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Content was removed to align with the President's executive orders and DoD priorities in accordance with DoD Instruction 5400.17, "Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes." DAU is the one institution that touches nearly every member of the Defense Acquisition Workforce throughout all career stages. We provide a full range of basic, intermediate and advanced certification training,

assignment-specific training, applied research and continuous learning opportunities. We also foster professional development through Mission Assistance, Rapid Deployment Training on emerging acquisition initiatives, online knowledge-sharing tools and continuous learning modules.

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we honor the generations of hardworking Americans whose efforts helped build our nation's strength and prosperity.

WarU is proud to support the acquisition workforce whose expertise, innovation and commitment drives mission success every day.

We thank all who continue this legacy through their dedication, service, and commitment to excellence.

09/04/2026

How do you reduce uncertainty when mission needs keep evolving? You make outcome-based contracting a team sport.

In a recent WarU webinar, Jonathan Evans with GSA’s Center of Excellence for Outcome-Based Contracting said bring your acquisition team together, look at the preconditions for success, and design your acquisition architecture.

Two key considerations are establishing governance capable of managing an ever-changing framework and structing payments and incentives. “We need a plan for assessing whether measures and requirements have been met, and we need appropriate incentives to drive higher levels of performance," Evans said.

Read more key considerations from WarU's webinar, "Making Fixed-Price, Outcome-Based Contracting Work" here: https://www.waru.edu/news/slow-down-speed-making-fixed-price-outcome-based-contracting-work

09/01/2026

The ultimate test of any acquisition reform is whether it helps deliver capability to the warfighter faster and more effectively.

Five years in, has the Adaptive Acquisition Framework delivered on that promise?
A new study in Defense Acquisition Research Journal assessed how well AAF’s tailored pathways support quicker capability delivery.

The research finds that flexibility alone may not be enough to overcome deep-rooted institutional challenges.

If you're interested in the future of acquisition transformation, this article offers evidence-based insights into what may be needed to drive meaningful change necessary to support the warfighter.

To read more, please visit: https://www.waru.edu/library/darj/arj-112/adaptive-acquisition-framework

08/27/2026

In their Defense Acquisition Magazine article, "From Blockbuster to Netflix: Acquisition Education and Training Must Learn About Disruption in the Age of AI" Donna Carroll, M.Ed., and Glenn Lamartin, DPA, ask the question, “What does the next model of acquisition education look like?”

They state that the previous approach to learning does not work anymore. Their suggestion? Using AI to help create adaptive and individualized approaches in acquisition education and training.

Read the full article here: https://www.waru.edu/library/damag/july-august2026/age-ai

08/26/2026

Ready for some real talk on acquisition transformation?

WarU is launching a new monthly web event series, Acquisition Transformation Unfiltered, for you to hear straight from the experts.

We're excited to have Mr. James Ruocco, Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of War for Acquisition, for the first session, Rewiring Acquisition for Speed and Impact. Join us September 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM (EST).

This is an opportunity to hear where transformation is gaining momentum, where more traction is needed, and how urgency, ownership, and discipline translate into our day-to-day acquisition work.

Attend and earn 1 CLP.

For more info, check out: https://www.waru.edu/events/rewiring-acquisition-speed-and-impact

08/25/2026

Learn new digital acquisition skills with the Digital Acquisition Lifecycle Credential (CACQ 015).

This credential introduces acquisition professionals to the foundational concepts, language, and practices behind model-based digital acquisition, helping learners navigate an increasingly digital defense acquisition environment.

What you'll learn:

• Why digital acquisition is critical to delivering capability to the warfighter faster

• How digital tools and models support acquisition program ex*****on

• Key concepts and terminology used in model-based digital acquisition

Whether you're new to digital acquisition or looking to build a stronger foundation, CACQ 015 helps develop a shared understanding of digital practices and prepares you for deeper application of digital acquisition concepts in your role.

📌 Enroll now and earn up to 12 CLPs upon completion: https://icatalog.waru.edu/CredentialConceptCard/179

08/24/2026

Integrating agile principles is a practical step to strengthen the Warfighting Acquisition System— a goal the DoW is trying to reach through the Acquisition Transformation Strategy (ATS).

Miranda Lewis, WarU Field Training Services Director, writes in the May/June Defense Acquisition Magazine, "the transformation strategy is, in practice, a call to apply Agile principles at enterprise scale, and not saying so explicitly creates real risk."

In her article, 'Agile Principles as Framework for Warfighting Acquisition Reform', Lewis recommends three ways to promote agility.' One of them is to embrace change. "Evolving requirements are not a sign of failure—they are a reflection of learning."

Read Lewis's other two recommendations in the full article: https://www.waru.edu/library/damag/may-june2026/agile-principles

08/22/2026

Warfighting Acquisition University continues to evolve its learning assets to keep pace with updates to the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).

Current and proposed updates may affect how acquisition professionals determine CAS applicability, evaluate contractor accounting practices, and administer CAS-covered contracts.

Learn how we help the acquisition workforce understand and apply these changes: https://www.waru.edu/blogs/cas-modernization-here

08/21/2026

Applications for 2027 Immersive Commercial Acquisition Program (ICAP) are now open.

This 12-month competitive fellowship trains warfighting acquisition professionals to acquire cutting‑edge commercial technology by creating fluency in the warfighting and commercial sectors.

Gain hands-on experience with Defense Innovation Unit's (DIU) commercial solutions opening process and Other Transaction Authority.

Work on Service-aligned projects alongside a DIU contracting officer and project team as well as with commercial solution providers.

Application deadline is October 9, 2026.

ICAP is a joint effort between WarU and DIU. For more information, please visit: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/immersive-commercial-acquisition-program-icap

08/20/2026

What if the biggest obstacle to acquisition speed isn't policy, but instead how we think about risk, incentives, and trust?

In an era defined by rapid technological change, compliance and control can also slow innovation and capability delivery.

In the article, 'Beyond Compliance: The Trust-Based Revolution in Warfighting Acquisition' explores how program offices can move beyond transactional relationships and adopt commercial practices centered on shared outcomes, aligned incentives, and trust-based governance.

The article also highlights our working relationship with the University of Tennessee to bring these concepts directly into live acquisition environments through Vested pilots.

Read the full article here: https://www.waru.edu/news/beyond-compliance-trust-based-revolution-warfighting-acquisition

Interested in piloting this approach in your program office? WarU is actively seeking program offices wanting to explore Vested Way practices through hands-on pilot engagements. Contact us at [email protected].

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