House Armed Services Committee Hearing: Promoting DOD Innovation
January 1, 2019
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The Frame
This hearing informs the development of the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the policy and funding priorities for the U.S. military's research and technology acquisition processes.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Department of Defense
The agency is subject to new acquisition reforms and policy directives resulting from the NDAA.
Defense Contractors
Changes to acquisition processes directly impact how these entities bid for and manage government contracts.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2019.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing was held on April 17, 2018, to discuss the Department of Defense's (DOD) culture of innovation.
- Chairman Thornberry announced the release of reform proposals for the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
- The committee identified a need for acquisition reform to improve agility and taxpayer value.
- The DOD established the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to lead innovation efforts.
- Dr. Michael Griffin was confirmed as the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering approximately two months prior to the hearing.
- Dr. Eric Schmidt serves as the Chairman of the Defense Innovation Board.
- The committee held a classified session immediately following the open hearing to discuss sensitive details.
- The hearing addressed the erosion of the U.S. technological advantage compared to global adversaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Defense Innovation Board?
Why is the committee focusing on acquisition reform?
Why It Matters
This hearing informs the development of the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which sets the policy and funding priorities for the U.S. military's research and technology acquisition processes.
News Coverage
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Technological Agility
The committee explicitly shifted its focus toward 'innovation' as a survival strategy, citing the phrase 'Innovate or Die' as a guiding principle for the 2019 NDAA.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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