Requiring open architecture in new defense systems as mandated in an acquisition overhaul bill introduced last week by the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) chairman is a “one size fits all” approach that may slow down the acquisitions process, according to a Democratic committee aide.

Defense analyst Katherine Blakeley, of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, called the bill a “bold and innovative” attempt to solve major problems in the way the Pentagon plans and buys major weapon systems...