MAY 26, 2021

Dr. Philip S. Antón, Recently Appointed AIRC Chief Scientist, Serves on Committee to Produce Study on Data Science and Defense Acquisition Innovation

Dr. Philip S. Antón, Chief Scientist, Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC), was part of the 13-member National Academies Committee that helped author and synthesize Empowering the Defense Acquisition Workforce to Improve Mission Outcomes Using Data Science. This Consensus Study Report, requested by the Department of Defense (DoD), focuses on how to prepare the defense acquisition workforce to embrace and exploit the rapidly evolving promise of data science. Dr. Antón was among the thought leaders and experts selected to assess the complexity of the DoD acquisition and personnel systems and how industry and government counterparts have upskilled their workforces. The report details the committee’s conclusion that the tools, training, and supplemental skills needed to upskill the acquisition workforce are available today, and that leadership must drive the embrace of data science and its possibilities for acquisition across the DoD.

Dr. Antón was appointed to his current role at the AIRC in February 2021. As a Pentagon interface between the AIRC and the DoD acquisition ecosystem, Dr. Antón assesses the practical needs of the DoD, helps envision and develop innovative acquisition research in the AIRC, and ensures the transition and application of AIRC results to DoD acquisition policies, guidance, practices, reports, and workforce development. His skills and experience are of great value to the AIRC and were a valuable contribution to the National Academies Committee. The resulting Consensus Study Report serves as an important thought leadership piece that aligns with the AIRC’s goal of improving defense acquisition outcomes through evidence-based, data driven decision making. The AIRC looks forward to using the report to launch future initiatives.

Empowering the Defense Acquisition Workforce to Improve Mission Outcomes Using Data Science can be purchased via the following link: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25979/empowering-the-defense-acquisition-workforce-to-improve-mission-outcomes-using-data-science