Adaptive Acquisition Framework

The Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) supports the Defense Acquisition System with the objective of delivering effective, suitable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable solutions to the end-user in a timely manner. To achieve those objectives, Milestone Decision Authorities (MDAs), other Decision Authorities (DAs), and Program Managers (PMs) have broad authority to plan and manage their programs consistent with sound business practice.

Definition: The AAF supports the Defense Acquisition System with the objective of delivering effective, suitable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable solutions to the end-user in a timely manner.

The Goal of Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF)

“The goal of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework is to empower innovation and common-sense decision making through the decision-making process, while also maintaining discipline in our practices and procedures.” Mr. Kevin Fahey, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition

Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) Pathways

AAF acquisition pathways provide opportunities for MDAs/DAs and PMs to develop acquisition strategies and employ acquisition processes that match the characteristics of the capability being acquired. The framework has six (6) distinct acquisition pathways.

1. Urgent Capability Acquisition
2. Middle Tier of Acquisition
3. Major Capability Acquisition
4. Software Acquisition
5. Defense Business System
6. Acquisition of Services

DoD Instruction: 5000.85 “Major Capability Acquisition” – 6 Aug 2020

DAU Website: Adaptive Acquisition Framework

• Urgent Capability Acquisition: Needs identified by Commanders involved in an ongoing contingency operation or emergent need.
  • • Urgent Capability Acquisition
    • DoD Instruction 5000.81 “Urgent Capability Acquisition”
    • Fielded less than 2 years
    • Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON)
• Middle-Tier Acquisition: Programs that are intended to be completed in a period of 2-5 years via two acquisition pathways.
  • Section 804 “Middle Tier of acquisition paths to acquire critical national security capabilities”
  • Section 806 “Developing, Prototyping, Developing of Weapons System Components or Technology”
  • Middle Tier of Acquisition (Section 804)
  • DoD Instruction 5000.80 “Operation of Middle Tier Acquisition”
• Major Capability Acquisition (Tailorable): Execute to the standard defense acquisition model with modifications.
  • Acquisition Process Overview
  • DoD Instruction 5000.85 “Major Capability Acquisition”
• Software Acquisitions: To facilitate rapid and iterative delivery of software capability to the user.
  • DoD Instruction 5000.87 “Operations of the Software Acquisition Pathway“
• Defense Business System: Business systems are information systems that are operated by, for, or on behalf of the DoD.
  • Business Capability Acquisition Cycle
  • DoD Instruction 5000.75 ” Business System Requirements and Acquisitions”
• Acquisition of Services: Acquisition of contracted services from private sector entities by or for the DoD.
  • Acquisition of Services
  • DoD Instruction 5000.74 “Defense Acquisition of Service”

Utilizing a Combination of Adaptive Acquisition Pathways [1]

Program Managers may leverage a combination of acquisition pathways to provide value not otherwise available through use of a single pathway.  The use of multiple pathways does not affect the application of statutory thresholds otherwise applicable to the program as a whole, such as the MDAP or major system (ACAT II) thresholds unless a statute permits.  PMs employing multiple pathways will:

• Define the transition points from one pathway to another pathway.
• Anticipate, develop, and coordinate the information requirements required at the new pathway entry point.  Links provided in [MDID]. identify regulatory and statutory information requirements for major capability acquisition, and the statutory requirements for other pathways.
• Ensure a smooth transition.

Prototyping & Experiments

• Early Prototyping: Technology or capability that is being matured by the research laboratories.
  • DoD Instruction 3201.1 “DoD Research and Development Laboratories”
• 10 USC 2373: Procurement for Experimental Purposes:  Rapid acquisition tool for fielding and testing new capabilities
  • 10 USC 2373

Adaptive Acquisition Pathways Test & Evaluation (T&E)

The purpose of Test & Evaluation (T&E) is to provide knowledge to assist in Risk Management that’s involved in developing, producing, operating, and sustaining systems and capabilities. The T&E process has been adapted to be part of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework by providing different T&E methods for each of the six pathways. Below is the main instruction for conducting T&E with regard to each pathway.

• Instruction: DoD Instruction 5000.89 “Test and Evaluation”

Rapid Acquisition Contract Methods

Below is a list of contact methods that can be used to perform Rapid Acquisitions:

• Tradition Contract Types
• Other Transaction Authority (OTA)
• Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDIQ)
• Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
• Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
• Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA)
• FAR Part 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Items
• FAR Part 13 –  Simplified Acquisitions

Acquisition Authorities

Method	Acquisition Authority	Decision Authority
Procure Defense Services	DODI 5000.74	SAE or Designee
Weapons System Procurement	DODI 5000.02	MDA
	Section 803	MDA equivalent to ACAT Level
	Section 805	MDA equivalent to ACAT Level
Rapid Middle Tier Prototyping	Section 804 – Rapid Prototyping	MDA equivalent to ACAT Level
	Section 804 – Rapid Fielding	MDA equivalent to ACAT Level
	Section 806 – Weapon Component Prototyping or Technology	Selected by SAE after oversight Board Reviews
Early Prototyping	DODI 3201.01
Rapid Experiments	10 USC 2373
MDA: Milestone Decision Authority; ACAT: Acquisition Category; SAE: Service Acquisition Executive

Rapid Organizations

• Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC)
• Defense Innovation Unit (DUIx)
• Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO)
• Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF), DoD Small Business Programs

AcqLinks and References:

• DoD Instruction 5000.85 “Major Capability Acquisition” – 6 Aug 2020
• DoD Instruction 5000.81 “Urgent Capability Acquisition” – 31 Dec 19
• FY16 NDAA Section 804 “Middle Tier Acquisitions”
• DoD Instruction 5000.74 “Defense Acquisition of Services” – 5 Oct 2017
• [1] DoD Instruction 5000.02 ” Defense Acquisition System“
• Department of Navy – Acquisition Gold Card Aug 21
• Website: DAU Adaptive Acquisition Framework

Updated: 8/17/2021

Rank: G3.8