Defense Acquisition Process Flashcards

A major defense acquisition program has successfully completed the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase, demonstrating key technologies in a relevant environment. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) is preparing for the next major decision point. What is the primary purpose of the upcoming Milestone B review?

Answer: To authorize the official start of the acquisition program by approving entry into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.

Milestone B is the official start of an acquisition program. It follows the TMRR phase and authorizes entry into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, where the system is developed and designed for production.

What is the primary purpose of the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) conducted during the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) phase of the defense acquisition process?

Answer: To evaluate the operational effectiveness, suitability, and life-cycle costs of various potential solutions to meet a validated capability need.

The AoA is a critical analytical tool used early in the acquisition process during the MSA phase. Its purpose is to compare different potential materiel solutions based on effectiveness, suitability, and cost to ensure the most cost-effective approach is chosen to meet the capability gap identified in the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD).

Which of the following documents, part of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), is the primary requirements document for a Milestone C decision and details the performance attributes necessary for production?

Answer: Capability Production Document (CPD)

The Capability Production Document (CPD) refines the requirements from the earlier Capability Development Document (CDD) and provides the specific, testable performance attributes that guide the Production and Deployment phase. An approved CPD is a key prerequisite for the Milestone C decision.

The Defense Acquisition System (DAS), the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process are the three key decision support systems for DoD. The DAS is best described as the management process used to:

Answer: Acquire quality products that satisfy user needs with measurable improvements to mission capability.

The Defense Acquisition System (DAS) is the management process for translating user needs and technological opportunities, identified through JCIDS, into stable, affordable, and well-managed acquisition programs. JCIDS identifies the 'what' (the requirement), PPBE provides the 'money', and DAS is the 'how' (the acquisition process).

A program manager is preparing for a Milestone C review. The program has completed developmental testing, the design is stable, and an operational assessment has been conducted. A successful Milestone C decision will authorize the program to enter which phase of the acquisition process?

Answer: Production and Deployment (P&D)

Milestone C serves as the gateway from the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase to the Production and Deployment (P&D) phase. A successful review authorizes the program to begin Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and prepare for full-rate production and fielding.

A combatant commander identifies a critical, unforeseen threat on the battlefield that requires a new capability to be fielded in well under two years to prevent loss of life. Which acquisition pathway within the Adaptive Acquisition Framework is specifically designed for this type of situation?

Answer: Urgent Capability Acquisition

The Urgent Capability Acquisition pathway is designed to fulfill urgent operational needs and quick-reaction capabilities, with a goal of fielding a solution in less than two years. It streamlines normal acquisition processes to rapidly deliver capabilities to the warfighter.