Acquisition System Elements are essential to cost control.
Press Release Summary:
In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform, AIA's Richard Sylvester said the acquisition system can be a powerful tool to ensure systems/services provided to the Defense Department are at fair and reasonable prices and comply with cost, schedule, and technical performance contract parameters. Dialog between government and industry was also stressed as necessary in promoting understanding of factors that drive industry business decisions.
Original Press Release:
Core Elements of Acquisition System Essential to Cost Control
Arlington, Va. - The acquisition system can be a powerful tool to ensure that systems and services provided to the Defense Department are at fair and reasonable prices and comply with cost, schedule and technical performance contract parameters, AIA Vice President of Acquisition Policy Richard Sylvester said today in testimony before the House Armed Services Committee Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform.
"To make the acquisition system work, we also need to foster a dialogue between government and industry and an understanding of the factors that drive industry business decisions," Sylvester said.
The core elements of a functional acquisition system are a strong industrial base, a rational and flexible acquisition process, well-defined requirements, budget realism, stable procurement plans, a well-trained and experienced acquisition workforce, and support from Congress.
Sylvester urged that the government not regress to using complex and unique government acquisition procedures that require more reporting, oversight and acquisition personnel, but to preserve reasoned reforms of the past.
"We need to develop rules that are flexible and preserve program integrity," Sylvester said. "The best tool we have is a well-trained and experienced acquisition workforce that can apply knowledge and ingenuity to each acquisition decision."
Full text of Sylvester's remarks and his written testimony can be found on the AIA Web site at http://www.aia-aerospace.org/newsroom/speeches_testimony/.
Founded in 1919, the Aerospace Industries Association represents the nation's leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial systems, space systems, aircraft engines, materiel, and related components, equipment services, and information technology.
Daniel N. Stohr
Coordinator, Communications & Planning
Aerospace Industries Association
1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1700
Arlington, VA 22209
703-358-1078
dan.stohr@aia-aerospace.org
