UNDERSTANDING INDUSTRY


FIGURE 1


We need to do a better job of conveying our system and process to them, breaking down the barriers for small businesses to work with DOD. How can we creatively find the technological solu- tion to the problem-after-the-next if we haven’t made a solid effort to have that clear line of communication and break down the barriers to competition from all facets of industry, big defense contractors as well as small business?


Background


This groundbreaking pilot program will serve as a platform for DOD and private sector participants to:


• Gain a better understanding of, and perspective on, each other’s business operations and challenges.


• Share innovative and cost-saving practices.


This exciting professional development opportunity will be consid- ered a detail for participants from DOD.


Who can apply?


This pilot targets high-performing, midcareer-level participants (GS 13-15 or AcqDemo-equivalent payband) with high leadership potential. Candidates should come from the program management, engineering, sustainment, science and technology or contracting business domains, and 10-15 years of experience is highly desired.


When will it start?


Jan. 8 – June 1, 2019: Pilot participation. March/April 2019: Mid-program luncheon.


There will also be an end-of-program opportunity for participants to share lessons learned and provide feedback about their experiences in the pilot.


Where could I possibly go on detail?


All of that is an important part of the clear dialogue and commu- nication that has to take place. In order to do that for a number of our professionals, we have programs like Training with Indus- try (TWI), which helps build that competency inside our force. After working with industry, Army acquisition professionals can return to the organizations they work for and explain to those around them who may not have had the opportunity to go spend a year with industry what they learned, sharing that experience with them.


Tis year DOD has a pilot program, the Industry Exchange Program, which will not only place high-performing, midcareer civilians in industry, but also will bring industry participants to work inside of our organizations. Te program will allow DOD civilians and private sector participants to gain a better under- standing of each other’s business operations and challenges, while sharing innovative and cost-saving practices. Naturally, we will be careful to make sure that any areas that might cause a conflict of interest are addressed ahead of time so that we don’t give any unfair advantages or provide any type of inappropriate access. Deloitte, Unisys, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lock- heed Martin, General Motors, Jacobs, Guidehouse (formerly PricewaterhouseCoopers Public Sector), Booz Allen Hamilton and Raytheon have agreed to host DOD exchange participants in this pilot. (See Figure 1.)


I think the more open we are with businesses about our processes and challenges, the more open they will be. I’ve typically found industry to be very willing to explain what they do and why they do it. Tere are many opportunities for the Army and indus- try to find better ways of doing business together to provide the best products to Soldiers in the field. I suggest every reader do what they can to foster this important government-industry partnership.


How do I apply?


Talk to your supervisor about your qualifications and to see if this opportunity may be avaliable to you. For more details, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/career-development/programs/dod-iep.


BROADENING ACQUISITION PERSPECTIVES


DOD is rolling out the pilot of its Industry Exchange Program, which will enable civilian employees and private sector participants to better understand each other’s business operations and challenges. (Graphic courtesy of the Office of the Director, Acquisition Career Management)


128


Army AL&T Magazine


January-March 2019


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