Acquisition and Sustainment Leadership Transition

F.P. Report

WASHINGTON: The Department of Defense announced today the following leadership transitions:

Dr. William A. LaPlante was sworn in as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD (A&S)).

As USD (A&S), LaPlante is responsible for all matters pertaining to acquisition; contract administration; logistics and materiel readiness; installations and environment; operational energy; chemical and biological defense; the acquisition workforce; and the defense industrial base.

LaPlante was confirmed by the Senate on April 7, 2022. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics from 2014 to 2017. Throughout his career, Dr. LaPlante has also been a member of several scientific boards and commissions focused on maintaining national security, including the Defense Science Board, U.S. Strategic Command Senior Advisory Group, Naval Research Advisory Committee, and congressionally mandated Section 809 panel.

Most recently, LaPlante served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Draper Laboratory.