Challenges Facing Non-Traditional Contractors

As the Department of Defense (DOD) focuses on reforming its acquisition system to move “at the speed of relevance,” one critical goal is to better recruit and engage with “non-traditional contractors” to deliver the weaponry and services necessary to maintain our technological edge and national security. The DoD must understand why these firms are not interested in or aware of supplying and supporting new and cutting-edge products and services. What do we now need for the DoD to increase its business partnerships with non-traditional contractors, and thus bring more ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and new products and services to the defense market sooner to maintain our military edge?