ARMY AL&T WINTER ISSUE SPOTLIGHTS ALTERNATIVE ACQUISITION

by Ellen Summey

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Jan. 3, 2022)—The Winter 2022 issue of Army AL&T magazine takes a closer look at “Alternative Acquisition.” According to Nelson McCouch III, Army AL&T editor-in-chief, “the Army Acquisition Workforce is breaking the cycle of insanity by stepping outside of the ‘normal’ Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based process and actively seeking ways to disrupt the cycle” through methods including other-transaction authority agreements and Simplified Acquisition Procedures, “both contracting methods designed to streamline the acquisition process.” Read how:

Optimism about Army modernization just might be reasonable, thanks to alternatives to FAR-based acquisition. Don’t miss FAR/NOT FAR.
Other-transaction authority (OTA) agreements power the Army’s Medical Research and Development Command. Read more in DOUBLE TIME.
The Army is looking at a new business model for satellite communications that could bundle equipment and services. Find out more in KEEPING PACE, CUTTING COSTS.
Agile acquisition accelerates emerging technology transition to warfighters in AIM-ING HIGH.
Modern waveforms will enhance secure communications in future conflicts. Learn more in WAVES ACROSS SPACE.

As always, Army AL&T relies on contributions from you, members of the Army Acquisition Workforce and our stakeholders. To learn more about how to publish an article in Army AL&T magazine, go to https://asc.army.mil/web/publications/army-alt-submissions/ to see our writer’s guidelines, upcoming deadlines and themes.

Winter 2022 Army AL&T

FROM THE AAE

A TAILORED APPROACH

New Adaptive Acquisition Framework provides pathways to simplify and expedite capability requirements.

ALTERNATIVE ACQUISITION

FAR/NOT FAR

The NEXUS laboratory charts the future of medical performance.

DOUBLE TIME

OTAs power USAMRDC with speed, options.

FACES OF THE FORCE: MAJ. MICHAEL SIDMAN

Nothing to prove.

KEEPING PACE, CUTTING COSTS

The Army is looking at a new business model for satellite communications that could bundle equipment and services.

AIM-ING HIGH

Agile acquisition accelerates emerging technology transition to warfighters.

WAVES ACROSS SPACE

Modern waveforms will enable secure communications in future conflicts.

FEATURE ARTICLES

TIP OF THE NEEDLE

U.S. Army Medical Acquisition Team supplies DOD, nation with syringes for COVID-19 vaccinations.

FACES OF THE FORCE: MAJ. ANDREA MOUNTNEY

Why ask why?

VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE

Defense Acquisition University has made drastic changes to its offerings in the face of COVID-19, to better support Army acquisition professionals around the world.

INNOVATION DRAWS INTERNATIONAL INTEREST

A demonstration of counter-unmanned aircraft systems solutions generates interest from 16 foreign partners.

THE HERO PRIMER

A new tank cartridge primer reduces manufacturing time and critical defects, improving overall ammunition safety for Soldiers.

FACES OF THE FORCE: KAITLYN TANI

Focused on impact.

WORKFORCE

FROM THE DACM: BETTER SOLUTIONS FASTER

MTA and OTA speed the process of getting the best equipment into the hands of our Soldiers.

FUTURE OF WORK—PRESENT TENSE

How the Army’s leaders can shape the workplace of tomorrow, starting today.

FACES OF THE FORCE: MAJ. MEGAN M. PEKOL-EVANS