Strengthening Army Modernization: The Role of ASA(ALT) and Transformation in Contact (TiC)

The Army’s modernization strategy is evolving to meet the challenges of dynamic and contested environments. Transformation in Contact (TiC) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)) play complementary roles in ensuring that our forces remain agile, innovative, and well-equipped. TiC introduces an accelerated approach to fielding solutions, while ASA(ALT) provides the structure, oversight, and strategic integration necessary to sustain and scale these advancements. This partnership strengthens the Army’s ability to deliver rapid, warfighter-driven solutions while maintaining compliance, efficiency, and long-term viability.

The Intended Outcomes of TiC

TiC is designed to:
  • Accelerate Capability Delivery: Reduce the time from concept to fielding by leveraging agile acquisition mechanisms.
  • Enhance Warfighter Effectiveness: Provide timely, mission-driven solutions tailored to evolving battlefield needs.
  • Support Scalable Modernization: Identify successful innovations and transition them into enduring Programs of Record.
  • Strengthen Army Readiness: Foster continuous modernization through iterative experimentation and operational feedback.
  • Streamline Acquisition and Fielding: Utilize non-traditional pathways like OTAs and rapid contracting mechanisms to field solutions quickly while ensuring compliance.
  • Integrate Warfighter Feedback: Create an iterative process where operational insights directly influence acquisitions, training, and strategy.

Functionally, the Chief of Staff of the Army’s (CSA) directive for TiC: is to empower select operational units to experiment to identify solutions and approaches that following Sr. Army Staff review leads to “immediate” modifications in the Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE), updates to Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF), and adjustments in force structure, ensuring that the Army remains superior against near-peer adversaries.

*Note: significant changes are expected in Army Acquisitions in the early fall of 2025.

The Interdependence of TiC and ASA(ALT) in Modernization

While a new concept, TiC strengthens ASA(ALT) by identifying operational needs and field-tested solutions that streamline modernization efforts. By accelerating the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies, TiC enables ASA(ALT) to make informed decisions that drive efficiency and effectiveness in acquisition processes. Rather than being challenged by TiC’s speed, ASA(ALT) is uniquely positioned to enhance its success by ensuring that rapid innovation aligns with strategic objectives, policy requirements, and sustainability goals. ASA(ALT) remains vital in maintaining scalability, compliance, and proper funding while facilitating experimentation and modernization at the unit level.

How TiC Strengthens ASA(ALT) and ASA(ALT) Strengthens TiC

  • Enhancing Decision-Making with Operational Insights: TiC provides ASA(ALT) with validated data from field experiments, enabling better prioritization of acquisition investments.
  • Providing Agile Contracting Solutions: Utilizing OTAs, MTA pathways, and pre-existing IDIQ contracts to accelerate acquisition without compromising oversight.
  • Accelerating Validation of Emerging Technologies: TiC helps ASA(ALT) quickly determine which innovations are effective in real-world operations.
  • Institutionalizing Successful Innovation: Ensuring that proven TiC initiatives transition into sustainable Army-wide programs.
  • Optimizing Resource Allocation: TiC highlights the most pressing capability gaps, allowing ASA(ALT) to allocate funding and expertise more effectively.
  • Aligning Resources for Impact: Directing funding and expertise to support validated field-driven solutions.
  • Enhancing Accountability Without Delay: Maintaining compliance with regulatory frameworks while minimizing unnecessary hurdles.
  • Integrating Emerging Technologies: Leveraging rapid prototyping and operational testing to accelerate deployment of AI, unmanned systems, and advanced communication networks.
  • Evolving Doctrine and Force Structure: Informing updates to Army doctrine and MTOE to ensure they reflect current and emerging battlefield realities.

The Partnership Between TiC and ASA(ALT)

TiC and ASA(ALT) are not opposing forces; they are interdependent elements of a more agile and effective Army modernization strategy. TiC accelerates the identification and testing of emerging capabilities, while ASA(ALT) ensures these capabilities are properly resourced, compliant, and scalable. By working together, we create an acquisition ecosystem that is both responsive and responsible.

This collaboration ensures:

  • Speed Over Bureaucracy: Reducing time to field critical capabilities without sacrificing accountability.
  • Support for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO): Enabling rapid integration of cross-domain solutions such as electronic warfare tools and advanced sensors.
  • Empowered Units: Allowing operational units to directly shape modernization efforts while ensuring alignment with long-term Army strategies.
  • Continuous Innovation and Modernization: Fostering an iterative, feedback-driven process that keeps the Army ahead of emerging threats.

Moving Forward Together

By embracing TiC as a means to complement ASA(ALT)’s mission, we can enhance our collective ability to deliver cutting-edge capabilities to Soldiers faster and more effectively. Program managers and acquisition leaders who engage with TiC initiatives will find new opportunities to integrate warfighter-driven solutions into enduring programs, ensuring the Army remains ready and dominant in any operational environment.

TiC represents an evolution in modernization—not a disruption to ASA(ALT) but a force multiplier. By aligning expertise, we create a balanced framework that advances both agility and accountability, securing the Army’s technological advantage for the future. ASA(ALT) remains the essential backbone that ensures TiC-driven solutions are effectively resourced, institutionalized, and scaled across the Army to drive lasting impact.