Nominee Outlines Focus on Acquisition Reform and Technological Integration at DOD

Michael Duffey, nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, addressed the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 27, 2025. During his confirmation hearing, he detailed plans aimed at modernizing the Department of Defense’s acquisition processes and fostering greater industry participation. The session also included questions regarding recent controversies within the department.

Duffey’s stated priorities involve assessing and addressing regulatory hurdles that currently limit entry into the defense industrial base by new companies and private investment firms. He emphasized a need to streamline procedures and reduce obstacles, believing this will ultimately benefit the Department’s ability to acquire necessary equipment and services. Duffey has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth since January 2025.

The nominee highlighted two key performance indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of the acquisition system: speed and capacity. While acknowledging the DoD’s continued strength in technological capability, he expressed a desire to accelerate procurement timelines and improve cost management practices. Achieving these goals is seen as crucial for maintaining military readiness and responding effectively to evolving global challenges.

Efforts to reform defense acquisitions are not new; they have been ongoing for decades. However, the current administration has signaled an increased urgency to expedite the adoption of emerging technologies. A recent directive from Secretary Hegseth mandates the preferential use of rapid acquisition authorities for software development programs, a policy intended to accelerate implementation but which has elicited varied reactions within the contracting community.