Technology platforms with open architectures are a key aspect of the U.S. Army‘s large push to change how it brings new tools to soldiers in the battlefield, the service branch’s lead acquisition official told the Potomac Officers Club Wednesday.
Heidi Shyu – assistant army secretary for acquisition,  logistics and technology — also said at the POC breakfast event in Falls Church, Va.. open architecture is one way to help the Army adapt to changes in technology quicker.
“Architectures must be open to the latest software that we can procure quickly, ” Shyu told the POC.
“We’re looking to work with companies that know we need to move faster. When their architecture is open, they find success.”
Shyu’s address was the keynote for the POC’s “Innovation in the Services” event for GovCon and government leaders to discuss the military’s acquisition environment and industry’s role in efforts to equip soldiers and civilian personnel.
She also described her initial observations of how government operates from the time of her initial appointment to public service in 2010 after a career at Raytheon (NYSE: RTN).
Shyu told the audience she aims to merge her private and public sector experiences in an effort to foster more collaboration between government and industry in technology creation and implementation.
Potential profits are also a motivator to bring industry in the fold, according to Shyu.
“If we help with their investment, we get the product faster.”
