Michael Griffin, former NASA administrator, has come out as the most likely candidate for the role of defense undersecretary for research and engineering, sources told Defense News.
Griffin led the space agency between 2005 and 2009, Defense News reported Monday.
The USDR&E role is part of a reorganization plan the Defense Department announced in August and plans to implement in February 2018.
Under the restructuring effort, DoD plans to split the undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics role into two positions in which one will be responsible for acquisition and sustainment functions – USDA&S – while the other undersecretary will oversee R&E efforts.
Ellen Lord, formerly Textron Systems president and CEO, was confirmed in August as DoD’s acquisition chief and will transition to the USDA&S role once the restructuring plan takes effect on Feb. 1.
