On the heels of improvements made to DOD acquisition last year, the chorus for more sweeping change to government contracting is getting louder.  There’s good reason, too.  A host of new rules implemented in the past 5-10 years have, indeed, made government business more expensive and difficult to transact.  One need look no further than DOD’s Silicon Valley innovation lab as primary evidence that traditional acquisition needs fixing.  Before everyone gets too excited, though, consider the current political climate.  It is far from certain that Congress would reform acquisition in ways that acquisition professionals might actually support.  We’re at the height of “gotcha” politics.  This backdrop would likely produce changes that would make today’s jumbled system look like the epitome of efficiency.  Should acquisition reform supporters abandon ship?  No.  In fact, if procurement rules are going to change, steady, experienced hands must guide it through every step of the way to ensure acquisition doesn’t end up on the shoals of political acrimony.  Don’t assume that “the other guy” will get it right.  Get, and stay, involved.