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Empowering the Defense Acquisition Workforce to Improve Mission Outcomes Using Data Science (2021) / Chapter Skim
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7 Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations
Pages 78-82

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From page 78...
... DATA SCIENCE IN DOD ACQUISITION Finding 4.1: Data science has improved acquisitions processes by en hancing program and contracting analysis, tracking cost and program performance, enabling analysis of alternatives, and informing decision making. Finding 4.2: There are several current shortcomings in the front end of data science processes in defense acquisition -- namely in, data collec tion and curation.
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From page 79...
... Conclusion 4.2: A common data infrastructure and platforms, ­personnel training and tools, and access to DoD-wide data are major long-term data science investments that will have long-term positive impact on acquisition processes. Conclusion 4.3: Improved data use and the data life cycle could be ­applied to urgent, high-profile challenges in defense acquisition.
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From page 80...
... Finding 5.6: Executing the data life cycle is a collaborative endeavor and generally requires a collective skillset found in teams of data engi­ neers, data scientists, data analysts, data users, domain experts, and leaders/decision makers. Conclusion 5.4: A data-capable defense acquisition workforce must -- as a whole -- have access to the full range of data science capabilities, from data collection and curation to data analysis and visualization.
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From page 81...
... Finding 6.1: Some data-relevant courses in DoD use oversimplified data or scenarios with limited access to real data, preventing the student from learning how to deal with the inherent uncertainties and chal lenges in real acquisition data with all their complexity and quality issues. Recommendation 6.1: Institutions that provide training for defense acquisition professionals should ensure that courses integrate r­ ealistic data and challenges in currently available courses, including non-data focused courses.
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From page 82...
... This report can be used -- in guiding such a review, assessment, and plan -- to embed the data life cycle into the acquisition process, establish roles and teams for executing the data life cycle, and build training opportunities for the acquisition workforce. Attention to workforce empowerment and training throughout the data life cycle, as outlined in this report, will further enhance DoD e­ fforts to improve data use in defense acquisition, incorporate data-informed decision making, and advance the acquisition process.
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Key Terms

  • data life
  • defense acquisition
  • acquisition workforce
  • science training
  • acquisition leadership

  • improve data
  • acquisition process
  • science degrees
  • training opportunities
  • improve defense

  • additional data
  • data literacy
  • dod acquisition
  • acquisition personnel
  • evolving data

  • data scientists
  • acquisition processes
  • science investments
  • science capabilities
  • science technologies

  • training partnerships
  • baseline data
  • improved data
  • suitable training
  • acquisition finding

  • science applications
  • science broadly
  • build training
  • science processes
  • training options


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