DSMC POC: Acquisition Policy Department; (703) 805-5144
The Defense Acquisition Management Framework is structured by DoDI 5000.2 into discrete, logical phases separated by major decision points (called milestones) to provide the basis for comprehensive management and progressive decision making. The number of phases and decision points are tailored to meet the specific needs of individual programs.
The system's acquisition process begins with the identification of a need. It encompasses the activities of design, test, manufacture, operations and support. It may involve modifications and it ends with the disposal/recycling/demilitarization of that system. Upgrade (or modification) programs also follow the acquisition life cycle that includes the activities of design, test, manufacture, installation and checkout, plus operations and support.
The following policies and principles govern the operation of the defense acquisition system and are divided into five major categories as stated in DoDD 5000.1. These categories are: 1) Achieving Interoperability, 2) Rapid and Effective Transition from Science and Technology to Products, 3) Rapid and Effective Transition from Acquisition to Deployment and Fielding, 4) Integrated and Effective Operational Support, and 5) Effective Management.
To implement these varied policies and principles, many unique requirements, laws, and regulations are imposed on defense acquisition that still burden program managers in pursuing the efficiencies inherent in pure commercial acquisition practice.
DoD components first try to satisfy mission needs
through nonmateriel solutions, such as changes in doctrine or tactics. If
existing U. S. military systems or other on-hand materiel cannot be economically used or modified to meet the operational requirement, a materiel solution may be pursued according to the following hierarchy of alternatives:
- Procurement (including modification) of commercially available domestic or international technologies, systems or equipment, or Allied systems or equipment
- Cooperative development program with one or more Allied nations
- New joint Component or Government Agency development program
- New Component-unique development program
A complete listing of statutory and regulatory program information requirements (documentation) applicable to all programs can be found in Enclosure 3, DoDI 5000.2. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) may tailor document content based on program needs, but it may not omit documents required by statute or mandatory policy (e.g., Acquisition Program Baseline or Operational Requirements Document). (Figure 1)
Acquisition Strategy. A
plan that serves as a road map for program execution from program initiation through post-production support. Acquisition Category (ACAT) I and IA Programs
must contain information as noted in Figure 2.
