Introduction:
Frank Calvelli was appointed as the Pentagon’s first-ever senior acquisition executive responsible for military space programs on May 5, 2022, a role established by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. As the Air Force assistant secretary for acquisition and integration, Calvelli oversaw Space Force-related spending, totaling approximately $20 billion last year across various agencies.
Legacy and Acquisition Tenets:
In an exclusive exit interview, Calvelli shared insights on his legacy, emphasizing the importance of judicious program management. He highlighted the establishment of a culture centered around project management discipline, prioritizing cost and schedule adherence. He stressed that execution, his ninth tenet, is the most crucial aspect and detailed the implementation of quarterly reviews and bi-weekly updates with program executive officers to monitor progress.
Innovative Strategies in Acquisition:
Calvelli acknowledged the diverse acquisition strategies being explored, moving away from the traditional monolithic ground systems to more segmented approaches. He praised agencies like SSC, SpRCO, and SDA for experimenting with new methodologies, recognizing the potential effectiveness of breaking projects into manageable parts rather than awarding large contracts to singular prime contractors.
The Role of Experience:
Calvelli pointed out the necessity of experience in acquisition, particularly in the area of satellite programs. He lamented the high turnover rates within the Department of Defense, which prevent personnel from gaining the necessary expertise. He advocated for smaller systems to foster ownership and continuity, allowing personnel to remain with programs from inception to completion.
Addressing Cost Overruns and Industry Trust:
Calvelli expressed concern over cost overruns, stating that such discrepancies „rob our future.” He emphasized the need for thorough evaluations during the proposal process to ensure executable programs. He warned against what he termed „Taco Bell Syndrome,” where the cheapest bids win despite a lack of expertise. He emphasized a cautionary stance on trusting industry contractors too readily, pointing out that „industry lies.”
Supporting the Space Development Agency:
Calvelli had been a strong supporter of the Space Development Agency (SDA), ensuring that it retained its authorities during its transition into the Department of the Air Force. He noted the significance of the upcoming Tranche 1 launches this spring, stating that their success could validate the agency’s approach to building rapid, small satellites for various mission areas.
Conclusion:
The success of the Tranche 1 launches will be pivotal for SDA. Calvelli remarked that the true measure of success will not only be the speed of satellite production but their actual utilization by operational forces. If the satellites are launched effectively and meet operational needs, it will validate the SDA’s strategies; failure to do so may prompt a reevaluation of their acquisition methods.