Overview of the Review Initiative
The Defense Department’s acquisition office is undertaking a review to evaluate whether the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) performance and acquisition strategies align with the needs of warfighters. There is also consideration regarding the continuation of SDA’s independent status within the Space Force. This information comes from a memo dated January 31, obtained by Breaking Defense.
Formation of an Independent Review Team
In the memo, Steven Morani, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, has requested that the Department of the Air Force form an Independent Review Team (IRT). This team will assess the current health of SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) programs. The Department of the Air Force oversees the Space Force but has allowed SDA flexibility in some acquisition decisions, while maintaining some oversight through the Assistant Secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration.
Importance of the Review Findings
Morani’s memo underscores that the review should not disrupt ongoing investigations or contracts. However, if significant risks related to contracting strategies, funding, schedules, or performance arise, the IRT is to characterize these risks and suggest corrective actions. A potential corrective measure could involve reassessing SDA’s semi-independent status within the Space Force, creating room for organizational changes based on the review’s findings.
Uncertainty Around Memo Approval
At this point, the approval status of Morani’s memo by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth remains unclear, as does its circulation within the Department of the Air Force, Space Force, and SDA.
Congressional Perspective on SDA
Despite earlier skepticism regarding its establishment, SDA has recently received praise for its innovative and rapid acquisition methods that some suggest should serve as a model for the Space Force’s broader acquisition programs managed by Space Systems Command (SSC). However, there are ongoing concerns among Space Force and SSC officials about SDA’s transition plans for its satellites and ground stations for operational use.
Concerns Regarding Integration and Budgeting
Government sources indicate that clarity is needed on how the PWSA missile Tracking Layer will integrate with SSC’s planned missile warning systems. Furthermore, there has been observed lack of Space Force budget planning for the future operations of the PWSA network, with SDA’s first operational satellite launches expected this spring.
Vision for PWSA
The PWSA aims to deploy multiple constellations of small satellites in low Earth orbit, designed for rapid data relay, missile tracking, and potentially augmenting Global Positioning System capabilities.
Leadership Changes and Reported Concerns
Morani’s memo may help to clarify the recent decision of the Air Force not to appoint Ryan Frigm, SDA’s deputy, as acting director after the former director, Derek Tournear, was placed on administrative leave. Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant and then William Blauser were subsequently appointed to lead in this interim phase. These leadership changes arose in the context of Senator Kevin Cramer’s concerns regarding the perceived subordination of SDA under SSC, which contradicts the intentions outlined in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act emphasizing SDA’s separate status.
Conclusion and Call for Action
Senator Cramer has expressed strong views on the implications of these developments for DoD innovation, arguing that the treatment of SDA could deter future initiatives. He stresses the need to rectify this situation promptly to uphold Congress’s directive for SDA’s independence within the Space Force.
