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. The 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.

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

DAU Website: Adaptive Acquisition Framework

Adaptive Acquisition Framework Methods

Figure: DoD Instruction 5000.85 Major Capability Acquisition

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”
Major Capability Acquisition (Tailorable): Execute to the standard defense acquisition model with modifications.
- Acquisition Process Overview
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”

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

Contract Methods

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

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

AcqLinks and References:

Updated: 9/18/2020