The Problem

We have identified the US Government’s biggest challenge when it comes to federal acquisition – and it’s not a secret. When an RFI or RFP hits the streets, it’s the same old 2% of companies that respond. Where are the other 98%?! To propel the US Government back to the top of innovation we must find and connect with non-traditional contractors and our nation’s great innovators. Several organizations in government and industry are talking about the problem, yet we are getting nowhere. The key to solving the problem is finding the right companies and then right acquisition strategy.

Finding the Right Companies

Cross-service partnering is the best way to accelerate technology transition, but the solution for how this is done remains elusive to most. Despite the unifying call for programs to operate at a joint level, the barriers to coordinating across government are daunting. When sourcing innovative solutions, the US Government needs better mechanisms to identify and connect with sister organizations and initiatives across the branches to leverage sources of innovation that are already being funded. There’s no sense in using taxpayer dollars to pay for the same thing twice. 

Finding the Right Acquisition Strategy

The time it takes for small businesses to successfully get under contract plus the barriers of gov’t compliance causes nontraditional sources of innovation to steer clear of US Government opportunities. US Gov’t Executive Leadership is looking to expand the supplier base, yet those companies are working commercially or going overseas. Through DXI leadership, the USG is greatly benefiting from the utilization of a pre-vetted ecosystem of small, nontraditional businesses that have easily accessible, low-cost contract solutions. These offerings are tailored to have a flexible scope with a high ceiling to rapidly subcontract to other nontraditional suppliers in order to meet the needs and requirements of the USG effectively and efficiently.