MITRE / Atomik
Breaking Barriers in Defense Acquisition
Significant hurdles remain in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition process, particularly for nontraditional contractors.
MITRE’s first-ever Defense Acquisition Survey surveyed 1,004 professionals across the defense acquisition ecosystem, including government and military officials and private sector executives from companies of all sizes, among others. The survey was fielded ahead of MITRE’s Breaking Barriers in Defense Acquisition Summit that is bringing together public and private sector stakeholders to explore defense acquisition solutions.
57% identified the inflexibility and complexity of acquisition processes as the most significant challenge to participation.
“The survey data underline the pressing need to reduce bureaucracy and adopt modern digital technologies to ensure an acquisition ecosystem that is agile, effective, and inviting to innovative new entrants, particularly tech start-ups and small businesses,” said Keoki Jackson, senior vice president and general manager, MITRE National Security.
Perceived as Key Barriers:
- 57% Inflexibility and complexity
- 36% Cost-type contracts
- 34% Supply chain reliability
Addressing these systemic challenges is essential for a strong national defense.
Survey Findings Reflect Diverging Perspectives
All respondents emphasized the need for reform; however, executives from small- and medium-sized business (SMB) expressed a unique perspective that underscores the disparities within the system. These businesses perceive lower resource efficiency (54%), slower delivery speeds (59%), and diminished confidence in the operational effectiveness of defense acquisition processes (58%), compared to other stakeholders.
While a wide majority — around 80% or more — of other respondent groups remarked positively for those three areas, far fewer — or just over half of — SMB executives also indicated positive remarks.
Negative perceptions of DoD's acquisition processes remain a critical concern.
Are We Better Off Than Five Years Ago
"Reduce redundant oversight by aligning reporting to mission outcomes."
– Survey respondent
Since the launch of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework in 2020, some extreme negative perceptions of defense acquisition processes have softened. However, the framework has not dramatically changed how stakeholders feel about participating in the defense acquisition process. Negative perceptions of DoD's acquisition processes, often tied to rigid structures and complex contracting requirements, remain a critical concern.
When prompted on what would most improve the speed, responsiveness, or efficiency of defense acquisition, respondents pointed to:
- Reducing bureaucracy (21%)
- Adopting modern digital technologies (20%)
- Streamlining approval layers and simplifying procedures (16%)
By prioritizing modern technology adoption and strategic reforms, we can accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to U.S. warfighters.
Survey Methodology
The survey, conducted by Atomik Research as commissioned by MITRE between April 7 and April 21, 2025, included responses from 1,004 acquisition professionals across various sectors. All were carefully screened for relevant expertise and familiarity with defense acquisition processes. Respondents were partitioned into four groups: military/government, small- and medium-sized business executives, large-enterprise business executives, and the larger defense ecosystem (nonprofits, academia, think tanks, and research facilities). The sample yields a statistical margin of error of ±3 percentage points with a confidence level of 95%.
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Breaking Barriers in Defense Acquisition
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National Security Engineering Center
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