Conclusion: Lead First, Fail Fast, Identify the Viable, Execute

PSC’s 2023 Acquisition Policy Survey indicates government acquisitions are in a stable condition, though ambiguity at programmatic and policy levels creates an opportunity for federal leadership action at many different decision points. Decision points exist on how best to apply the composing parts of impact areas for mission execution and to determine if some of these composing parts even work at all. We recognize that systems take time to change, and such leadership will take multiple officials to make multiple choices at multiple different decision points to best implement systems for better government execution of missions: we conclude with one respondent’s ‘message for everyone:’

We need a new approach to risk. We need a new thinking around risk. We have leadership understanding. We have a system that punishes it. How do we encourage risk and reward responsible risk-taking? It is easy to say but complicated to come up with an answer. Failure is still a concern. It has been a challenge for a decade and it will be for next decade. We need to FAIL FAST. Stop doing so many studies, identify the most viable and execute.

We look forward to seeing the decisions leaders will make.