarterly in alignment with the Defense Acquisition Executive Summary Reports (DAES).

Expert and Industry Reaction

The strategy’s rollout has received cautious optimism from defense analysts and industry stakeholders. Matthew Krieger, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), remarked, “The real test will be sustaining momentum beyond early adoption. The commitment to workforce reform and AI integration shows promise, provided execution matches intent.”

Similarly, the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) expressed support but urged for transparency in contractor onboarding, particularly for small and medium suppliers. “Reducing contract cycle times and providing real-time acquisition data is crucial for maintaining competitive suppliers involved in the ecosystem,” said NDIA President Christine O’Connell.

Defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies also issued statements signaling readiness to support the modernization push, noting it aligns with their internal focus on digital twins, predictive maintenance, and cyber-hardened logistics platforms.

Alignment with Global or National Standards

The strategy is closely aligned with the Department of Defense’s Adaptive Acquisition Framework, introduced in 2020, and conforms to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) modernization recommendations issued by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP).

From a global perspective, the U.S. initiative also supports interoperability requirements outlined by NATO’s Defence Planning Process (NDPP) and the Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (FIORC). Key alignment elements include cyber resilience, open systems architecture, and supply chain traceability.

Moreover, the incorporation of ISO/IEC 12207 software lifecycle standards demonstrates a commitment to harmonizing U.S. defense procurement processes with globally recognized norms.

Impact on Stakeholders

The impact of the Acquisition Transformation Strategy will unfold between 2026 and 2030, with implications for multiple stakeholder groups:

• Civilian Businesses: Simplified procurement pathways and streamlined digital contracts will make it easier for non-traditional defense contractors, especially small businesses, to enter the sector.
• Military Units: Faster acquisition and deployment times will support service readiness and operational agility, particularly in contested or emergent environments.
• Federal Agencies: Improved interagency procurement interoperability will reduce duplication, enforce compliance, and fortify national resilience in emergency logistics or mobilization efforts.
• Workforce: Over 45,000 federal and contractor personnel will undergo re-certification and upskilling through the CDAW initiative, enhancing national expertise in digital and ethical procurement.

In the long term, the strategy is expected to reduce bureaucratic overhead and promote a leaner, more agile acquisition process that supports both deterrence and rapid response missions.

Official Guidance

• U.S. Department of Defense – News Releases
• Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (A&S)
• NATO – Defense Planning & Capabilities
• National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
• Federal Register – Acquisition Policy Updates

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy marks a significant step toward enhancing the nation’s defense procurement systems. With concrete investments in digital infrastructure, workforce readiness, and global compliance, the initiative lays the foundation for a more resilient and efficient military supply ecosystem.

Further implementation details, legislative oversight, and performance metrics will be monitored and reported throughout FY2026-2030, with updates available through official DOD and congressional briefings. Stakeholders are encouraged to prepare for new compliance frameworks and onboarding opportunities through early engagement with Acquisition Transformation Command Center (ATCC) portals.

Excerpt (Meta Description): The U.S. Department of War launches a $12.5B Acquisition Transformation Strategy to modernize procurement, boost agility, and enhance defense readiness by 2030.

Tags: defense procurement, acquisition strategy, U.S. Department of War, military modernization, federal contracting, defense supply chain, cybersecurity standards, NATO interoperability, digital transformation, defense workforce, federal acquisition policy, DoD reform