ACAP Defense Acquisition and Cost Policy

Question 1

Which DoD instruction establishes the primary policy framework for the defense acquisition system?

Accepted Answer

DoDI 5000.02 (Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework)

Answer

DoDI 5000.02 implements the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, establishing the policy, processes, and roles for managing defense acquisition programs including major systems.

Question 2

What is the 'Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF)' and how many acquisition pathways does it include?

Accepted Answer

The AAF is a flexible DoD acquisition model with six pathways tailored to different product types and urgency levels

Answer

The AAF's six pathways (Urgent Capability Acquisition, Middle Tier of Acquisition, Major Capability Acquisition, Software Acquisition, Defense Business Systems, and Acquisition of Services) allow tailoring to program type.

Question 3

What threshold defines a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) under US law?

Accepted Answer

RDT&E costs exceeding $525M or procurement costs exceeding $3.065B in FY2020 constant dollars

Answer

10 USC 2430 (now 10 USC 4201) defines MDAPs by cost thresholds (adjusted periodically for inflation), triggering the most stringent acquisition oversight including SAR reporting and Nunn-McCurdy.

Question 4

What is the role of the 'Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)' office within OSD?

Accepted Answer

CAPE provides independent cost estimates and program assessments to the Secretary of Defense to support major acquisition decisions and oversight

Answer

CAPE's independent cost estimates (ICEs) provide the SecDef with an objective counterpoint to program office estimates, ensuring major decisions are based on realistic cost projections.

Question 5

What is the 'Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA)' and how does it affect Army cost analysts?

Accepted Answer

DAWIA established competency standards and certification requirements for the defense acquisition workforce, requiring cost analysts to achieve specific education, training, and experience credentials

Answer

DAWIA professionalized the acquisition workforce by requiring certification in specific career fields; cost analysts must meet DAWIA requirements for their career level in the business/cost estimating functional area.

ACAP - Army Cost Analysis Position Practice Test

ACAP - Army Cost Analysis Position Practice Test

ACAP Defense Acquisition and Cost Policy