Introduction
The American people’s protection and security are the government’s responsibility. One of the key ways it accomplishes this is by keeping a strong national defense by purchasing military hardware and technologies. The Executive Branch, Congress, and the defense sector all play significant roles in procuring defenses, and certain laws and rules determine their duties. This article will examine these entities’ functions and sources of defense acquisition authority.
Discussion
The Executive Branch of the United States government is in charge of ensuring that American law regulations are properly administered and enforced. The oversight of the military’s purchasing of defense items is a key component of this task (Federal Acquisition Regulations, 2023). To ensure the military’s preparedness and efficiency in defending the country’s interests, this calls for the purchase of a wide range of goods, including weapons, equipment, and technology. Making informed judgments on which projects to sponsor and how to distribute funding for defense procurement is one of the Executive Branch’s most important duties in defense acquisition. The President is ultimately in charge of making sure that the military gets the resources it needs to defend the nation in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Consequently, the role of Congress in defense procurement is crucial. It is responsible for passing laws about defense procurement, such as the Defense Appropriations Bill and the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (Rollins, 2019). These statutes allow financing for certain military projects and provide the legal foundation for defense procurement. Moreover, defense purchase plans must be reviewed and monitored by Congress to ensure they are carried out according to plan.
Further, the development and production of military hardware are the responsibility of the defense sector. This covers various tools, from combat tanks to fighter planes to computer systems and communication devices (Peters, 2022). The military industry is extensively controlled and subject to strict regulations to guarantee the most significant safety, performance, and quality levels. This partnership with the government is essential for guaranteeing that the commodities created by the defense industry are fit for military use and satisfy the requirements of the armed services (Peters, 2022). The government and the defense industry can ensure that the nation’s military capabilities remain robust and effective by collaborating closely.
The authority for defense acquisition is derived from various sources, including legislation, regulations, and executive orders. The NDAA, passed annually by Congress, provides the legal framework for defense acquisition (Rollins, 2019). It outlines the funding levels for specific defense programs and sets guidelines for procurement processes. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provides the regulations that govern the acquisition process, including requirements for competition, cost control, and contract administration. Executive orders, such as the Buy American Act, provide specific guidelines related to procurement, such as requiring that certain products be made in the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Defense acquisition is a complex process involving multiple entities and governed by specific laws and regulations. The Executive Branch, Congress, and the defense industry all play critical roles in ensuring that the military has the equipment and technology necessary to protect the nation. The authority for defense acquisition is derived from various sources, including legislation, regulations, and executive orders. Through the effective collaboration of these entities, the United States can maintain a robust national defense.
References
Federal Acquisition Regulations. (2023). Acquisition.GOV. Web.
Peters, H. M. (2020). Defense acquisitions: DOD’s cybersecurity maturity model certification framework. Library of Congress Washington DC.
Rollins, J.W. (2019). The National Security Council: Background and issues for Congress. Library of Congress Washington DC.