"The Task Force investigated the lessons learned from the Patriot system performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and assessed if these lessons could be incorporated into the continuing development of Patriot and its follow-on system, the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS)"--Introduction.

This document contains the final report of the DSB study on Defense Acquisition Reform (Phase II). The Phase I report firmly acknowledged the need to adopt commercial practices as a way of doing business, and developed a set of reform initiatives designed to accelerate the required changes. The thrust of the Phase II effort was to further define these areas by examining specific industry segments, identifying specific combatant commands for increase responsibility in the requirements process, and further identification of the barriers to the adoption of commercial practices. The Task Force concludes that: mature jet engines, microelectronics, software, and space systems can and should be procured and supported in a fully commercial environment; USACOM and CENTCOM should be given increased technical cadres to further their capability to participate in the requirements process; and it is feasible to eliminate may of the barriers to adoption of commercial practices without sacrificing the public trust in spending public funds.

This report is a product of the Defense Science Board (DSB). The DSB is a Federal Advisory Committee established to provide independent advice to the Secretary of Defense. Statements, opinions, conclusions, and recommendations in this report do not necessarily represent the official position of the Department of Defense. Attached is the report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on the Capabilities of Non-DoD Providers of Science and Technology, Systems Engineering and Test and Evaluation. This Study was requested by the Under Secretary of Defense (AT & L) in the Fall of 1998. The Terms of deterence directed that the Task Force make recommendations on: Non-DoD sources of Science and Technology and Systems Engineering - Processes tor out-sourcing of Science and Technology and System Engineering.

Recent events in the Air Force surrounding the illegal actions of former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Darleen Druyun highlighted the need to review the management and oversight structure of acquisition activities in the Department of Defense (DoD). DoD, through the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics USD(AT AND L), established the Defense Science Board (DSB) Task Force on Management Oversight of Acquisition Organizations to examine its acquisition structures and processes; survey and assess best practices; and recommend changes to improve checks and balances to better ensure acquisition integrity. The Task Force was also asked to consider whether: (1) structural problems exist that place too much decision authority in one individual or at a level without adequate oversight; and (2) a simplified acquisition structure could improve both efficiency and oversight. The Task Force was co-chaired by two members of the Defense Science Board. Task Force members and key contributors included former Defense Department and other Federal Government officials, as well as members of industry and academia. During the course of its work, the Task Force reviewed a wide array of written materials and heard from experts in the fields of acquisition, procurement, ethics and integrity, human resources, leadership, organization, oversight, and best practices.