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 practices.

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 the 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.

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.
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 Services”

Main References

Instruction: DoD Instruction 5000.02 “Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework”

DAU Website: Adaptive Acquisition Framework

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:

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