Contractors should not overlook the administration’s call to action on commerciality

Last week, Secretary Hegseth delivered a speech (https://bit.ly/4rcrZNG) at the National War College introducing transformations to the defense procurement process. Among them, the Secretary discussed awarding companies bigger and longer contracts for proven systems; removing “excessive and burdensome” requirements (for example, acquisition rules, accounting standards, and testing oversight); and empowering program leaders with authority to direct program outcomes, move money, and adjust priorities.