DoD Acquisition Lifecycle 101
The Department of Defense (DoD) Acquisition Lifecycle is a comprehensive framework for guiding the procurement of defense capabilities from concept to deployment and sustainment. By understanding the stages of the acquisition lifecycle and the associated processes and considerations at each stage, stakeholders can effectively navigate the complexities of defense acquisition and ensure the delivery of critical capabilities to support national security objectives.
Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) Phase
The MSA phase represents a critical stage within the DoD Acquisition Lifecycle, where efforts are focused on assessing potential solutions to address identified capability gaps or needs in an Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). During this phase, the DoD thoroughly analyzes and evaluates alternative options to determine the most suitable materiel solution for meeting operational requirements. The primary objective of the MSA phase is to conduct a comprehensive Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) and develop a clear understanding of the potential technical, cost, schedule, and risk considerations associated with each solution.
The MSA phase has 10 main functions (AcqNotes, 2021):
- Assess all potential solutions for a stated need
- Develop a preliminary Acquisition Strategy
- Develop a Technology Development Strategy (TDS)
- Develop program goals for any needed development of critical enabling technologies
- Conduct an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) leading to the selection and approval of a materiel
- Develop a draft Capabilities Development Document (CDD)
- Develop a Systems Engineering Plan (SEP)
- Develop Initial Support and Maintenance Concepts (Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan)
- Develop the Life-Cycle Signature Support Plan (LSSP)
- Understand Research and Development Costs
The MSA phase typically concludes with identifying and selecting the preferred materiel solution to address the identified capability gap or need while meeting the entrance criteria to move to the next phase.
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Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) Phase
The TMRR phase focuses on advancing critical technologies and mitigating programmatic risks to inform the development of complex defense systems. During this phase, efforts are concentrated on maturing key technologies, validating system requirements, and reducing technical and programmatic uncertainties to set the foundation for successful system development. The primary objective of the TMRR phase is to ensure that proposed materiel solutions are technically feasible, affordable, and low-risk before entering full-scale system development and production.
During the TMRR phase, key activities include conducting prototype demonstrations, test and evaluation activities, and risk mitigation efforts to validate technology readiness levels (TRLs) and reduce technical risks. This phase involves collaboration between government stakeholders, Program Managers, and technical experts to address technical challenges, identify design deficiencies, and refine system requirements based on empirical data and lessons learned. Additionally, efforts may focus on refining acquisition strategies, estimating lifecycle costs, and developing realistic schedules to inform decision-making and guide subsequent phases.
Expected deliverables for the TMRR phase may include:
- Live-Fire T&E Waiver request (if appropriate)
- Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
- Risk Assessment
- Systems Engineering Plan
- Programmatic Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Evaluation (PESHE)
- Compliance Schedule for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Program Protection Plan (PPP)
- Should Cost
- Cost Capability Analysis (CCA)
- Capability Development Document (CDD)
- System Requirements Document (SRD)
- Validated System Support and Maintenance Objectives and Requirements
- Inputs to the following:
- Information Support Plan (ISP)
- System Threat Assessment (STAR)
- Acquisition Strategy
- Affordability Assessment, Cost, and Manpower Estimates
- System Safety
In addition to the deliverables, the TMRR phase conducts five reviews of the program being evaluated.
- System Requirements Review (SRR)
- System Functional Review (SFR)
- Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
- Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA)
- Integrated Baseline Review (IBR)
Engineering Development
The Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase is a pivotal stage within the DoD Acquisition Lifecycle, where proposed systems or capabilities transition from concept to reality through prototype design, development, and testing. During this phase, contractors collaborate closely with the DoD to refine system requirements, conduct detailed design work, and build production-representative prototypes for testing and evaluation. The primary objective of the EMD phase is to ensure that the proposed system meets performance specifications, reliability requirements, and operational needs while identifying and mitigating technical risks and challenges.
During the EMD phase, key activities include conducting system engineering activities, developing detailed design specifications, and building prototypes for evaluation through rigorous testing and assessment. This phase typically involves a series of design reviews, test events, and milestone assessments to validate system performance, assess technical maturity, and inform decision-making regarding program progression. Additionally, efforts may focus on maturing critical technologies, establishing manufacturing processes, and refining logistics and sustainment plans to support future production and deployment efforts.
This phase lays the foundation for successful system development and eventual production by focusing on design refinement, technology maturation, and risk mitigation. Collaboration between contractors and government stakeholders ensures that proposed systems meet the DoD’s stringent performance, reliability, and affordability requirements. Moreover, identifying technical risks early in the acquisition process minimizes uncertainties, reduces programmatic risks, and increases confidence in successfully delivering mission-critical capabilities to the warfighter.
The following exit criteria are considered when determining if a system or capability will move into the Production and Deployment (P&D) phase (AcqNotes, 2021):
- Validated capability requirements
- Demonstrated manufacturing processes
- Functional software sustainment processes
- Available industrial production capabilities
- Program security
- Met Exit Criteria and Milestone C entrance criteria per the MDA’s direction
Deployment
In the P&D phase, systems or capabilities transition from development to full-scale production and operational deployment. During this phase, contractors ramp up production efforts to manufacture production-representative units of the system, conduct acceptance testing, and deliver completed systems to end-users for operational use. The primary objective of the P&D phase is to ensure the timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities to the warfighter while meeting cost, schedule, and performance objectives. Key activities include establishing manufacturing processes, procuring materials and components, and scaling production to meet operational demands. Further, deliverables from the TMRR phase are updated during the deployment evaluation phase.
Contractors work closely with government stakeholders to conduct quality assurance inspections, verify compliance with technical specifications, and ensure that delivered systems meet rigorous performance standards. Additionally, logistical support activities, such as training, maintenance, and sustainment planning, are initiated to prepare end-users for the effective deployment and support of the system in the field.
The focus is on efficient production, quality assurance, and logistical support, enabling the delivery of mission-critical capabilities to the warfighter in a timely and cost-effective manner. Through collaboration between contractors, government agencies, and end-users, this phase ensures that production efforts are aligned with operational needs and strategic priorities. Implementing robust quality control measures and logistical support infrastructure enhances system reliability and maintainability and maximizes readiness. This increases the effectiveness and efficiency of military operations.
Technical reviews during the P&D phase of the system or capability include:
- Integrated Baseline Review (IBR)
- Operational Test Readiness Review (OTRR)
- Physical Configuration Audit (PCA)
- Full-Rate Production Decision Review (FRDR)
Operations and Support (O&S)
The O&S phase represents the final stage within the DoD Acquisition Lifecycle, where systems or capabilities transition from production to operational use and sustainment. During this phase, the focus shifts from development and deployment to the ongoing sustainment and support of fielded systems throughout their service life. The primary objective is to ensure deployed systems’ continued functionality, readiness, and effectiveness while minimizing lifecycle costs and maximizing operational performance. Key activities include maintenance, logistics, and technical support to sustain system functionality and readiness. Contractors, government agencies, and end-users collaborate to conduct preventive and corrective maintenance, manage inventory, and address system failures or deficiencies as they arise. Additionally, efforts may focus on technology refreshment, system upgrades, and end-of-life disposal to address evolving mission requirements and maintain system relevance over time.
The O&S phase ensures deployed systems remain operational and mission-ready throughout their service life by prioritizing sustainment and support activities. Through proactive maintenance, logistics management, and technical support, this phase enhances system reliability, availability, and maintainability, thereby increasing military forces’ overall effectiveness and readiness. Moreover, by leveraging lessons learned and feedback from operational users, the O&S phase enables continuous improvement and optimization of system performance, ensuring that deployed capabilities remain aligned with evolving mission needs and functional requirements. Overall, the O&S phase is critical in maximizing the return on investment in defense acquisition programs, enabling the DoD to effectively achieve its mission objectives and support national security priorities.
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