What We’ve Got Here Is Failure to Communicate: How Better Communication Can Improve DoD Acquisition Outcomes

Abstract

"This research identifies where poor communication between DoD and industry, between DoD and Congress, and internally within DoD is hampering acquisition outcomes. These challenges are widely acknowledged, having been cited by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, the DoD small business office, industry, and Congress. Poor communication leads to poor requirements, inefficient budgeting, a less effective public comment process for regulations and policy Requests for Information, distrust between Congress and DoD, and an increase in bid protests, and otherwise strains the DoD–industry relationship. Our research provides a framework for identifying and defining communication challenges, including lack of clarity, withholding information, lack of trust, one-way communication, and communication processes that often lack the substantive discussions intended by the formal communication process. Our research also identifies where communications challenges exist, assesses the impact of these challenges on the acquisition process and its outcomes, identifies causes, and recommends approaches to improving communication and collaboration. "