# USSOCOM Advances Mission-Focused Acquisition

A National Defense University article presents U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as a model for faster, mission-focused defense acquisition, emphasizing empowered acquisition teams, close collaboration with operational users and industry, and streamlined decisions. Examples include Project Dragon Spear, which fielded 12 AC-130 gunships using mature, off-the-shelf components, and a restarted AC-130J weapons-package effort using a smaller team and accelerated testing and delivery. The article does not announce a solicitation or award; it signals an acquisition approach that contractors may encounter in defense innovation efforts.

- Contractors can shape proposals around operational problems and measurable mission outcomes, rather than process-heavy or technology-first pitches.
- The examples favor rapid prototyping, mature or off-the-shelf solutions, empowered teams, and early collaboration with warfighters and acquisition personnel.
- Companies pursuing USSOCOM-related work can engage operational users and innovation channels such as SOFWERX; the article describes an approach, not a specific open opportunity or deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** September 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO)
- National Defense University (NDU)
- United States Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- Shield AI ()
- Boeing ()

### Key Quotes
> The Pentagon must focus on outcomes, not processes.
> — James F. “Hondo” Geurts, former USSOCOM Acquisition Executive

### Sources
- [
	Mission Over Bureaucracy: Special Operations Command's Warrior-Driven Model for Defense Innovation > National Defense University > Article View
](https://www.ndu.edu/News/Article-View/Article/4601282/mission-over-bureaucracy-special-operations-commands-warrior-driven-model-for-d/) - NDU