Acquisition Process

Challenged-Based Acquisition (ChBA) is an approach that allows Government agencies to present challenges (Needs) through an incentivized competition to providers and let those providers present innovative solutions to those challenges. The Government then selects solutions based on demonstrated capability rather than on the basis of written proposals alone. The selected solution is often then procured […]

DoD Instruction 5000.85 “Major Capability Acquisition” establishes policy and procedures that guide the acquisition of major capability acquisition programs including: Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs); Other programs categorized as Acquisition Category (ACAT); Major systems, usually categorized as ACAT II; Automated information systems (AIS) (not managed by other acquisition pathways); and Other capabilities developed via the

A Single Acquisition Management Plan (SAMP), “sometimes referred to as a Simplified Acquisition Management Plan,” describes a program’s overall acquisition approach. It describes the management framework, provides a vehicle for obtaining required statutory and regulatory approvals, and documents waivers. The SAMP serves as the formal Acquisition Strategy for programs that do not require a separate

DoD Instruction 5000.74 establishes the policy, responsibilities, portfolio management, data collection, requirements development, and provides direction for the acquisition of contracted services. It compliments DoD Instruction 5000.02 “Operations of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework”.  It provides guidance for the acquisition of contracted services from private sector entities by the DoD with a total estimated acquisition value

Note: Page still in development once we understand more FY 17 NDAA Section 806 Prototype within 2 years SecDef shall, within RDT&E budget, set forth amounts requested for Development, prototyping, and experimentation of weapon system components or other technologies, incl those based on commercial items and technologies, separate from acquisition programs of record Amounts shall

Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) is a rapid acquisition interim approach that focuses on delivering capability in a period of 2-5 years with rapid prototypes and rapid fielding with proven technology. The approach is part of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework. Definition: The Middle Tier of Acquisition pathway is used to rapidly develop fieldable prototypes within an

The DoD Business Capability Acquisition Cycle (BCAC) is a process that seeks to develop and implement business/acquisition processes to acquire systems more efficiently. The process facilitates changes in the process through doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy to drive performance improvements, efficiencies, and effectiveness. BCAC aligns commercial best practices and

10 U.S. Code § 4253 – MDAP: Certification Required before Milestone B Approval A Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) may not receive a Milestone B approval until the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) certifies, without modification, from 10 U.S.C. 4252 of title 10, United States Code (USC) and as amended by Public Law 111-23, “Weapon Systems

The Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (JRAC) was established to meet Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUON) and Joint Emergent Operational Needs (JEON) in a quicker time frame than the standard Defense Acquisition Process approach. The JRAC rapidly assesses requirements and solutions, collaborating with the Joint Staff J-8 and the respective Combatant Commanders (COCOM), and facilitates the

The Development RFP Release Decision is the point in a program at which planning for development is complete and a decision can be made to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for development to the industry. It’s the point at which plans for the program must be most carefully reviewed to ensure all risks are understood

10 U.S. Code § 2366a – MDAP: Certification Required before Milestone A Approval A 2366a Written Determination is issued by a Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) for a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) stating that it has met all regulatory requirements according to 10 U.S.C. 2366a.  An MDAP may not receive Milestone A approval until the MDA certifies that: [1]

The Rapid Acquisition Process (RAP) provides rapid transition funding for the development and fielding of highly successful competitive experiments and demonstrations. It addresses the approach, assessment, validation, sourcing, resourcing, and fielding of operationally driven urgent, execution-year combatant commander needs. It supports the specific DoD goal of significantly shortening the acquisition response time and acquisition cycle

Market Research (FAR Part 10) is conducted to determine the availability of commercial products and services and to identify and evaluate market practices. It’s a continuous process of finding viable sources of goods and services to meet government requirements and is mandated for all acquisition programs. It’s conducted by key members of a program’s Integrated

A Program Manager (PM) for any DoD program needs to know who the Defense Acquisition Executives (DAE) are that can influence their program. A PM needs to practice Social Engineering to keep these Stakeholders informed and advocates of their program In the complex world of defense procurement, the role of defense acquisition executives is paramount.

A Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA) (Title 10 U.S.C. § 2366b) is a formal, metrics-based process and accompanying report that assesses the maturity of critical hardware and software technologies called Critical Technology Elements (CTE) to be used in systems. It is conducted by an Independent Review Team (IRT) of subject matter experts (SMEs). All DoD acquisition

The Analysis of Alternative (AoA) Study Guidance is developed and approved by the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (DCAPE) with the input of other DoD officials. Prior to the Materiel Development Decision (MDD) review, the DCAPE provides the AoA study guide to the DoD Component designated by the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA). Following

A Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) is a comprehensive summary of a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) Acquisition Category (ACAT) I program that is required for periodic submission to Congress by the Secretary of Defense. It’s mandated by Title 10 USC § 2432 “Selected Acquisition Reports”. Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) Database The following website contains a

An Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) (FAR 34.202)is a joint assessment conducted by the government Program Manager (PM) and the contractor to establish a mutual understanding of the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB). This understanding provides for an agreement on a plan of action to evaluate the risks inherent in the PMB and the management processes that

A Flight Readiness Review (FRR) is a sub-set of the Test Readiness Review (TRR) and is applicable only to aviation programs. It assesses the readiness to initiate and conduct flight tests or flight operations. Typically, FRR approval requires the aviation system to be under Configuration Management (CM), have a flight clearance issued by the technical

The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) is a technical assessment that establishes the Allocated Baseline of a system to ensure a system is operationally effective.  A PDR is conducted before the start of detailed design work and is the first opportunity for the Government to observe the Contractor’s hardware and software design closely.  This review assesses

  The System Verification Review (SVR) is a product and process assessment to ensure the system under review can proceed into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full-Rate Production (FRP) within cost, schedule, risk, and other system constraints during the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) Phase.  It assesses the system functionality and determines if it meets

The Production Readiness Review (PRR) assesses a program to determine if the design is ready for production. It evaluates if the prime contractor and major subcontractors have accomplished adequate production planning without incurring unacceptable risks that will breach thresholds of schedule, performance, cost, or other established criteria. Definition: The Production Readiness Review (PRR) determines if

The Operational Test Readiness Review (OTRR) assesses if a system should proceed into Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E).  The review addresses and verifies system reliability, maintainability, and supportability performance and determines if the hazards and Environmental, Safety, Occupational, and Health (ESOH) residual risks are manageable within the planned testing operations.  This assessment determines if

The System Functional Review (SFR) is a technical review to ensure that the system’s functional baseline is established and can satisfy the requirements of the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) or draft Capability Development Document (CDD) within the currently allocated budget and schedule. It also determines whether the system’s lower-level performance requirements are fully defined and