Breaking Barriers in Defense Acquisition Event Overview

This document is a guide detailing the upcoming event titled 'Breaking Barriers in Defense Acquisition,' hosted by MITRE on May 7th and 8th. The event aims to address the challenges faced in defense acquisition, particularly the integration of advanced technological solutions into warfighting capabilities. It highlights the need for alignment between the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and industry, especially with new defense tech innovators. The document outlines the objectives of the event, which include delivering recommendations for capability-driven acquisition pathways, enhancing software-intensive systems, and fostering a thriving Allied industrial base. It emphasizes the importance of mission-focused and industry-driven rapid acquisition, proposing critical questions about accelerating the deployment of innovative capabilities and leveraging existing policies to speed acquisition. The guide also discusses the significance of engaging industry early in the development lifecycle to improve mission success and reduce barriers for rapid technology adoption.