The Space Force’s top acquisition official, Frank Calvelli, wants authority to blacklist underperforming defense contractors. The Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization Act mandated the creation of a Contractor Responsibility Watch List for Space Systems Command, which holds companies accountable for poor performance and cost overruns. Calvelli told lawmakers he wants this tool expanded for more authority.
While Space Systems Command has not confirmed use of the CRWL, Calvelli has promoted its use by acquisition officers. He has listed contractor accountability as a key tenet for successful space acquisition programs. Calvelli has challenged the Space Force to move faster in acquiring systems and has targeted troubled programs like OCX, ATLAS, and MGUE for completion by the end of 2023, but none met the delivery target.
Courtney Albon is C4ISRNET’s space and emerging technology reporter, covering the U.S. military, with a focus on the Air Force and Space Force. She reports on significant acquisition, budget, and policy challenges within the Defense Department.
