the NIEs and AWAs to confirm the util- ity to Soldiers of prototype technologies. Requirements writing can become more streamlined,
and technologies can be
procured and delivered to Soldiers at a faster rate.
3. Use industry’s proficiencies effec- tively by making participation in NIEs and AWAs more straightforward.
Industry is ready to help, but it is up to the military to educate them on the technology we need and the processes by which to provide it. While leading defense contractors have the know-how and the ability to bring their technol- ogy into the government sector, we don’t always communicate as well with smaller and nontraditional vendors. Tis is to everyone’s detriment: When government needs are closely held, the requirements
get stuck within a silo, reducing capabil- ity options and increasing the negotiation power of the few industry partners. We also need to ensure effectiveness for equipping beyond PORs, which we can accomplish only through broader indus- try input.
Healthy industry competition pays mul- tiple dividends, including lower costs. If a smaller, niche company has a product prototype with the
exact capabilities
needed, why deter it with bureaucracy? As we move forward with NIE and AWA, we must continue to simplify processes and remove barriers to facilitate the robust participation of all companies. Currently, although information address- ing the processes to participate in these events is posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website, informing the small business community still involves
a certain level of complexity. From my perspective, larger businesses spend con- siderable time and effort tracking NIE and AWA opportunities. However, some smaller businesses capable of provid- ing some of the same critical, lifesaving technologies are not as familiar with the events or the processes. Key areas for improvement include developing and providing clear requirements early in the NIE/AWA process to enable potential vendors to better understand capability gaps and requirements that the Army is trying to source. At the same time, the biggest barrier to maximum vendor par- ticipation continues to be the expectation that vendor capabilities conform to and operate on a classified network.
CONCLUSION NIEs and AWAs are great venues for test- ing and providing early prototypes to be used and assessed by Soldiers. However, a few process tweaks can make these events even more optimal for delivering the right equipment to our warfighters at a faster rate. As we move forward to exe- cute the CSA’s modernization road map, NIEs and AWAs will serve as a critical vehicle to meet Soldiers’ needs.
For more information, go to
www.army. mil/sosei.
COL. TERRECE B. HARRIS is director of the Capability Package Directorate for SoSE&I within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics
and Technology. He holds a DOUBLE-CHECKING SYSTEMS
A Soldier inspects the equipment on the back of her vehicle at the integration motor pool to ensure that everything is connected properly during NIE 16.2 in March at Fort Bliss. The NIE has succeeded in facilitating Soldier-driven design and integration progression.
master’s degree in computer resources and information management from Webster University, a master of strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and a B.S. in computer information systems from Florida A&M University. He is Level III certified in program management and is a member of the Army Acquisition Corps.
ASC.ARMY.MIL 143
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