Securing The Mrap PDF Download

The capability provided by Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) tactical vehicles -- involving greatly improved armor protection for transporting warfighters in combat operations -- is well known to the defense community at this point as well as to most of the public at large. The MRAP acquisition strategy also is well known to the defense acquisition community. Does this strategy provide a model for streamlining the acquisition process, or was it a once-in-a-lifetime set of circumstances that will likely never be repeated? In this article, I will attempt to answer that question, framing the MRAP acquisition strategy in the context of its program history and in relation to current acquisition process improvement efforts. Programs like MRAP illustrate that it is possible to streamline defense acquisition given proper leadership support and intelligent, creative planning and program execution; but its circumstances were unique and are not replicable for most defense acquisition programs. I would argue, however, that the defense acquisition process could be significantly expedited through application of the lessons learned from the MRAP program. But how is this to be done, given that attempts to streamline the acquisition process have been many and frequent but seldom successful? One method to consider is to create a separate, unique acquisition process for equipment and/or services required to meet truly urgent operational needs. This would be the equivalent of the Clear lanes that allowed priority, prequalified customers to bypass normal airport security and speed through to the gate. Such a process would require approval for application based on documented urgency and service commitment, but once approved, would allow program managers to tailor program documentation, provide for designation of top leadership sponsors for the program, include a streamlined requirements development process, and help mitigate program funding instability.