3. DEFINITIONS

3.1. The Defense Acquisition System is the management process by which the Department of Defense provides effective, affordable, and timely systems to the users.

3.2. An Acquisition Program is a directed, funded effort that provides a new, improved, or continuing materiel, weapon or information system or service capability in response to an approved need.

3.3. The Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) is the USD(AT&L) who has responsibility for supervising the Defense Acquisition System.  The DAE takes precedence on all acquisition matters after the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary.

3.4. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) is the designated individual with overall responsibility for a program.  The MDA shall have the authority to approve entry of an acquisition program into the next phase of the acquisition process and shall be accountable for cost, schedule, and performance reporting to higher authority, including Congressional reporting.

3.5. The Program Manager (PM) is the designated individual with responsibility for and authority to accomplish program objectives for development, production, and sustainment to meet the user's operational needs.  The PM shall be accountable for credible cost, schedule, and performance reporting to the MDA.