The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) hosted its second annual Acquisition Workforce Symposium on November 18. The event brought together in-person and virtual attendees to explore the evolving landscape of acquisition. The theme, “Agile Gatekeepers,” highlighted a cultural shift toward adaptive, responsive processes—and showcased DCSA’s commitment to transformation.
A Call to Action: Building an Agile Future
The highlight of the day was DCSA Director David Cattler’s signing of the Call to Action, which established the Enterprise Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE). This initiative aims to implement an Enterprise Scaled Agile (SAFe) Operating Model, revolutionizing how the agency delivers high-quality, mission-enabling technology solutions.
“The traditional, hierarchical, waterfall methods we’ve used in the past no longer meet the demand for swift value delivery and adaptation to change,” Cattler remarked.
The agency is adopting SAFe Agile methodologies as a strategic approach to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in achieving its mission.
Agile in Action: Progress and Training
DCSA’s adoption of agile principles is already yielding results. As of November 2024, 264 employees have undergone agile training, and 178 have passed certification exams. This foundational work aligns with the agency’s pillars of Adaptability, Resilience, Collaboration, and Competence, which will guide its transformation journey.
“This is just the beginning,” Cattler said, reinforcing the importance of embedding an agile mindset throughout the organization.
Insights from Key Leaders
The symposium also featured a keynote address by Gary Ashworth, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. He praised DCSA’s leadership and its pivotal role in national defense, emphasizing the importance of modernizing acquisition processes.
“Security is one of those missions that only becomes fully appreciated when it fails,” Ashworth noted. “We’re facing growing geopolitical threats, and DCSA’s work in personnel security, industrial security, and training is vital to our national defense.”
Ashworth highlighted a shift in the acquisition landscape from a program-centric approach to an integrated, capability-based model. “The National Defense Strategy emphasizes integrated deterrence and joint capabilities, but delivering these faster and more efficiently remains a challenge,” he said, urging collaboration and workforce development as key solutions.
Real-World Lessons: Learning from the Army
Aric Sherwood, Assistant PEO and Acquisition Innovation Director for the U.S. Army, shared lessons from the Army’s agile journey. Having led the creation of his own LACE, Sherwood offered practical advice for organizations navigating agile transformations.
“Start digging into it. Make those mistakes. Make them early. Learn from it and then move on to the next thing,” Sherwood encouraged, emphasizing the value of learning from experienced partners.
A Culture of Collaboration and Growth
Throughout the day, DCSA leaders—including Deputy CFO Edwin Keene, PEO Edward Lane, Senior Procurement Executive Scott Stallsmith, and Head of Contracting Activity Clay Socha—discussed what’s ahead for the agency. From modernization efforts to workforce development, the message was clear: challenges are opportunities to innovate and improve.
The symposium underscored the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning in acquisition. With initiatives like LACE and a commitment to agile practices, DCSA is charting a course to better support national security and mission success.
As Director Cattler aptly summed it up, “This isn’t just about software development. It’s about it’s about personnel security, industrial security, and training. These functions, along with many others, have a massive impact on the agency’s ability to meet its mission, and I believe they can benefit greatly from an agile approach.”
