Outgoing Defense acquisition chief discusses 'hard-won lessons' in his book

Although Frank Kendall has vacated his position as undersecretary of Defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, he has set forth a plan for others to follow in his new book.

Kendall’s six chapter book, “Getting Defense Acquisition Right,” speaks of, “some of the hard-won lessons of my decades of experience in the development of new defense products,” an article posted on the Defense Department's website said.

Kendall talked about the book at an appearance at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Defense Media Activity article said. He said he hopes the book – with chapters titled Getting policy right; Building professionalism in the acquisition workforce; Managing technical complexity; Working with industry; Responding to external forces and events; and Measuring progress in improving acquisition – will pave a positive road map for the future in defense, the article said.

In regards to the current department, Kendall said, “I think there’s still room for improvement in all areas of acquisition,” the article said.

Details outlined in the book are from Kendall’s personal experiences and his time in the Defense Department. In addition to stories he authored, it also contains emails he sent and received and memorandums, the Defense Media Activity article said.

In discussing his book, Kendall  said, “I’m not a believer in acquisition magic. … I think it’s all about hard work, attention to detail, and really knowing what you’re doing,” the article said.