Blueprint for Acquisition Reform
Blueprint for Acquisition Reform, Version 3.0
On 9 July 2007, the Commandant of the Coast Guard endorsed the Blueprint for Acquisition Reform as the Coast Guard’s “capstone strategic document for reshaping our acquisition and contracting capabilities.” It represents a key step forward in establishing the capacity and capability of the Coast Guard to organically acquire assets and services. The central goal is to enhance Coast Guard’s mission execution through effective and efficient acquisition and contracting activities, while working with other mission support directorates (CG-1, CG-4, and CG-6) to ensure robust life-cycle systems management.
Since the stand-up of the single Acquisition Directorate on 13 July 2007, nearly 60 percent of the Blueprint for Acquisition Reform, Version 2.0 action items have been completed. A few key accomplishments include:
- Codifying overarching roles and responsibilities of the acquisition function and responsibilities of acquisition personnel.
- Development of a CG-9 Human Capital Strategic Plan and innovative indoctrination and training approaches.
- Independent reviews of draft acquisition/contracting strategies for major systems, as well as Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
- Conversion of the Deepwater Performance Management System (DPMS) to the Acquisition Performance Management System (APMS), and the integration of input from three USCG accounting systems into a complete Acquisition, Construction, and Improvement (AC&I) data set.
- Integration of research and development activities and the Research and Development (R&D) Center into CG-9.
- Ensuring appropriate oversight and project commentary from the Technical Authorities (CG-1, CG-4, and CG-6) and Sponsors (normally CG-7).
- Implemented the documentation of best practices and initiated disciplined compliance with the Major Systems Acquisition Manual (MSAM), including legacy Deepwater projects.
- More active role of the Head Contracting Authority (HCA) organization in oversight and incorporating contracting policy with contracting operations.
Acquisition process reforms such as these are ensuring our projects are successfully completed, and thereby enhancing Coast Guard mission execution. However, acquisition reform efforts continue to evolve, and each July, the Blueprint for Acquisition Reform will be updated. This year’s revision, Version 3.0, includes additional individual action items, adjustments to current action items, and a summary of directorate objectives for the next fiscal year. The document has also been adjusted to reflect Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) guidance released 21 May 2008. During odd years, the Blueprint for Acquisition Reform will undergo a more substantial update as acquisition strategies and priorities are revalidated.
The fundamental mission of the Coast Guard acquisition enterprise remains: to deliver the assets, systems and services that provide our customers (the operating forces) with the best means with which to execute their missions. This document and subsequent revisions provide the framework in which to accomplish this mission.
