The government acquisition system is just one part of government that is distracted by side-shows that have little to do with efficient government, except for making it more burdensome and costly for both government and industry to do business.  International tensions build in the meantime, with China, Russia, and Iran all presenting real or potential challenges to the world order we enjoy today.  It is time for a cold dose of reality on what under-prepared DOD and DHS acquisition systems means for ensuring a proper national security capability.  Industry leaders with substantial experience and relationships are particularly well-suited for this work.  They can speak with the authority and knowledge that comes from working closely with DOD and DHS program offices supporting front-line missions.  Like their government counterparts, these contractors know only too well the risks currently posed to national security by both state and non-state actors.  The acquisition community, meanwhile, works mainly at the edges of streamlined acquisition and innovation.  This is no way to prepare for the challenges that we may face.  Industry must be part of an acquisition wake-up call to bring the necessary focus and urgency to ensure that the acquisition system helps rather than hinders the provision of critical national security solutions and defense preparedness.  While contractors are busy jumping through hoops on socio-economic requirements, potential adversaries are spending substantial sums of money and are ramping up their capabilities much more quickly than we can match.  No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but the fact remains that we must be prepared for it.  As former president Ronald Reagan put it, “peace through strength”.  It’s a sound approach.  We can’t expect the government to see this while they’re looking elsewhere.  A little focus from contractor partners can help.