The Defense Acquisition University recently recognized the latest graduates of the Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program, a 12-month program designed to equip defense professionals with the necessary tools to bridge the gap between the Defense Department and innovative commercial technology providers. The program, a collaboration between DAU and the Defense Innovation Unit, aims to keep pace with commercial product cycles and adopt best practices for commercial procurement within DOD. This year’s graduates include contracting officers from various branches of the military and agencies, highlighting the critical role of partnerships in shaping the defense acquisition workforce of the future.
The ICAP curriculum combines virtual classrooms with experiential learning through prototype projects, with four main goals: educating top DOD contracting officers on acquiring innovative commercial technologies, providing insight into the commercial market and nontraditional defense contractors, empowering change agents to craft effective acquisition strategies, and training contracting officers to be fluent in the innovation ecosystem. The program ensures that professionals remain well-positioned across the defense acquisition ecosystem to drive change and solve DOD’s most pressing challenges. DIU’s mission is rooted in disrupting the traditional acquisition process, taking calculated risks, and building networks to succeed in the future, both within the department and with the private sector.
Following the graduation ceremony, a discussion on innovation in DOD was held with John M. Tenaglia, the principal director of defense pricing, contracting, and acquisition policy within the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Tenaglia expressed his support for the new ICAP cohort and emphasized the importance of policies and resources that enable innovation in the department. Riesbeck discussed the Defense Innovation Community of Entities working group, which focuses on talent management and professional development across the defense innovation ecosystem. Initiatives include the development of a department-wide innovation badge to recognize unique innovation competencies obtained through coursework and experience, providing a permanent record of accomplishments and skills for DOD personnel.
Overall, the partnership between DAU and DIU plays a crucial role in equipping defense acquisition professionals with the necessary tools and insights to effectively incorporate commercial technologies and nontraditional vendors into DOD’s acquisition ecosystem. The ICAP program ensures that contracting officers are well-prepared to navigate the changing landscape of defense procurement and drive innovation within the department. By fostering partnerships, empowering change agents, and providing relevant training, the program contributes to the development of a skilled and forward-thinking defense acquisition workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
