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Assignment 1 - Program Management

The document outlines the roles of the Executive Branch, Congress, and the defense industry in the defense acquisition process, which is vital for national security. The Executive Branch, led by the Department of Defense, develops policies and manages acquisition, while Congress provides funding and oversight through committees like the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. The defense industry competes for contracts to supply military goods and services, adhering to strict government regulations, with authority stemming from the Constitution and laws like the National Defense Authorization Act.

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8 views4 pages

Assignment 1 - Program Management

The document outlines the roles of the Executive Branch, Congress, and the defense industry in the defense acquisition process, which is vital for national security. The Executive Branch, led by the Department of Defense, develops policies and manages acquisition, while Congress provides funding and oversight through committees like the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. The defense industry competes for contracts to supply military goods and services, adhering to strict government regulations, with authority stemming from the Constitution and laws like the National Defense Authorization Act.

Uploaded by

mmcnulty1986
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Abstract

Defense acquisition, which involves buying goods and services for military or other government

agency use, is a critical aspect of national security. The most impactful entities are the Executive

Branch, Congress, and the defense industry itself in this process. In this paper we will outline the

roles of each along with where their authority comes from.

Executive Branch Responsibilities

The Department of Defense (DoD) as a part of the Executive Branch, maintains a primary role

for defense acquisition. Under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD),

the Executive Branch develops policies for execution, strategies, and plans for acquiring defense
capabilities. The Defense Acquisition System, managed by the OSD, establishes processes and

procedures for acquiring, developing, and managing defense systems and equipment (United

States Government Accountability Office, 2019).The President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has

a significant say in defense acquisition. They set priorities and make decisions about what the

military needs. Executive orders from the President guide how acquisition policies are carried

out.

Congressional Responsibilities

Congress also has a very specific role in the defense acquisition process. Through their powers

established in the constitution, Congress is able to support and raise defense as needed for

national defense. One specific example of this is the National Defense Authorization Act

(NDAA), which dictates and outlines how the budget is established and how much money is

spent on defense. Congress has groups, like the Senate Armed Forces Committee which oversees

acquisitions within the defense industry. Another similar committee is the House Armed Services

Committee. They hold hearings and review programs to make sure everything is done properly

and within regulatory requirements and laws.

Defense Industry Responsibilities

The defense industry includes companies that make military equipment and services. These

companies compete for contracts to provide things like weapons, vehicles, and technology to the

military. Defense contractors must follow strict rules set by the government. These cover things

like how contracts are awarded and how much things should cost. They work closely with the

government throughout the acquisition process to make sure they deliver what's needed.

Where Authority Comes From


The authority for defense acquisition comes from different places. The Constitution gives

Congress the power to control the military and decide how money is spent on defense. Laws like

the NDAA set out the rules and funding for defense programs.

The President also has a n impact in defense acquisition. They issue executive orders that guide

how things are done in the Executive Branch which in turn impacts the other branches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Congress, The Executive Branch, and the defense industry all play an integral

role in defense acquisition. The Congress makes laws and provides funding, The Executive

Branch plans and manages acquisition, and the defense industry provides the items and services

needed. Their authority comes from the Constitution, laws passed by Congress, and orders from

the President.

References

Green, J., & Stracener, J. (2022). Investigating the Role of System Effectiveness in the
Acquisition and Sustainment of U.S. Defense Systems: 1958 to 2022. Systems (Basel), 10(5),
169-. https://doi.org/10.3390/systems10050169

United States Government Accountability Office. (2019). Defense Acquisitions: How and Where
DOD Spends Its Contracting Dollars (GAO-20-220SP). https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-
220sp

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