A recent Reuters article pointed to the current acquisition rules as hampering our ability to quickly respond to cyber attacks against the networks, weapons, and the industry at larger.  There is without question a large bureaucracy that often seems more inclined to say “no” than “move out” when it comes to rapid response to threats.  However, it is also clear that a decision paralysis often prevails because decision makers are concerned of being second-guessed and questioned after the fact.

Decision makers, especially those navigating complex acquisition processes, need to know the boundaries — particularly what is allowed — and how to ensure they stay inside the lines. However, the paralysis of fortitude bears as much responsibility for slow responses as do the rules themselves. There are communities of excellence that know how to make the acquisition process flow quickly and efficiently by leveraging the limited number of rules that absolutely, positively must be followed. To succeed, they ask the finance, contract, and legal counsel “how can I make this happen?” rather than focusing on “am I allowed to do this?”

The rules are there to guide the acquisition, not hinder it. Learn to use them wisely.

Military acquisition rules hamper U.S. ability to counter cyber threats in.reuters.com

By Andrea Shalal COLORADO SPRINGS Colo. (Reuters) – U.S. military experts on Monday said current acquisition rules hamper their ability to respond quickly to a growing number of cyber attacks against U.S. weapons and computer networks and new…