Stephen Daggett
Abstract: This article assesses the extent to which waste and abuse in defense acquisition convey flaws in a larger system or whether they are rooted in structural problems. The overlapping pattern of bureaucratic interests and incentives are then considered in order to understand how they frame the weapons acquisition process. Finally, recent Congressional proposals and Department of Defense measures of reform are considered in order to classify the proposals as either effective or ineffective. This article ultimately concludes that although reform of the weapons acquisition process will lead to improvements in spare parts procurement and rules for reviewing contractor overhead charges, this alone will not lead to significant, lasting changes. There will need to be more extensive control over long-term Pentagon budget planning and over early decisions in weapons development to create any lasting, meaningful reform.
