All Hands Update on Acquisition Reform

Shipmates,
Below is an All Hands E Mail that the Vice Commandant (and Component Acquisition Executive) just sent each of our members. I applaud VADM Crea's initiative to be absolutely clear regarding the the changes in our acquisition program that we in the Coast Guard have sought as part of our Blueprint for Acquisition Reform. We will continue to improve our processes in our effort to provide the capability possible to our men and women.

Thank you VADM Crea.


To the men and women of the Coast Guard -

A few weeks ago, DHS, with the Coast Guard's full knowledge and support, resumed its authority as the acquisition decision authority for Deepwater projects. We welcome this decision as a formalization of how we actually have been operating this past year, and it brings Deepwater into the fold of the normal acquisition process. This restores the checks and balance we desire, and provides full transparency to our acquisition process.

The re-establishment of DHS as the acquisition decision authority for Deepwater projects has been widely misinterpreted as a disciplinary measure with negative ramifications for the Coast Guard. In fact, the language simply memorializes a best practice that the Coast Guard voluntarily implemented ten months ago based on our lessons-learned from early Deepwater management mistakes, a topic which has been the subject of extensive Congressional testimony.

On Friday, RADM Gary Blore, the Assistant Commandant for Acquisition (CG-9), clarified for his entire directorate several misrepresentations made in traditional and social media outlets concerning the Department of Homeland Security's rescission of its delegation of authority to the Coast Guard for acquisition of Deepwater projects. As the Coast Guard's Acquisition Executive, I want to confirm RADM Blore's message and to emphasize two points for all of our personnel.

Since April 17, 2007, when the Commandant articulated his vision for Acquisition reform, RADM Blore and his entire team have made remarkable progress to improve our acquisition programs across the board. Both the Department and the Coast Guard have complete faith in the new Acquisition program. We have turned the corner from our early mistakes and we are confident that our acquisitions are on track and are being conducted in the best interest of the American public and the Coast Guard. Just this past week there were several examples of how our Acquisition Directorate ensures that the Coast Guard has the right resources to sustain excellent mission execution. These examples include: underway operational tests and evaluation aboard the National Security Cutter; the opening of a second production facility for the superbly designed and capable RB-M; an integrated FRC acquisition team site visit to an impressive parent craft equivalent for the Sentinel-Class; and the acceptance of our sixth HC-144 . These recent milestones show how our reformed acquisition program is better preparing the Coast Guard for All Hazards - All Threats.

As the Commandant stated in his "Way Ahead" message, "Unfortunately, it is impossible to ensure that information passed via the social media is complete and accurate, thus, the reader has to assume responsibility for judging the validity of the information." We can each mitigate that effect by being aware of what information is being communicated on issues related to our duties within the Coast Guard. Where opportunities present themselves to educate, inform, and in some cases correct the public record, I encourage you to do that in a deliberate and professional fashion in accordance with Coast Guard policies. Be an e-Guardian.

Semper Paratus!
Vice Admiral Vivien S. Crea
Vice Commandant and Component Acquisition Executive