Defense Dept. to Streamline Acquisition Regs The Defense Department plans to rewrite, streamline and shorten the massive Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. According to information posted at the Defense Acquisition Regulations Directorate website, http://www.acq.osd.mil/dp/dars/transf.htm, the effort is “a major transformation initiative to identify dramatic improvements and reductions to procurement policies, procedures and processes” in the DFARS. “My mark is to reduce the regulatory burden by 40 to 60 percent and cut the regulation process in half,” wrote Michael Wynne, principal deputy undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, in a memo announcing the review last month. He said the goal is “to initiate dramatic improvements to the procurement process; reduce costs and administrative burdens; and foster the generation of creative and innovative ideas.” In information accompanying the announcement, DOD said, “We’ve already determined that about 60% of the DFARS is driven by internal policies and procedures and not driven by statute or Federal policies. While many policies and procedures in the DFARS are sound they may not always be the most effective approach for every situation and certainly do not require restrictive regulations in every case. Our main focus is to improve our processes and add value. The initiative will result in a significantly reduced regulation.” The DFARS has not undergone a significant overhaul since the late 1980s, DOD said. The department said it is asking industry associations as well as federal acquisition personnel for suggestions. The task force is headed by Ron Poussard, deputy director of the Defense Acquisition Regulation System in the office of Deidre Lee, director of Defense procurement and acquisition policy. It plans to recommend proposed changes by April 30. Any legislative recommendations will be sent to Congress later. Proposed changes can be submitted through the website.