By the time ACES is supposed to fly -- 2024 -- SpaceX is planning on having BFR, which has in-orbit refueling and long-term in-orbit operations. No doubt SpaceX will be late, but they could still beat ACES to orbit.
Blue Origin is also planning on-orbit refueling at some point, maybe also before ACES flies.
ACES is a lot better than business-as-usual for ULA, great for them. But it doesn't fix their bread-and-butter problem of being the most expensive possible ride to orbit.
I don't disagree with this assessment but I am encouraged how the current competition for launch capacity and capability over the last 16 years has done more to increase the US space capability than the previous 32 years.
Oh, we're definitely in an era of innovation! New production rockets include F9, FH, Rocket Lab's Electron, and OrbitalATK's Antares. And development is underway for BFR, SLS, Vulcan, Omega, and Blue Origin.
Blue Origin is also planning on-orbit refueling at some point, maybe also before ACES flies.
ACES is a lot better than business-as-usual for ULA, great for them. But it doesn't fix their bread-and-butter problem of being the most expensive possible ride to orbit.