L3Harris CEO Urges Modernization of U.S. Defense in Open Letter to DOGE Leaders
A Call for the “Arsenal of Democracy 2.0”
Palm Bay, FL — Christopher E. Kubasik, Co-founder, Chair, and CEO of L3Harris Technologies, has addressed an open letter to Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. The full text of the letter is available here. This initiative, created under the Trump administration, aims to modernize federal operations and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. Kubasik’s letter underscores the urgent need for reforms within the national defense acquisition system to counter evolving threats and enhance military readiness. For instance, he highlights delays in delivering critical technologies, such as advanced missile defense systems, which leave the U.S. vulnerable to adversaries like China and Iran.
Key Recommendations for Reform
Kubasik’s letter identifies four critical areas for policy changes:
Eliminating Duplicative Cost Accounting Standards (CAS):
CAS requirements, originally intended to safeguard taxpayer funds, have become redundant with the shift to fixed-price contracts and the industry’s adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Removing CAS would reduce regulatory burdens and free resources for innovation.
Establishing a Central Contracting Arm:
A centralized procurement division within the Office of the Secretary of Defense would streamline joint programs, improve interoperability, and reduce inefficiencies caused by siloed decision-making across military branches.
Reforming Certified Cost and Pricing Data Requirements:
By limiting these requirements to major sole-source acquisitions or raising the threshold for audits, the government could expedite procurement timelines and reduce administrative costs.
Limiting Contract Award Protests:
Restricting the number of protests contractors can file annually and introducing penalties for baseless challenges would help prevent delays in delivering critical capabilities.
A Call for the “Arsenal of Democracy 2.0”
Kubasik’s vision centers on creating a modernized “Arsenal of Democracy 2.0” to address emerging threats from nations like China and Iran. He emphasizes the need to integrate software, artificial intelligence, and advanced hardware to provide U.S. forces with decision-making superiority on the battlefield. “Today’s defense system is not optimized to deliver the capabilities needed at the speed of relevance,” Kubasik asserts.
Context and Significance
Now led solely by Musk following Ramaswamy’s departure, the DOGE focuses on modernizing government operations, including technology infrastructure and workforce efficiency. Ramaswamy stepped down to pursue a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, a move required under DOGE’s structural guidelines. The organization’s goal to save up to $2 trillion by eliminating waste aligns with Kubasik’s defense sector reform proposals.
Ramaswamy announced his departure, stating on X: “It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government.” Anna Kelly, a DOGE spokesperson, emphasized his critical role in shaping the commission and confirmed his decision was tied to structural requirements. Musk now independently leads DOGE, continuing efforts to implement efficiency reforms.
Potential Challenges and Implications
While Kubasik’s recommendations aim to bolster national security, critics may point to potential conflicts of interest given L3Harris’s vested stake in defense contracts. For example, streamlined procurement processes and reduced regulatory oversight could disproportionately benefit larger contractors like L3Harris, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms. Similarly, the ethical implications of Musk’s leadership role in DOGE, given his industry ties, could shape public discourse on transparency and accountability.
If implemented, these reforms could:
Accelerate innovation and delivery of defense technologies.
Foster greater competition and efficiency within the defense industry.
Set a precedent for public-private collaboration in modernizing federal operations.
However, success depends on overcoming entrenched bureaucratic resistance and ensuring bipartisan support.
The Road Ahead
Kubasik’s letter underscores a critical moment for the U.S. defense industry. By addressing inefficiencies and fostering innovation, the DOGE and defense contractors like L3Harris could reshape America’s national security landscape. As Kubasik notes, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a modern defense ecosystem that our warfighters need and taxpayers deserve.”
The coming months will reveal how Musk and the Trump administration respond to these proposals and whether they can turn this vision into a reality.
You do realize there’s things happening you don’t know about?Frump is in bed with China now so the threat comes from everywhere!These two nuts are going to start ww3 and destroy the earth in the meantime ! NO VOTING OR BEGGING IS GOING TO STOP THEM!