Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com MIL-HDBK-502: A MIL-HDBK-502: A CQUISITION CQUISITION L OGISTICS OGISTICS 4.2 DEFENSE SYSTEMS ACQUISITION PROCESS The acquisition of a defense system is conducted within a management framework described in Department of Defense Directive 5000.1, Defense Acquisition . This directive establishes a flexible management approach for acquiring systems within recognized constraints. It mandates an integrated, total systems approach to the definition of needs and opportunities, the formulation of alternatives, the acquisition of total systems, and their operational sustainment.
In short, it mandates a systems engineering approach for the total life cycle of a system. The procedures to be used are contained in Department of Defense Regulation, 5000.2-R, Mandatory Procedures for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPS) and Major Automated Information System (MAIS) Acquisition Programs . The procedures described are mandatory for MDAPS and MAIS acquisition programs as they are defined in the instruction. However, the process they describe is to be generally applied to any acquisition program. The acquisition process addresses the life cycle of a system.
Its cyclic nature is best understood by looking at the succession of systems which have been used over time to provide a similar capability (e.g., tanks, fighter aircraft, air defense systems, etc.). The evolutionary relationship of their designs is clear. Most acquisitions are initiated to replace or upgrade existing systems. The systems may no longer meet operational needs, or can be substantially improved in capability, or are no longer affordable to operate. Experience developed during a retiring system’s operational life provides important insight for the initial definition of support requirements for its replacement.
This information, and the current operational needs, form the basis for establishing supportability requirements and constraints for a new acquisition. And the operational history of that new acquisition will form the basis for its successor when it is no longer serviceable. In reality, then, the trigger which initiates the defense systems acquisition process—the determination and definition of an operational need requiring a materiel solution—occurs during the operational phase of an existing item. The acquisition process is intentionally flexible to accommodate the wide variety of potential system solutions to a recognized need, opportunity, or deficiency.
Supportability analyses are conducted for one of two basic objectives: To ensure that supportability is included as a system performance requirement. To ensure optimal support system design and infrastructure. 4-2