The new 5000.01 directive implements cultural changes to DOD purchases. Officials call it "one of the most transformational changes to acquisition policy in decades."

By changing the "color of money," DOD will create a software-specific way for contracting officers to buy code. Other changes are coming too.

The Navy is expanding its "digital twin" program as a way to track every part of every ship.

The new role would be in charge of recruiting talented people with technical backgrounds to the DOD and making sure they stick around for a while.

With OMB on board, the DOD will issue a legislative proposal later this fall to ask for what Jeff Boleng calls "software money."

The yearlong effort culminates in 10 primary recommendations for better software acquisition (plus 16 bonus suggestions).