ARMY AL&T
the Phase 2 awardees on Aug. 30, 2023, following the final presentation.
XTech employed proprietary software to ensure fairness and transparency in the evaluation process. This stream- lined approach, which could eliminate biases and normalize results, rendered the competition process as objective and effi- cient. In addition, the vendors received feedback from the judges, as part of the evaluation process, to help them improve future proposal submissions.
Te winners of Phase 2, each receiving a $300,000 prize, were announced on Sept. 7, 2023, marking yet another milestone in this transformative journey.
For Phase 3, the winners from Phase 2 will get an opportunity to demonstrate their PGS final proof-of-concept solution to the government. Te winner of Phase 3 poten- tially could be awarded up to $2 million in a follow-on contract or agreement.
Vendors answered the request for feedback regarding the xTech PGS competition. Tis was especially true for small busi- nesses, which enthusiastically encouraged the Army to continue leveraging this authority. Te xTech platform allowed and incentivized them to invest in technolo- gies, aligning with PM SL’s original goals. Moreover, vendors praised the competi- tion’s ease of entry, relieving them of the need to invest in specialized proposal-writ- ing teams familiar with navigating the complex FAR and DFARS requirements and procedures.
The results were nothing short of extraordinary.
CONCLUSION Te partnership between PM SL and xTech has ushered in a new era of innovation within DOD. By harnessing the power of the 10 U.S.C. § 4025 prize authority and working closely with xTech, PM SL has successfully ignited industry interest in the PGS program, breaking down the barriers that often stifle innovation in the defense sector.
Tis collaboration has streamlined the competition process, as well as advance- ments in unique technologies, allowing small vendors to compete alongside their larger counterparts and fostering an environment where groundbreaking technologies can thrive. As the partner- ship between PM SL and xTech continues to evolve, it stands as a model for future defense innovation efforts. By embrac- ing nontraditional methods, eliminating biases and simplifying the entry process, this partnership promises a brighter, more collaborative future for the defense industry.
As the defense community looks toward the future, the success of the PM SL-xTech collaboration serves as a testament to what can be achieved when government enti- ties and innovative platforms join forces. Te lessons learned from this partnership will undoubtedly inform best practices for future endeavors, guiding program exec- utive offices and their workforces toward more efficient, innovative and collab- orative approaches to meeting DOD’s evolving needs.
In an era marked by rapidly advancing technology and complex security chal- lenges, leveraging innovative approaches and fostering collaboration with industry partners is critical. Trough the xTech Competitive Platform and the 10 U.S.C. § 4025 prize authority, PM SL has connected with nontraditional defense industry and
laid the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive defense ecosystem. Tis, in turn, will play a pivotal role in ensur- ing the readiness and effectiveness of our armed forces, both now and in the future.
For more information, go to https://
www.xtech.army.mil/competition/ xtechsoldier-lethality.
ANDREW H. CLINE is project officer for PGS. He holds an M.S. in management science from Florida Institute of Technology and a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Rhode Island. He is a DAWIA Certified Practitioner in engineering and technical management and in program management.
MAJ. ERIC B. FORSGREN is an assistant product manager for PM SL Soldier Weapons. He holds an M.S. in systems
engineering management from Webber from
the Naval Postgraduate School and a B.S. in business administration sport management
International
University. He holds a Defense Financial Management Level 2 Certification from DOD Financial Management and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification from U.S.
Army Lean Six Sigma.
TRAVIS T. JAMES is an acquisition analyst for PM SL and spearheaded the prize authority use outlined in 10 U.S.C. § 4025 with xTech. He holds a B.S. in business administration and management from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He holds a Professional certification in DOD contracting.
CONTRIBUTOR: Luke A. Graziani is a public affairs specialist for PM SL.
https://asc.ar my.mil
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