DISA - Defense Information Systems Agency
02/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/25/2026 12:55
DISA’s acquisition reforms answer Secretary Hegseth's call for speed and agility
DISA's acquisition reforms answer Secretary Hegseth's call for speed and agility
By Lia Carvalho, Strategic Initiatives Group
February 25, 2026
(DISA photo by David Abizaid)
In response to the Department of War's mandate for sweeping acquisition reform, the Defense Information Systems Agency is adopting a new model that has already been slashing delivery times and rapidly fielding integrated capabilities for warfighters.
DISA Acquisition Director and Senior Executive Jason Martin explained the new guidance is not a course correction for DISA, but a validation of a strategy already in motion and a catalyst to accelerate it, directly supporting Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's vision of building a faster, more lethal, and more innovative arsenal of freedom.
A Proactive Strategy Already in Motion
The central message from DISA leaders at a recent industry event was clear: DISA has been succeeding at the Department of War's acquisition model, and with the new formal guidance, it will deliver capabilities to the warfighter even faster.
"We're already doing a lot of these things," Martin explained. "Over the past two years, you've heard me say… that we're going to centralize governance. We have absolutely done that… it forces integration."
Empowering Leaders to Drive Integration
This proactive stance is built on DISA's Portfolio Acquisition Executive model, which shifts authority to empowered leaders to make decisions and integrate capabilities. This change is a deliberate effort to break down the organizational barriers that have historically impeded progress.
A Proactive Strategy Already in Motion
The central message from DISA leaders at a recent industry event was clear: DISA has been succeeding at the Department of War's acquisition model, and with the new formal guidance, it will deliver capabilities to the warfighter even faster.
"We're already doing a lot of these things," Martin explained. "Over the past two years, you've heard me say… that we're going to centralize governance. We have absolutely done that… it forces integration."
Empowering Leaders to Drive Integration
This proactive stance is built on DISA's Portfolio Acquisition Executive model, which shifts authority to empowered leaders to make decisions and integrate capabilities. This change is a deliberate effort to break down the organizational barriers that have historically impeded progress.
"Accountability begins with the PAEs," Martin stated. "They are empowered to make decisions"
This empowerment has been the engine behind DISA's push for speed and has already yielded significant results. Martin pointed to a recent success with the Joint Operational Edge-Coalition Environment prototype as a prime example. "We were told in 90 days we would do JOE-CE. We prioritized, we moved resources around, and we are ready for Keen Edge. We are there now."
(DISA photo by David Abizaid)
A Culture of Risk and Collaboration
This success reflects a willingness to accept calculated risks to avoid delivering obsolete technology. Caroline Bean, DISA PAE for Services, emphasized this move away from perfection and toward speed.
"No more are the days of perfect requirements that I just pass along to you," she said addressing members of industry. "We need to come in, pilot, use things like [other transaction authorities], use the acquisition pathway, prototype, get it out in the field and accept more risk.
"This mindset directly echoes Secretary Hegseth's call for an "85% solution in the hands of our Armed Forces today," she added.
This reform is not just an internal reshuffle; it's a clear signal to industry partners that DISA is changing how it does business. The agency is moving toward a model of "early and continuous collaboration" and is shifting toward "in-person proposal presentations to gain consensus and make decisions much more quickly," Bean explained.
Leading the Way for a More Decisive Future
By transforming its acquisition model over a year ago, DISA has not only anticipated the Department of War's vision but has already proven its effectiveness. As Martin concluded, the result has been a "fundamental change in collaboration, communication, and a general understanding of what integration means across the agency." With this new guidance as a tailwind, DISA is positioned to continue its success in delivering a more agile and lethal force for the 21st century, ensuring the warfighter has the decisive advantage on the digital battlefield.
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