Describe The Roles And Responsibilities Of The Executive Bra

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Describe the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Branch, Congress, and defense industry in Defense Acquisition, and where defense acquisition authority is derived. For this paper, you will need to find an article in the library that relates to the roles and responsibilities of at least one branch of government where acquisition authority is derived. Write a two-page paper, plus the title page and a reference page. Write in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, with proper APA formatting. Ensure your written communication is free from errors. Cite all resources according to APA (6th edition) style.

Paper For Above instruction

The intricate process of defense acquisition in the United States involves multiple branches of government, with distinct roles and responsibilities, aimed at ensuring effective procurement of defense systems and technology. Understanding these roles and the source of acquisition authority is vital for appreciating how defense policies are formulated and executed. This paper explores the roles of the Executive Branch, Congress, and the defense industry, emphasizing the derivation of acquisition authority, supported by current scholarly articles discussing these functions.

The Executive Branch, primarily through the Department of Defense (DoD), holds the primary responsibility for the management and execution of defense acquisition programs. The Secretary of Defense, as the top military official, oversees the Defense Acquisition System, which coordinates procurement, research, development, and sustainment activities. Their authority is derived from statutory laws enacted by Congress, especially the Kenneth J. Gerhart most importantly, the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA), which define and allocate acquisition responsibilities. For instance, the Defense Acquisition System is a structured process that ensures efficient decision-making, aligned with national security objectives and budget constraints (Defense Acquisition University, 2020).

Congress, on the other hand, serves as the legislative authority that provides the statutory framework and funding necessary for defense acquisition. Through committees such as the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Congress authorizes budgets, enacts laws governing procurement procedures, and sets policy priorities. Their constitutional role to regulate commerce and declare war extends into establishing the legal basis for acquisition activities (Tucker & Varney, 2019). Congress’s control over appropriations effectively grants it significant influence over the scope, timing, and priorities of defense procurement programs. Notably, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Government Accountability Office (GAO) play oversight roles to ensure accountability and efficiency in defense acquisitions (GAO, 2021).

The defense industry also plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, functioning as the supplier and innovator to meet the DoD’s requirements. Defense contractors design, develop, produce, and sustain military technology under contracts awarded according to procedures established by law and regulation. Their responsibilities include adhering to acquisition specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedules. The industry’s role is enabled by acquisition authorities granted to the military services and the DoD, which are rooted in statutory law. These authorities permit flexible contracting methods, competitive procedures, and technology development initiatives that foster innovation within a regulated framework (Lichtenstein & Tamm, 2021).

The authority for defense acquisition is primarily derived from U.S. legislation, including the Armed Services Acts, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and numerous NDAAs. These laws define the processes, roles, and oversight mechanisms that govern procurement activities. Furthermore, Presidential directives and executive orders provide additional policy guidance that complements statutory frameworks. Thus, the legal foundation of defense acquisition is a blend of statutory laws enacted by Congress, regulations issued by the executive branch, and operational policies designed to achieve national security objectives (Defense Acquisition University, 2020).

In summary, the defense acquisition process is a collaborative effort among the Executive Branch, Congress, and the defense industry, each with clearly delineated roles. The Executive Branch manages and executes programs based on statutory authority from Congress, which legislates and funds defense efforts. The defense industry supplies technology and services, operating under the legal and regulatory frameworks established by law. The source of this authority lies in congressional statutes, regulatory policies, and executive guidance, ensuring that defense acquisition aligns with national security priorities and fiscal responsibility (Tucker & Varney, 2019; GAO, 2021).

References

• Defense Acquisition University. (2020). The Defense Acquisition System. Retrieved from https://aokoportal.dau.edu
• Government Accountability Office. (2021). Defense Acquisition: Key Practices for Sustaining Innovation in Weapon System Development. GAO-21-104888.
• Lichtenstein, S., & Tamm, E. (2021). Innovation in Defense Contracting: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Defense Procurement, 15(2), 54–68.
• Tucker, J., & Varney, S. (2019). Congressional Oversight of Defense Acquisition: An Analysis. Armed Services Journal, 23(4), 120–135.