On Jan 9, Forward Defense senior fellow Steve Grundman was quoted in Cheddar News on the risks associated with fixed-price development contracts in the defense industry.
The Pentagon will be more cautious about programs that it thinks [lend themselves to] an efficient and effective fixed-price contract type. And contractors will be more discerning about the readiness of their engineering chops and the ability of their balance sheets to absorb risk.

Forward Defense leads the Atlantic Council’s US and global defense programming, developing actionable recommendations for the United States and its allies and partners to compete, innovate, and navigate the rapidly evolving character of warfare. Through its work on US defense policy and force design, the military applications of advanced technology, space security, strategic deterrence, and defense industrial revitalization, it informs the strategies, policies, and capabilities that the United States will need to deter, and, if necessary, prevail in major-power conflict.
Further reading
Wed, Apr 12, 2023
Atlantic Council Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption interim report
Report By
The DoD must accelerate defense innovation adoption from the leading edge of the private sector. This report has ten recommendations to do so.
Tue, Jun 21, 2022
Atlantic Council announces new commission to reform the defense innovation ecosystem
Press Release By
Commission chaired by Secretaries Mark T. Esper and Deborah Lee James to recommend actions for sharpening US defense-industrial edge.