As I begin my tenure as Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT), I reflect with great pride on our mission both as a Department and as individuals. As most of you know, my vision for DOT's future is making safety and security our highest priority and to continue to bring common sense Government to DOT in order to provide the people we serve with a Department that works better and costs less. Those of you in the acquisition community are an integral part in making this happen. As you reflect on your role here at DOT, remember you contribute to enriching the lives of other Americans.

We have numerous functions within DOT, none of which can operate without the other--the function of supporting our programs and mission goals cannot be overemphasized. We must have a smart, efficient and effective acquisition system with partnerships between procurement and program personnel that are ingrained within the system. To do this, we must accept the challenges of change and chart our own course of action. With the multitude of changes that have occurred in acquisition in the last couple of years, it is even more critical for us to follow our own path. As the first Transportation Secretary, John Volpe once said,

"I submit that as we live in times of change, we must be the architects of that change or we will most certainly be its victims." Let us not be victims, but change agents focused on continually improving what we do. The success of our mission depends upon it.

The DOT acquisition community has consistently been at the forefront in trying new, creative ideas to make positive change in the way we do business. You have shown the spirit and determination necessary to improve our acquisition system so that this Department will work better and cost less and your leadership has set an example for other agencies to follow.

I am immensely proud of the hardworking acquisition professionals here at DOT. I thank you for your dedication and support. Because of my strong belief in your talent, experience, and knowledge, I challenge each of you to continue to be agents of change, and to continue to form and mold a new world class acquisition system that will benefit all the American people. I am committed, as your are, to seeing DOT's acquisition system become the best. Remember, you are our innovators and a critical link to making my vision for DOT a reality.

(original signed by)

Rodney E. Slater

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