Portfolio Acquisition for Faster Defense

The article argues DoD should move from program‑by‑program buys to portfolio‑level management, paired with 'commercial‑first' sourcing, better use of past performance, clear rules for nontraditional contractors, and acquisition workforce metrics. This structure aims to cut years from procurement timelines and reduce startup attrition in the 'Valley of Death.' — Treating acquisition design as the lever for rearming reframes defense readiness as a governance problem with immediate implications for U.S.–China competition.