Guessing is not a strategy: How to build decision velocity with AI and real-time data
June 10, 2026 | Live Webinar
I found this article on the Defense.gov website and it seems they made a decision to go Agile with how they procure and deploy IT:
So, based on recommendations contained in the 2009 Defense Science Board Report, the department is working to speed up the route to acquiring new systems by increasing collaboration and improving processes, McFarland said.
“To do this, one must start with the defined requirement or capability,” she added.
In the past, once an IT requirement or capability was defined, organizations were able to acquire only that technology which precisely met the predefined parameters.
The introduction of the “IT box” concept is a significant change to the IT acquisition process, McFarland said. The IT box gives organizations the ability to acquire technology that improves on already-approved technology, as long as the changes don’t exceed certain parameters.
In addition to the IT box, the department has introduced interim guidance to adopt “modular, open system methodology, with heavy emphasis on design for change,” which will help DOD adapt to the changing IT environment, the assistant secretary said.
“The policy addresses the realization that IT capabilities may evolve, so desired capabilities can be traded off against cost and initial operational capability to deliver the best product to the field in a timely manner,” she said.
I still find the statement confusing. On the one hand, they are saying they need IT requirements to meet "predefine paramaters", but will also need to heavily emphasize "design for change".
Maybe the goverment works in a different reality, but that's not how Agile typically works. If I'm wrong, please let me know!
Posted on: March 05, 2014 11:31 AM |
Permalink