DOD buyers will have many more tools at their disposal to make more timely and streamlined acquisitions under provisions currently part of the House and Senate drafts of the FY’16 Defense Authorization Act.  Expanded Other Procurement Authority and promotion of alternative pathways to acquisition are just two such features.  The intent is to enable DOD to maintain and expand the country’s technological advantage and better support warfighters.  Accountability would also be enhanced, however, particularly through language in the Senate version of the measure.  Everyone from service branch chiefs, to program managers, and everyone in between would be held responsible for when things go both right and wrong.  Perhaps the biggest challenge for contractors will be convincing their DOD buyers that they have the authority to use streamlined acquisition procedures.  As is usually the case, being the better educated contractor can help you and your customer.  The FY’16 NDAA is nearly complete and passage could come in October.  Make sure you’re aware of what the new law says and can encourage your customers to use it.