Optimizing Air Force and Department of Defense Review of Air Force Acquisitions

The acquisition process is a critical component of the Air Force's ability to meet its mission requirements. The Department of Defense (DoD) has a vested interest in ensuring that the Air Force's acquisition process is efficient and effective. As such, the DoD has developed a number of policies and procedures to govern the review of Air Force acquisitions.

Optimizing U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense Review of Air Force Acquisitions Programs

by John M. Carey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	621 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	122 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The goal of the DoD's review process is to ensure that Air Force acquisitions are aligned with the DoD's overall strategy and priorities. The review process also helps to identify and mitigate risks associated with Air Force acquisitions. By following the DoD's policies and procedures, the Air Force can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its acquisition process and ensure that it is meeting the needs of the warfighter.

Key Concepts

There are a number of key concepts that are essential to understanding the DoD's review process for Air Force acquisitions. These concepts include:

• Acquisition life cycle: The acquisition life cycle is the process by which the Air Force acquires new systems and equipment. The acquisition life cycle includes a number of phases, including planning, development, production, and deployment.
• Milestone decision authority: The milestone decision authority is the senior DoD official who is responsible for approving major acquisition decisions. The milestone decision authority typically reviews acquisition programs at key points in the acquisition life cycle.
• Acquisition program baseline: The acquisition program baseline is a document that defines the scope, schedule, and cost of an acquisition program. The acquisition program baseline is used to track progress and ensure that the program is on track.

li>**Independent cost estimate:** An independent cost estimate is an estimate of the cost of an acquisition program that is prepared by an impartial third party. Independent cost estimates are used to validate the Air Force's own cost estimates.

Best Practices

There are a number of best practices that the Air Force can follow to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its acquisition process. These best practices include:

• Planning early and often: The Air Force should begin planning for acquisitions as early as possible. This will help to ensure that the acquisition process is well-coordinated and that all stakeholders are on the same page.
• Developing a strong acquisition program baseline: The acquisition program baseline is a critical tool for tracking progress and ensuring that the program is on track. The Air Force should take the time to develop a strong acquisition program baseline that is based on realistic assumptions.
• Obtaining independent cost estimates: Independent cost estimates can help to validate the Air Force's own cost estimates and identify potential risks. The Air Force should consider obtaining independent cost estimates for all major acquisition programs.
• Engaging with stakeholders: The Air Force should engage with all stakeholders throughout the acquisition process. This will help to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the program's progress and that their concerns are being addressed.

Strategies

In addition to following best practices, the Air Force can also implement a number of strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its acquisition process. These strategies include:

• Using agile development methods: Agile development methods can help to accelerate the acquisition process and reduce the risk of delays. Agile development methods are based on the principle of iterative development, which allows the Air Force to quickly and efficiently develop and test new systems and equipment.
• Leveraging commercial solutions: The Air Force can often save time and money by leveraging commercial solutions. Commercial solutions are often more mature and less expensive than custom-developed solutions. The Air Force should consider using commercial solutions whenever possible.
• Partnering with industry: The Air Force can benefit from partnering with industry. Industry partners can provide the Air Force with access to new technologies and expertise. The Air Force should consider partnering with industry on all major acquisition programs.

By following the DoD's policies and procedures, implementing best practices, and adopting effective strategies, the Air Force can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its acquisition process. A more efficient and effective acquisition process will help the Air Force to meet its mission requirements and ensure that it is providing the warfighter with the best possible equipment.

Optimizing U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense Review of Air Force Acquisitions Programs

by John M. Carey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	621 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	122 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE