DoD and Federal Industrial Base Challenges

CIB convenes experts and policy makers to discuss the workings of the federal acquisition system and industrial base challenges and conducts research to explore potential reforms

The acquisition system is critical to how government functions, yet it is plagued by inefficiencies and organizational obstacles that prevent a more streamlined, cost-effective acquisition process. The most urgent needs of the system shift over time, as demonstrated by the strain the U.S. response to the Russian war in Ukraine put on munition stockpiles. CIB’s work focuses on making the system more agile and resilient by scaling defense production, encouraging new market entrants, accelerating the path from prototype to deployment, and adapting requirements processes after the end of JCIDS.

The Center also considers how industrial policy and tools like the Defense Production Act can be strengthened, how sustainment initiatives can be strengthened at home and abroad, and how small businesses can better compete and contribute. By critically examining key issue areas with DoD and industry partners, CIB aims to identify opportunities for strengthening acquisition, production, and sustainment across the defense industrial base.

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Outlining the Challenges to U.S. Naval Shipbuilding

The U.S. naval shipbuilding enterprise struggles to produce ships at the scale and speed demanded despite being a bipartisan priority for successive administrations and Congress. The White House must tackle complex, longstanding challenges to improve shipbuilding capacity.

Report by Seamus P. Daniels, Henry H. Carroll, Cynthia R. Cook, Oliver Buntin, and Sarah O’Rourke — December 16, 2025

Putting the Industrial Base on a Wartime Footing

Putting the industrial base on a wartime footing will require strong leadership and consistent funding, with an investment in readiness for day one of any conflict, and the ability to maintain, repair, and replace the capabilities needed to prevail in any future fight. 

Commentary by Jerry McGinn and Cynthia R. Cook — December 5, 2025

Who Controls the Wrench: The Debate Over the “Right to Repair”

It is often a challenge for the government to repair its own equipment because it lacks access to the intellectual property necessary for sustainment. But there are pros and cons to the government having the right to repair.

Critical Questions by Jerry McGinn, Audrey Aldisert, and Kurt MacAloney — November 6, 2025

What to Expect from Secretary Hegseth’s November 7 Speech on the Arsenal of Freedom

Secretary Hegseth’s upcoming “Arsenal of Freedom” address signals a possible historic shift in U.S. defense acquisition and the industrial base—aimed at undoing decades of consolidation, revitalizing industrial capacity, and reforming how the Pentagon delivers capabilities to the warfighter.

Commentary by Jerry McGinn — November 5, 2025

How Does the Government Shutdown Impact the U.S. Industrial Base?

The government shutdown will have a substantial impact on the industrial base. While work will continue on contracts that are already funded, no new obligations of funds are permitted unless tied to an excepted activity. 

Critical Questions by Jerry McGinn, Katy Buda, and Audrey Aldisert — October 6, 2025

Defense Mobilization in the 21st Century

COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine exposed deep vulnerabilities in the U.S. defense industrial base. Decades of offshoring, cost-cutting, and reliance on adversarial suppliers have eroded resilience—putting national security at risk when global supply chains falter.

Congressional Testimony by Christine Michienzi — March 6, 2025