The Acquisition Challenge Associated with Directed-Energy RDT&E

Abstract : The way in which DoD identifies needs and subsequently develops, tests, procures, and sustains weapon systems has evolved over time. Today's acquisition foundation can be traced back to the Packard Commission report in 1986, where many of this report's recommendations became part of the Goldwater-Nichols DoD Reorganization Act of 1986. This evolution continued along three tracks: (1) Requirements moving from threat-based to capability-based, (2) The resource allocation system adding execution reviews with concurrent program and budget reviews, and (3) The acquisition process attempting to incorporate a more flexible and tailored process. These three tracks form the Defense Support System organizational structure: the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process; the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process; and the Defense Acquisition Management System (DAMS) process, respectively. These three processes operate as systems of systems and are referred to as the Big A acquisition process. While all three of these phases hold their own level of importance, the major focus for scientists and engineers at research and development (R&D) facilities is the Little a acquisition process. It is this Little a acquisition process, where the rules and processes are found, that governs how DoD goes about developing a new materiel solution to a validated warfighter requirement. These rules and processes are codified within DoD Instruction 5000.02, Operation of the Defense Acquisition System, which was issued in December 2008.