by Nicole Sokolowski
Big data is big news across the U.S. Department of Defense. Experts cite that the use of data analytics leads to improved decision-making. Currently, there are many opportunities to streamline data standards, improve data silos, increase the use of data analytics and standardize tools across DOD. Our team has seen firsthand how improved data management and IT modernization can lead to an improved data position within the DOD.
In the conference report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, Congress expressed concern that the DOD did not “sufficiently incorporate data into its acquisition-related learning and decision-making."
Prompted by the report, nonprofit research firm RAND Corporation conducted an analysis that broke down and measured DOD acquisition functions, data governance and training to assess how data and associated analytics support DOD acquisition decision-making.
This blog summarizes the RAND Corporation report, Research Report RR-3136.
The study determined that DOD has made progress in improving its data and analytic capabilities
Data analytics currently support acquisition decision-making across a variety of acquisition functions (e.g., market research, audit, risk analysis, supply chain management, contracting, cost estimation, production and sustainment).
DOD has made progress in improving its data and analytic capabilities.
DOD research is exploring opportunities and expanded acquisition applications for data analytics such as:
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Early detection of program problems
- Data integration for risk analysis
- Supply chain network analysis
There are a number of opportunities to improve the use of data analytics within DOD, including the use of commercial best practices.
Capabilities are advancing, but more remains to be done.
Threats or barriers to the use of data analytics include:
- Long-standing and existing data stovepipes.
- Lack of data sharing due to security, cultural and management concerns.
- Inconsistent data access across DOD.
- Difficulty using modern analytic software because of security concerns.
There are a number of opportunities to improve the use of data analytics within DOD, including the use of commercial best practices.
We appreciate the work the RAND Corporation did to assess the DOD’s use of data to improve acquisition practices – and look forward to tracking the DOD’s data progress.
REFERENCES
RAND Corporation | https://www.rand.org/
RAND Corporation | Assessing Department of Defense Use of Data Analytics and Enabling Data Management to Improve Acquisition Outcomes | https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR3136.html
U.S. Congress | NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 CONFERENCE REPORT TO ACCOMPANY S. 2943 | Enhanced use of data analytics to improve acquisition program outcomes (p. 1125) | https://www.congress.gov/114/crpt/hrpt840/CRPT-114hrpt840.pdf