Navy Seeks ‘Speed of Software’ in New Acquisition Push

The Navy needs to rapidly acquire new platforms, artificial intelligence and other technologies to enhance force projection and decision-making, Navy officials said this week.

Robotic and Autonomous Systems Portfolio Acquisition Executive and Project Overmatch Director Rebecca Gassler said new requirements, faster acquisition pathways and closer collaboration with industry are critical to bringing commercial solutions into the fleet, including autonomous systems such as uncrewed surface vessels.

“You will see us change our relationship with industry. You will see us want to partner to create deals that work for everyone,” Gassler said Tuesday during AFCEA/USNI WEST in San Diego, California. “How do we create those people that can help [industry] do business with the Navy?”

Speed of Software

Director of the Digital Warfare Office (OPNAV N9I) Thu Van Hendry said the Navy needs to increase acquisition velocity, noting that the Navy must now operate at the “speed of software.” Hendry highlighted the importance of the newly established Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) as a “catcher’s mitt” for scaling innovation.

“Our budgeting and our acquisition processes really weren’t well shaped to be the catcher’s mitt and to be able to scale,” Hendry said. “The way that [RCO staff is] bringing in financial expertise to structure the investments and the deals in a way that truly gets to a win-win for both the performer and the government.”

“It is a way that allows us to have a catcher’s mitt and ecosystem that enables us to scale a lot of the innovation,” van Hendry added.

Breaking the Vertical Stack

Gassler said the service is moving away from “vertically integrated” solutions in which a single prime contractor provides everything from a ship’s hull to the specialized software onboard. She added the Navy is shifting away from “exquisite,” monolithic defense programs toward a modular, “LEGO-like” ecosystem powered by AI and autonomous systems.

“For years and years, we talked about the iPhone model. I’ve been talking about the LEGO model. Those are my Legos, “ Gassler said of the modular systems. “The platforms we need, which sensors and payloads we need … Now I have lots of LEGO pieces. What are you going to do with them?”

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for fast acquisition of autonomous systems to bolster the Navy’s future fleet during his keynote speech Tuesday morning when he unveiled the service’s new warfighting plans.

“Enhanced mission command gives us a clear way to delegate decision authority across the force, matching autonomy to capability and authority the demands of the tactical situation,” Caudle said. “It will ensure we are ready not for the last war, but for the one that is coming.”