Welcome to part 3 of the Acquisition Principles series. In this episode I discuss: 

7 - Leverage the efficiency of commercial contracting methods. If and when possible, use services and tools sold by private sector vendors.   

8- Choose diverse teams that have demonstrated success in developing trust, accountability, and navigating cultural barriers. Evaluate demonstrated coding skills and quality of previous delivery expertise as an indicator for future performance.  

9 - Get solutions into the hands of users quickly. Incorporate accessibility, security, and usability testing into the process to avoid bottlenecks.

Welcome to part two of the Acquisition Principles for Digital Service. In this episode I will discuss: https://techfarhub.cio.gov/learning-center/principles/

4 - Don’t lock technical requirements into contracts so that new, more effective technologies and methods are not blocked.  

5 - Buy design and software development services as a repeated process for the delivery of a working product. Technological enhancements never end. Determine how much of the budget to invest in finding the right solution. Only continue investing in the solution if value is demonstrated.  

6 - Buy small, build small, test, and iterate. Set up each contract for a quick win, then determine how to scale that success or pivot quickly.

In this episode I cover the first three of the Acquisition Principles for Digital Service as found on the TechFARHub. Grab a drink and relax as I talk about choosing a mission that matters, paying for performance over time, and separating contractual requirements from technical...Cheers!

In this week's episode, I enjoy a glass of Yellowstone Bourbon and discuss how you can assess an organizations Digital Service Maturity Model, which is essential in understanding how forward leaning an acquisition can be while still being successful and from an industry perspective if the organization is going to put their agile money where their mouth is.

Digital Service Maturity Determination Use this to evaluate and correlate a requiring activities’ organizational maturity in adoption of digital service techniques to the resulting contract action https://techfarhub.cio.gov/learning-center/agile-maturity/

Acquisition Principles for Digital Services https://techfarhub.cio.gov/learning-center/principles/

In part 3 of this 3 part series I provide some insight into some of the innovations that are taking place in DoD in this coming Fiscal Year.

1:05 "DIB SWAP Appendix B.2: Appropriations Subgroup Report" https://media.defense.gov/2019/Jan/16/2002080473/-1/-1/0/DIB_APPROPRIATIONS_SUBGROUP_REPORT_2019.01.15.PDF

1:22 Memorandum: Software Acquisition Pathway Interim Policy and Procedures https://www.acq.osd.mil/ae/assets/docs/USA002825-19%20Signed%20Memo%20(Software).pdf

2:06 Here are the pilot programs for the new Software Budget Appropriation https://acquisitiontalk.com/2020/03/here-are-the-pilot-programs-for-the-new-software-budget-appropriation/

In part 2 of this three part series on Color of Money I cover some of the challenges of current appropriation law. This deep dive focuses on DoD but the challenges apply broadly.

2:02 You can learn more about operating under a continuing resolution at https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_reports/RR2200/RR2263/RAND_RR2263.pdf

2:42 some light reading on the execution of funds from the DoD FMR: https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/Volume_14.pdf

4:06 DIB SWAP Study on Appropriations https://media.defense.gov/2019/Jan/16/2002080473/-1/-1/0/DIB_APPROPRIATIONS_SUBGROUP_REPORT_2019.01.15.PDF

5:19 for a detailed overview of the DoD budget process http://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitions/ppbe-overview#:~:text=Budgeting%3A%20The%20Budgeting%20phase%20of,ensure%20efficient%20use%20of%20resources

In the first part of this 3 part series discussing color of money, I dive into the fundamentals of different types of appropriations.

In part 3 of this 3 part series on Other Transaction Authority, I provide insight on how to find OTA opportunities, which agencies are using them and what consortiums you can join.

In part 2 of this series on Other transaction Authority (OTA), I discuss the value of using OTA as it compares with FAR based contracting.

In the first part of this 3 part series on Other Transaction Authority I provide a brief overview of the history of OT and how it impacted the use.