ACQ 1010 Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management

Which of the following Acquisition Categories (ACAT's) are established for all services EXCEPT the Air Force?

Acquisition Category (ACAT) IV

Select the Department of Defense's (DOD'S) decision -support system described as: "This is the process by which the the Department of Defense (DOD) identified, accesses and prioritizes the capabilities the military referred to as the requirements generation process."

Defense Acquisition Management System (DAS)

Programs are divided into acquisition categories (ACATs) based primarily on program cost.

True

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is one of three Government regulations that govern acquisition activities and only applies to the Department of Defense (DoD)

Fasle

Which of the following is a primary objective of the System Acquisition Management process?

Provide measurable improvements in mission capabilities

Which of the following institutions designs, produces, supports and upgrades defense systems?

Industry

Who controls the budget and the release of funds, and reports directly to the Secretary of Defense?

Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller (USD)

Which type of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) focus on seeking opportunities?

Working-level Integrated Project teams

A system includes all of the elements (e.g.’ hardware, software, logistical support, personnel) needed to assist DoD in conducting its mission of deterring or winning a war. Which of the following are considered primary objectives of Systems acquisition management?

Satisfy the needs of operational users
provide measurable improvements in functional capabilities
acquire products in a timely manner at a fair and reasonable cost

Which of the following best describes a system?

Hardware, Software, logistics support, and personnel

Which of the following is one of the principal mechanisms by which Congress modifies the defense acquisition structure

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Which of the following establishes the objective of delivering effective, suitable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable solutions to the end user in a timely manner?

DoDI 5000.02 - Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Is the primary regulation for all Federal agencies for the acquisition of supplies and services

Representing constituent interests, setting resource ceilings, and balancing national security and social needs are characteristics of which institution?

Congress

Formulating national security policy, negotiating with Congress, and maintaining a balanced force structure are characteristics of which institution?

Executive Branch

Considering stockholders’ interests, responding to solicitations, and technical achievement are characteristics of which institution?

Defense industry

Which of the following Acquisition Categories (ACAT's) are established for all services EXCEPT the Air Force?

Acquisition Category (ACAT) IV

Defense Acquisition Management System (DAS)

Programs are divided into acquisition categories (ACATs) based primarily on program cost.

True

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is one of three Government regulations that govern acquisition activities and only applies to the Department of Defense (DoD)

Fasle

Which of the following is a primary objective of the System Acquisition Management process?

Provide measurable improvements in mission capabilities

Which of the following institutions designs, produces, supports and upgrades defense systems?

Industry

Who controls the budget and the release of funds, and reports directly to the Secretary of Defense?

Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller (USD)

Which type of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) focus on seeking opportunities?

Working-level Integrated Project teams

A system can be defined as

all elements needed to assist the DoD to conduct its mission of deterring or winning the war

Which of the following a key characteristic of Program Level Integrated Project Teams?

They focus on program execution

Select the Department of Defense decision-support system described as "This is the process by which the DoD identifies, assesses, and prioritizes the capabilities the military requires to fulfill its mission and its referred to as the requirements generation process."

JCIDS

A system estimated to have Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) costs of $200M (FY 2020) is what category of program?

ACAT II

DoDI 5000.02 specifies the characteristics for acquisition categories

True

Which of the following institutions designs, produces, supports and upgrades defense systems?

Industry

Programs that estimate expenditure in any single year between $20M and $40M in FY 2014 constant year dollars are designated ACAT II

False

Who controls the budget and the release of funds and reports directly to the Secretary of Defense?

USD Comptroller

IN order to be successful in acquisition management, which of the PERFORMANCE risk factors need to be adressed

use of new material or processes

The FAR is one of the three Government regulations that govern acquisitions and only applies to the DoD

False

Acquisition Categories (ACTs) are divided into categories based primarily on which of the following?

Cost

Which of the following Acquisition Categories (ACTs) are established for all services EXCEPT the Air Force?

Acquisition Category (ACAT) IV

What is a characteristic of an Integrated Project Team (IP T)?

They are a multidisciplinary group of people who are collectively responsible for delivering a defined product or process

Acquisition is a broad term that applies to more than just the purchase of an item or service.

True

Who provides an independent assessment of the effectiveness and suitability of new weapon systems?

Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (D OT&E)

Which of the following institutions sets resource ceilings and provides Budget Authority for the Department of Defense
(DOD)?

Congress

System Acquisition Management

is the process used to acquire quality products which must satisfy the needs of operational users, provide measureable improvements in mission capabilities, and acquired in a timely manner at a fair and reasonable cost.

Acquisition Laws

Title 10 of the United States Code governs the organization. structure, and operation of the Armed Forces of the United States

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

Is one of the principal mechanisms by which Congress modifies the defense acquisition structure

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)

Is the primary regulation for use by all Federal agencies for the acquisition of supplies and services with appropriated funds.

DoDD 5000.01

This policy, otherwise known as Defense Acquisition System policy states the policies and principles that guide all defense acquisition programs. This directive identifies the DoD key acquisition officials and forums.

DoDI 5000.02

This policy, otherwise known as Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) policy is applicable to all systems and services acquired via the Defense Acquisition System (DAS)

DoDI 5000.85

This policy, otherwise known as the Major Capability Acquisition Pathway policy guides the acquisition of major capability acquisition programs, including major defense acquisition programs (MDAP); other programs categorized as acquisition category such as ACAT I-II, automated information systems (AIS), and more

Executive Branch (People)

President, DoD, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Department of State, and the National Security Council (NSC)

Executive Branch (Objectives)

Satisfy national security objectives, maintaining a balanced force structure, fielding weapon systems to defeat threats to national security, preventing undue congressional interest/scrutiny, and eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in federal procuerment

Legislative Branch (Congress)

Passes laws, provides constitutional checks and balances to the authority of the Executive Branch, and represent the interests of the people and the States

Legislative Branch (Objective)

Balancing national security and social needs, distributing federal dollars by district/state, maximizing competition, controlling industry profits, and controlling fraud, waste, and abuse

Defense Industry (Contractors)

Includes large, medium, and small organizations, both U.S. and foreign, providing goods and services to the DoD

Defense Industry (Objectives)

Profit and growth, cash flow, market share, stability, and technological achievement

Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)

Principle staff element of the SECDEF to perform policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal program management

Secretary of Defense (SECDEF)

Principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to national security who is responsible for establishing general policies and programs for the military departments and agencies, and exercise general authority over those entities.

Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller (USD(C))

Controls the budget and the release of funds and is responsible for the Budgeting and Execution phases of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P))

Provides policy advice, ensures DoD plan alignment with national security objective, and maintains responsibility for Defense Planning and Programming Guidance (DPPG) during the Planning phase of PPBE

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment (USD(A&S))

Principal staff assistant and advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense for all matters relating to the DoD Acquisition System. Additional responsibilities and titles include Defense Acquisition Executive, Chairs the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB), and makes program milestone decisions for designated Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPS)

Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E))

Chief Technology Officer for the DoD charged with development and oversight of DoD technology strategy for the DoD who develops breakthrough capabilities to hedge against future uncertainties, provides assistance for rapid technology transitions

Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (D, CAPE)

Is responsible for analysis and advice on matters relating to Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution system (PPBE system), formulates study guidance for and performance of Analyses of Alternatives (AoAs) for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs)

Director, Operation Test and Evaluation (D, OT&E)

Provides independent assessment of the operational effectiveness and suitability of new weapons systems and sends OT&E reports directly to the SECDEF and Congress

Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE)

Is the USD (A&S), top-level official for all DoD system acquisitions and is responsible for supervising the Defense Acquisition System. Acts as the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) for Major Defense Acquisitions Programs (MDAPs) & Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS). Authority can be delegated to the Component/Service Acquisition Executive and to another OSD Official as the DAE sees fit.

Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)

Designated individual with overall responsibility for a program which includes the authority to approve the progress of an acquisition and is held accountable for the cost, schedule, and performance reporting of the said program. ACAT Level is determined by the appropriate MDA at the first Milestone (Material Development Decision (MDD)).

DAB

Is the Department's senior-level forum for advising the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) on critical decisions concerning Acquisition Category (ACAT) ID programs, and selected ACAT IA programs.

Component Acquisition Executive (CAE)

Is the senior official in each DoD Component responsible for all acquisition functions within that Component. The CAE is the secretary of the military department, or the head of the defense agency, with power of re-delegation. Additional responsibilities include being MDA for ACAT IB,C,AC, and III programs.

Program Executive Officer (PEO)

Is the official who has responsibility for directing several Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and for assigned major system and non-major system acquisition programs.

Program Manager (PM)

Is the designated individual with responsibility for all aspects of a particular program including the authority to accomplish program objectives for development, production, and sustainment. Is accountable for credible cost, schedule, and performance reporting to the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA).

Acquisition Categories (ACAT)

Acquisition programs -- levels primarily based off of the cost, but interest level also impacts the level of distinction

Weapon Systems (ACAT)

Weapon and support equipment such as surveillance systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, and reconnaissance systems.

Automated Information Systems (AIS)

Combinations of computer hardware, software, data, and/or telecommunications equipment that perform functions such as collecting, processing, storing, transmitting, and displaying information

ACAT I

ACAT level where Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) is more than $535 million and Procurements is more than $3.065 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. Programs in this level are MDAP and it may include programs below those cost level if high interest is shown.

ACAT II

ACAT level where Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) is more than $200 million and Procurement is more than $920 million in FY 2020. Programs in this level meet criteria for a Major System.

ACAT III

ACAT level below ACAT II, still related to Air Force

ACAT IV

ACAT level below ACAT III, Air Force does not have this level. Two categories in this level, IVT (Test) and IVM (Monitor).

Risk

Is a measure of future uncertainties in achieving program performance goals and objectives within defined cost, schedule, and performance constraints

Identified risks

A future root cause, a probability or likelihood of that future root cause occurring, the consequence or effect of that future root cause if it occurs.

Mitigating risks

Risk control, avoidance, acceptance, and transfer

Risk Control

Reduce risk to an acceptable level, taking actions to reduce the likelihood of a future root cause to as low as possible in order to minimize potential program impacts

Risk Avoidance

Reduce risk by eliminating the risk event or condition by taking an alternate path

Risk Acceptance

Reduce risk by accepting the potential event or condition and

Risk Transfer

Reduce risk by reallocating or sharing the risk among entities or processes

Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)

A multidisciplinary group of people who are collectively responsible for delivering a defined product or process, functions including building successful programs, identify and resolve issues, make sound and timely recommendations to facilitate decision making.

IPTs (Types)

There are three types of this team -- Overarching, Working Level, and Program Level.

Overarching IPTs (OIPTs)

Team that focuses on strategic guidance, program assessment, issue resolution.

Working Level IPTs (WIPTs)

Team that focuses on identifying and resolving program issues, determining program status, and seeking opportunities.

Program Level IPTS (PIPTs)

Team that focuses on program execution which includes representative from both government and industry

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

From concept to deployment, a weapon system goes through three decision processes to identify the required weapon system, establish a budget, and acquire the system.

Defense Acquisition System (DAS)

A decision support system that is event-driven and used for developing and/or acquiring an item/system.

Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)

A decision support system that is needs-driven and used for identifying capability requirements.

Planning, Programming, Budgeting, & Execution System (PPBE)

A decision support system that is calendar-driven and used for allocating resources and budgeting.

Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF)

Objective of this framework is to acquire quality products that satisfy user needs with measurable improvements to mission capability and operational support, in a timely manner, and at a fair and reasonable price.

Urgent Capabilities

This pathway means acquisition is needed within 2 years.

Middle Tier of Acquisition

This pathway means acquisition is either rapid prototypes to fielding within 5 years

Major Capabilities Acquisition (MCA)

This pathway has no set time length but is for programs that require significant development, time, and financial expenditures

Software Acquisition

This pathway has not set time length but is for software intensive systems.

MCA Milestones

These 3 milestone serve as gates that must be passed through before the program can proceed to the next phase of the acquisition process.

Milestone A

Milestone that grants permission to enter into the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) Phase.

Milestone B

Milestone that grant permission to enter into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase.

Milestone C

Milestone that grants permission to enter the Production and Deployment (PD) Phase.

MCA pathway

Has the following five phases: Materiel Solutions Analysis (MSA) > Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) > Engineering & Manufacturing Deployment (EMD) > Production & Deployment (PD) > Operations & Sustainment (OS).

JCIDS Methodology

Use top level strategic guidance as a basis for identifying and describing shortfalls in joint warfighting capability, determine functional capability needs and alternatives for meeting those needs, and provide the basis for establishing priorities by identifying Warfighter deficiencies or needs

Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy (DOTMLPF-P)

JCIDS document that is refferred to for the requirements generation process.

PPBE Methodology

Calendar-driven process used for securing funding for a major acquisition program, offers the basis for informed affordability assessment and resource allocation decisions, and provides a formal, systematic structure for making decisions on policy, strategy, and the development of forces and capabilities to accomplish anticipated missions.

Planning

During this stage in PPBE, a national defense strategy is defined and a plan is developed for executing the strategy.

Programming

During this stage in PPBE, proposed programs are fleshed out and a Program Objective Memorandum (POM) is written.

Budgeting

During this stage in PPBE, which occurs concurrently with the programming phase, proposed budgets and programs are reviewed and the Budget Estimate Submission (BES) is prepared

Execution

During this stage in PPBE, programs are evaluated and measured against established performance metrics, including rates of funding obligations and expenditures.

What is the primary objective of JCIDS?

To ensure the capabilities required by the warfighter are identified and meet the operational performance criteria

KPPs are Performance attributes of a system considered critical to the development of an effective military capability. Which of the following is NOT one of the four mandatory KPP

Lethality

Who can initiate a CBA?

Any DoD organization

Which document is developed next if the CBA recommends a material solution?

ICD

As the program nears the end of development, the user may refine the CDD

True

Which of the following did the adoption of JCIDS allow DoD to do?

Shift from a threat based approach to identifying warfighter requirements to a capabilities-based approach

Select the document that establishes policies and procedures for developing, reviewing, validating and approving the capability documents required by JCIDS

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 5123.01

If an Initial Capability Document is developed, which of the following solutions does the CBA support?

Material

JCIDS (Objective)

To ensure that the capabilities required by the joint Warfighter to successfully execute their missions are identified with their associated operational performance criteria.

DOTMLPF-P

Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy

Non-Materiel Solutions

These solutions are documented in a DOTMLPF-P Change Recommendation document.

Materiel Solutions

These solutions are documented in a Capability Document which breaks down into an Initial Capability Document (ICD) and Capability Development Document (CDD).

CJSCI 5123.01

One of the governing documents for JCIDS which purpose is to establish policies and procedures for the JCIDS called for by the DoDD 5000.01 and DoDI 5000.02, provide policies and procedures for developing, reviewing, validating, and approving capabilities document, and to delegate oversight responsibility for the JCIDS to the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, assisted by the JROC and members of the Joint Staff

JCIDS Manual

One of the governing documents for JCIDS which purpose is to facilitate the timely and cost effective development of capability solutions for the Warfighter.

DoDI 5000.02

One of the governing documents for JCIDS which purpose is to establish a flexible management framework for translating capability needs and technology opportunities -- otherwise known as the adaptive Adaptive Acquisition Framework.

Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA)

This is the first step of the JCIDS process and analyzes the military's capability needs and gaps, and recommends both materiel and non-materiel ways to address the gaps

Requirements Managers

This person in the JCIDS process is responsible for assessing current capabilities, recommending non-materiel and /or materiel approaches, and identifying operational performance requirements

Guidance for Future Joint Warfighting Capabilities

This step in the JICDS process is based on Strategic Guidance, Joint Operations Concepts, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Defense Planning Scenarios, and Feedback from the field

Resources (JCIDS)

These resources are provided by the PPBE and Congressional appropriations.

Acquisition (JCIDS)

Determining materiel and non-materiel solutions, estimating cost and obtaining funding, designing, developing, and testing, and producing and fielding.

Non-materiel Solution

A defense acquisition program that satisfies identified capability needs. This solution is usually faster and much less expensive.

Materiel Solution

A new item developed or purchased to satisfy one or more capability requirements. These solutions are executed in the DAS process and are guided by capability requirement documents from the JCIDS process.

Non-Materiel Solution (Implentation)

DOTMLPF-P is developed to implement this type of solution.

Materiel Solution

ICD is developed to implement this type of solution.

CBA Process (Materiel Route)

ICD > Materiel Development Decision > Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) & Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) > Draft CDD > Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase & Competitive Prototypes > Finalized CDD > Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) > CDD update > Production & Development Phase -- FRP, LRIP, and IOC

Initial Capabilities Document (ICD)

This document describes capability gaps that exist in joint warfighting functions, as described in the applicable Family of Joint Future Concepts or other mission tasks. Initiated when a materiel solution is deemed necessary.

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)

This document is conducted to assess critical technologies associated with the concepts documented in the ICD. The results of this document provides the basis for a draft CDD.

Capability Development Document (CDD)

This document identifies operational performance attributes necessary to design the proposed system, draft is copmpleted during the MSA phase and is finalized during the TMRR phase -- it can be updated throughout its lifespan.

Threshold

Is the minimum acceptable value to the user for a system capability. Any value below threshold, utility of systems becomes questionable.

Objective

Is the desired value, which results in an operationally significant increment above the threshold.

Key Performance Parameters (KPP)

Performance parameters considered by the user to be the most essential

Key System Attributes (KSA)

Performance parameters considered by the user essential to achieving a balanced solution/approach to a system, but not critical enough to be designated KPP

Trade Space

The difference between the threshold and objectives value

Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) Interest

Part of the Joint Staff (J-8) that applies to all potential and designated ACAT I/IA programs and capabilities that have a potentially significant impact on interoperability in allied and coalition operation.

Joint Capabilities Board (JCB)

Part of the J_8 that applies to all documents describing ACAT II and below programs that have a potentially significant impact on interoperability

Joint Integration

Part of the J-8 that applies to all documents describing ACAT II and below program which require one or more joint endorsements or certifications, and are below JCB interest level.

Joint Information

Part of the J-8 that applies to all documents describing ACAT II and below programs that don't have require joint endorsements or certifications and are below JCB interest level.

Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Phases

Materiel Solutions Analysis (MSA) > Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) > Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) > Production & Deployment (P&D) > Operations & Support (O&S)

Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Milestones

Milestone A (initiates TMRR) > Milestone B (initiates EMD) > Milestone C (initiates P&D)

Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Decision Points

Materiel Development Decision (MDD) > Capability Development Document (CDD) Validation > Development Request for Proposal (RFP) Decision > and Released Full-Rate Production "(FRP)

Materiel Solutions Analysis (MSA)

In this MCA phase the most promising technology is picked to meet the user need identified in the Initial Capabilities Document.

Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR)

In this MCA phase we reduce risk by proving the reliability of the technology through competitive prototyping.

Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD)

In this MCA phase we complete the build to design, prove the design works and can be manufactured.

Production and Deployment (P&D)

In this MCA phase we produce a limited number of units and test the units to make sure that they work and after that is we produce and deploy the full set.

Operations and Support (O&S)

In this MCA phase we support operational units for the full it's full life.

DoD Decision Support Systems

Defense Acquisition System, Joint Capabilities Integration & Development System, Planning, Programming, Budgeting & Execution System

MCA Purposes

Develop technology, produce weapon systems, and provide logistics support.

DAS Governing Document

DODD 5000.01, DoDI 5000.02, DoDI 5000.85, and Defense Acquisition Guidebook

Materiel Development Decision (MDD)

First decision point in the MCA which determines whether a new weapon system is required to fill the identified gap. Also known as need identification decision this triggers the analysis of alternative solutions.

MDA Determination of MDD

MDA must determine that a materiel solution is necessary, approve AoA plan, designate the DoD Component that will lead the program, and determine the acquisition phase of entry

MSA (Phases)

MDD > AOA > ICD > Draft CDD > Mile Stone A

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)

Conducted during the MSA phase, this phase focuses on identifying and analyzing alternatives, measures of effectiveness, key trades between cost and capability, schedule, concept of operations, overall risk, and total life-cycle cost, including sustainment and provides the basis for the Acquisition Strategy (AS).

Critical Technology Elements (CTEs)

Technology maturity, integration risk, manufacturing feasability, and technology maturation and demonstration needs

MSA (Conclusion)

When the AoA has been completed, draft CDD produced, and criteria met for Milestone A have been met, this phase has completed.

Milestone A

Also referred to as the Risk Reduction Decision, is an investment decision to pursue specific product or design concepts, and to commit the resources required to mature technology and/or reduce any risks that must be mitigated prior to committing the resources needed for development, production, and fielding. A successful Milestone A decision leads to entry into the TMRR phase.

MDA Determination of Milestone A

MDA must approve Proposed materiel solution, Acquisition Strategy, Systems Engineering Plan (SEP), Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), and Product Support Strategy (PSS), Lead Component must submit a cost estimate for proposed solution, must have full funding for Future Years Defense Program.

TMRR (purpose)

Reduce technology risk by demonstrating critical technologies in competitive prototyping activities, determine and mature the appropriate set of technologies, reduce all sources of risk through risk mitigation, develop and approve the CDD at the CDD-Validation, conduct a prelimary design review (PDR), and release the development request for proposal

Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM)

This report in the TMRR phase provides early (Pre-Milestone A) reliability, availability, maintainability and ownership cost feasibility assessments of alternative concepts, includes early formulation of maintenance and support concepts, provides an audit trail that documents and supports JCIDS thresholds, ensures correct balance between the sustainment metrics, provides early risk reductions, and informs the Preliminary Design Review

Preliminary Design Review (PDR)

This review in the TMRR phase ensures that the preliminary design and basic system architecture are complete, there is technical confidence that the capability need can be satisfied, and all needs can be met within cost and schedule goals.

Development Request for Proposal (DFRP)

This request is released when development is complete and a decision can be made to release an RFP for development (and possibly initial production) to industry. Considered the most critical decision point an an acquisition program.

TMRR (Conclusion)

This phase is complete when an affordable increment of capability has been identified, the technology has been demonstrated in a relevant environment, manufacturing risks have been identified, system or increment ready for production within a short time frame, and PDR has been conducted

Milestone B

Development decision to authorize entry into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) Phase. MDA approves of Acquisition Strategy, Acquisition Program Baseline, Low Rate Initial Production quantities, Type of Contract, and exit criteria for EMD.

EMD (Purpose)

Is to develop, build, and test a product to verify that all operational and derived requirements have been met, and to support production or deployment decision.

EMD (MDA)

Completes all needed hardware and software detailed design, systemically retires any open risks, builds and tests prototypes, prepares for production or deployment,
and includes the establishment of the initial product baseline for all configuration items.

Critical Design review (CDR)

A multi-discipline review to ensure that a system can proceed into fabrication which includes Adequate developmental Testing (DT), Environmental, Saftey, and Occupational Health (ESOH) assessments, Completed Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), etc

EMD (Product Support Process)

Engineering Review > Product Support Package > Performance Testing

EMD (Conclusion)

This phase ends when the design i stable, system meets validated capability requirements, manufacturing processes have been demonstrated, industrial production capabilities are reasonably available, and system has met or exceeds all EMD criteria.

Milestone C (Purpose)

Authorize entry into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for MDAPs and Major Systems, production or procurement, and limited deployment for Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS) or software-intensive systems with no production components.

Milestone C (MDA)

Considers cost estimates, manpower mix data, validated online lifecycle threat report, environmental issues, compliance with the DoD Strategic Plan

Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM)

MDA decision made at Milestone C are documented here.

FRP (MDA)

Consider any new validated threat environments that might affect operational effectiveness, consult with the requirements validation authority as part of the decision making process to ensure that capability requirements are current

O&S (Purpose)

Is to execute the product support strategy, satisfy materiel readiness and operational support performance requirements, and sustain the system over its life cycle, to include disposal.

O&S (MDA)

This phase begins upon MDA approval of Product Support Strategy (PSS)

Product Support Strategy (PSS)

The basis for all sustainment efforts of a program and lead to a Product Support Package (PSP) to achieve and sustain Warfighter requirements.

Product Support Package (PSP)

This includes the array of product support functions required to deploy and maintain the readiness and operational capability of major weapon systems, subsystems, and components, including all functions related to weapon systems readiness.

Acquisition Strategy (AS)

This strategy guides program execution from initiation through re-procurement of systems, subsystems, components, spares, and services beyond the initial production contract award, and during post-production support.

AS (Goal)

A primary goal of the AS is to minimize the time and cost it takes, consistent with common sense and sound business practices, to satisfy identified, validated needs for technologies, products and services; and to maximize affordability throughout a program's useful life cycle.

AS & DoD Interaction

DoDI 5000.85 states that each PM must prepare and the MDA must approve an AS at Milestone A.

National Security Strategy

The strategy that recognizes the invaluable advantages that strong relationship with allies and partners can deliver.

International Acquisition and Exportability (IA&E) Policy Objectives

Operational, Economic, Technical, Political, and Industrial

Operational (IA&E)

To increase military effectiveness through interoperability and partnership with allies and partners.

Economic (IA&E)

To reduce weapons acquisition costs by sharing costs and economies of scale, or avoiding duplication of development efforts with our allies and friends.

Technical (IA&E)

To access the best technology worldwide, and help minimize the capabilities gap with allies and coalition partners

Political (IA&E)`

To strengthen alliances and relationships with other friendly countries.

Industrial (IA&E)

To Bolster domestic and allied defense industrial bases.

International Armaments Cooperation

Overisght by USA (A&S) and (R&E) used to preserve peace through strength and enhance U.S. coalition warfare capability through establishment of international acquisition partnerships with allied and friendly nations. Implemented primarily through DoD IA&E ICP transactions.

Which OSD position ensures the alignment of DoD plans with national security objectives?

Under Secretary of Defense (USD) Policy

Which OSD position controls the budget and the release of funds?

Under Secretary of Defense (USD) Comptroller

Which OSD position provides independent assessment of the operational effectiveness and suitability of new weapon systems?

Director, Operational Test and Evaluation

Which OSD position is the principal staff assistand and advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense for all matters relating to the DoD acquisition system?

Under Secretary of Defense (USD) for Acquisition and Sustainment

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency and a Military Department International Program Office are strong advocates of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) initiative to sell a U.S. system in full rate production to allied and friendly nations in a region that hasn't traditionally purchased U.S. equipment in the past. The Program Manager's Acquisition Strategy must consider new alliances and new partners through International Acquisition and Exportability to support the National Defense Strategy

True

When is the Acquisition Program baseline (APB) Prepared?

Prepared at program initiation and revised to subsequent milestone reviews, program
restructuring, or unrecoverable deviations

The purpose of the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase is to reduce technology risk

through competitive prototyping of critical technologies.

True

What authorizes entry into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase?

Milestone B decision

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency asks a Military Department to engage their acquisition counterparts in allied and friendly nations regarding the potential benefits of acquiring an upgraded U.S. system that could provide additional coalition capability in the region in order to bolster the U.S. influence in the region. This initiative supports the achievement of which DoD Security Cooperation objective?

Promoting Equipment Sales and Financing

Which of the following Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) documents interfaces with the Major Capability Acquisition Pathway? (select two that apply)

Initial Capabilities Document (ICD)
Capability Development Document (CDD)

The Operations and Support Phase begins after the production or deployment decision and is based on

which Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) approved document?

Life Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP)

What is the purpose of an Acquisition Strategy (AS)

To guide execution from initiation through re-procurement of systems, subsystems,
components, spares, and services beyond the initial production contract award and during
post-production support

What is the purpose of the Milestone C decision?

For major systems, the Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to production of the system and entry into Low-Rate initial Production (LRIP)

What is the primary purpose of the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) phase?

To conduct analysis and other activities needed to choose the critical technology(s) and the concept for the product and to begin translating validated capability gaps into system specific requirements

What is the name of the law that requires funds appropriated by Congress to be used only for the programs and purposes for which the appropriation is made?

Misappropriation Act

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) apportions Budget Authority to the DoD Comptroller on a quarterly, annual, or other periodic basis depending on the appropriation.

True

Which enactment process activity must be passed by both Houses of Congress and signed by the President before any Federal agency can incur obligations or make expenditures from the U.S. Treasury?

Appropriations Bill

Each phase of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process answers a different question. Which of the following questions does the Execution Phase answer?

How are we doing on our resource allocation?

What budgeting review for the next fiscal year occurs while one FT budget is being executed and the next fiscal year is being enacted?

Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) review

Which activity provides the Budget Authority?

Appropriations Bill

Which agency apportions budget authority to the Department of Defense's (DoD's) comptroller on a periodic basis?

Office of Management and Budget

When does the execution phase of financial management occur?

When appropriated fund are spent on defense programs

What is the purpose of the Milestone C decision?

For major systems, the Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to production of the
system and entry into Low-Rate initial Production (LRIP)

Who can approve the realignment of funds between activities that are below the level of control for that appropriation category and that does not require a reprogramming action?

Program Manager

The Life Cycle Cost Estimate (LCCE) uses the work breakdown structure to show costs by system and subsystem.

True

Which of the following appropriations categories fund the Research and Development efforts performed by both contractors and government agencies?

Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

Select the terms that best fits the following definition: "When the vendor cashes the expenditure check and money flows from the Treasury to the vendor or supplier."

Outlay

What cost estimating technique would be indicated for the following situation? The program is early in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase. An estimate is needed quickly to support a "what-if" discussion. A moderate degree of subjectivity can be accommodated. A good database exists with information on many similar systems and their performance characteristics.

Parametric

Approval for reprogramming must always involve Congress.

False

Below Threshold Reprogramming for procurement is limited to the lesser of $20 million or 20%, into or out of a program. Thresholds vary by appropriations category.

True

Select the term that best fits the following definition: “The legal reservation of funds to make a future payment of money.”

Obligation

What cost estimating technique would be indicated of the following situation? The program is alter in the EMD phase and is going to have a MS C Decision in about a year. The estimate is due several months to a year from now. The estimate needs to be very accurate and objective. Detailed labor and material estimates are available. The design effort has completed the Work Breakdown Structure definition and the sum of the cost s determines the total system cost.

Engineering

Select the term that best fits the following definition: “ An administrative reservation of funds by the local comptroller, in anticipation of a future obligation.”

Commitment

Which of the following appropriations categories fund major projects such as bases, schools, and maintenance facilities?

MILCON

Which of the following statements is true of Below Threshold Reprogramming?

The transfer of funds among programs within an appropriation category, but it is subject to certain rules and limitations.

What does reprogramming permit the Department of Defense (DoD) to do with Budget Authority (BA)?

Use BA for Purposes other than those originally intended by Congress

Select the term that best fits the following definition: “When the vendor cashes the expenditure check and money flows from the Treasury to the vendor or supplier.”

Outlay

What is one purpose of contract administration?

Avoiding or elimination overlap and duplication of Government contract administration effort

Which of the following describes an Indefinite-Quantity contract?

Provides an indefinite quantity, within stated limits, of supplies or services to be furnished during a fixed period, within stated limits

Who oversees the source selection process and selects the source whose proposal is the best value?

Source Selection Authority (SSA)

The Termination Contracting Officer (TCO) is responsible for:

Negotiating any settlement with the contractor

U.S. Federal Government agencies are required to arrange full and open competition through the use of competitive procedures in their procurement activities unless otherwise authorize by law

True

Which of the following is a true statement regarding a contract?

Requires six essential elements to be binding

What is the first activity in the planning phase?

Identifying and justifying a mission need that requires a material solution

Which systems engineering supporting discipline has the goal to compare a system or components against requirements and specifications?

test and evaluation

The item detail specification, in combination with associated drawings, parts lists, process specs, and material specs, are together often referred to as the Technical Data Package (TDP).

True

In which phase are systems-level requirements stabilized and detailed designs developed based on these requirements?

Engineering and Manufacturing Develpment

Taken together, the 16 SE processes a systematic approach focused on providing operational capability to the Warfighter while reducing technical and programmatic risk.

True

Which of the following technical management processes is defined as the “means by which the results of the systems engineering effort are documented and tracked as changes occur?”

Configuration Management

The systems engineering plan is only submitted prior to the first milestone review

False

If the Government is primarily concerned with managing the total program, then the contractor’s primary concern is:

Designing and developing the system

Which of the following technical processes involves the primary efforts of design and realization?

Implementation

Which of the following technical management processes addresses the scope of the technical effort required to develop the system?

Technical Planning

The Program Manager is required to develop a System Engineering Plan that explains how he or she will manage the _________ activities to be undertaken.

Technical

Which technical process answers the question of “Did you build the system correctly?”

Verification

Which activity is typically accomplished by the contractor in the Systems Engineering Process as it relates to defining the design?

Translates system-level performance thresholds and objectives to subsystem and lower design specifications

Government contracts require that contractors perform at high levels of quality, and ask that the contractors specify in their proposals the specific quality standards with which their processes will be compliant.

True

Test and Evaluation (T&E) is used to identify technical risk, verify performance, and validate system utility throughout the defense system acquisition life cycle.

True

Which type of test supports the systems engineering process by measuring the technical performance against the design specifications?

Developmental Test and Evaluation

Which of the following best describes Test and Evaluation (T&E)

Ensures that the system meets the capability needs.

Select the type of Operational Test and Evaluation that is conducted after the Full-Rate Production Decision:

Follow-On Operational Test and Evaluation

The Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) must be developed prior to which of the following?

Milestone A and updated before each subsequent review

Performance Based Logistics (PBL) is based on long term Warfighter-driven thinking.

True

Life cycle consist of research and development costs, investment costs, operating and support costs, and disposal costs over the entire life cycle.

True

Which of the following best describes Performance Based Logistics contracts?

Performance Based Logistics Contracts (also known as performance-based contract work) is a contracting method that rejects the traditional “pay for components and services” (transaction-oriented) approach in a favor of a contract that is based mainly on predicted performance outcomes. Long-term support arrangements with defined lines of authority and responsibility are used to improve operation reliability and satisfy performance goals for a defense system through Performance-Based Logistics (PBL).

Which of the following Integrated Product Support (IPS) Element objectives is “to plan and manage cost and performance across the product support value chain, from design through disposal?”

Product Support Management

DoD Products Support Business Model (PSBM) is a one-time process to optimally support the needs and requirements of the Warfighter in an effective and affordable manner.

false

Which of the following metrics is a top-level outcome-based metrics based on the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)?

Availability

Performance Based Logistics (PBL) is synonymous with performance based life cycle product support.

True

What is the primary life cycle sustainment objective of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase?

Developing the requirements for the long-term performance-based support concepts.”

Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) is the amount of time between one failure, the failure’s correction, and then to the onset of a second failure (which may be of a different nature than the first failure) within the same component or subassembly within a given population of equipment.

True

Logisticians and engineers who perform sustainment analyses should have a basic understanding of operations, system missions and profiles and the system capabilities.

True

Logistics plans are executed and altered over the many years of deployed operation, with Operations and Support (O&S) costs typically accounting for only 10 to 20 percent of a system.

False

Which of the following are strategies of life cycle sustainment?

Comprehensive and early planning, development, and implementation

One way to support the Department’s goal of incentivizing, and ultimately improving, productivity and affordability of the Department’s weapon system is to increase the application of Performance Based Logistics (PBL) solutions for the department’s systems, subsystems, and components.

True

Which of the following organizations provides centralized management of DoD CI activities?

Director, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)

Counterintelligence (CI) organizations need information that describes the CPI and its projected use to determine the foreign collection threat to an acquisition program and subsequently the ______________.

Program acquisition strategy

CIPS are__________

Critical Intelligence Parameters

Prevention of damage to, protection of, and restoration of computers, electronic communications systems, electronic communication services, wire communication, and electronic communication refers to: _________________.

Cybersecurity

The overall efforts of the intelligence Community (IC) are administered by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which is led by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

True

_____________ Guards against improper information modification or destruction.

Integrity