Keep It Simple: Innovation and Regulation Can Coexist

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dan Ward has made a bit of a name for himself as a leading thinker in terms of pushing and supporting innovation within the typically slow-moving world of federal acquisition. The author of two books, Ward has advocated loudly and eloquently for pushing for speed and simplicity in procurement, and has often made the case that regulations are often an excuse, rather than a reason, for not innovating.

Public Spend Forum Founder Raj Sharma and Director of Learning Frank McNally talked with Dan how he came to discover the power in keeping things simple—as he says, it took him “10 years to become an overnight success story”—how he was able to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, and how working within constraints actually fosters creativity, rather than hampers outcomes:

In this second conversation, Dan talks about how he found the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to be a partner in innovation, rather than a hindrance:

Both conversations were episodes of the Public Impact Podcast, a new show dedicated to telling stories of innovation and success in government. Find out more at the show’s home, or on iTunes, Google Play Music, or the Soundcloud player.