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AIA Welcomes Defense Department Efficiency Measures

Statement by AIA President & CEO Marion C. Blakey commending Defense Secretary Gates on the efficiency measures announced today

August 10, 2010

Secretary Gates took a number of bold steps in his continuing effort to make the Defense Department and its acquisition system function more efficiently today. In particular we applaud the plan to rationalize DOD resources by eliminating needless duplication, consolidating IT infrastructure and closing a number of excess facilities. These steps closely track several of AIA’s recommendations for eliminating inefficiencies in both government and industry that were submitted to DOD in July. We are also pleased that the steps announced today explicitly exempt the acquisition workforce from planned cuts. Our acquisition system is badly in need of reform, and the reconstitution of the acquisition workforce is a vital part of that effort. Secretary Gates is to be congratulated on his drive to streamline government operations and bring down costs.