In his recent article (NR110/1) – Thoughts on Leadership – VAdm Blackham describes how in 2000 he was responsible for the development and implementation of the Smart Acquisition Initiative. It was envisaged that Smart Acquisition would significantly improve the MOD’s poor procurement record which had stretched over several decades. Depressingly, he sets out his views why this concept failed, in part due to obstruction by recidivists within the MOD and Procurement Executive and the single Service chiefs lack of support. Despite several subsequent reviews of the defence acquisition process, the…
