Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management Course (Self-Paced)
IDACQI8300SP

Module 1: Overview of the Defense Acquisition System: Policy, Structure, and Governance

• Explain the purpose and statutory foundation of the Defense Acquisition System.
• Identify key governing policies including DoDI 5000.02 and the Defense Acquisition Guidebook.
• Describe the organizational structure and governance bodies that oversee acquisition programs.
• Recognize how the DAS supports the warfighter mission through structured acquisition processes.

Module 2: The Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF): Pathways and Application

• Describe the structure and purpose of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework.
• Identify the six AAF acquisition pathways and the program types each supports.
• Explain how program managers select an appropriate pathway based on program characteristics.
• Recognize how the AAF promotes flexibility and responsiveness in program execution.

Module 3: Key Acquisition Stakeholders: Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships

• Identify the roles and responsibilities of the Program Manager (PM) and Program Management Office (PMO).
• Explain the role and authority of the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA).
• Describe the contributions of functional advisors including contracting, engineering, and logistics.
• Recognize how acquisition stakeholders interact to support program success.

Module 4: The Requirements and Funding Processes: Integration with Acquisition

• Explain the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and its role in requirements generation.
• Describe the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and its connection to acquisition.
• Identify how validated requirements flow into acquisition program planning.
• Recognize the interdependencies among the requirements, acquisition, and funding processes.

Module 5: Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Pathway: Phases, Milestones, and Decision Points

• Describe the phases and milestones of the Major Capability Acquisition pathway.
• Explain the purpose and criteria associated with Milestone A, Milestone B, and Milestone C decision reviews.
• Identify the key program activities and deliverables associated with each phase.
• Apply MCA pathway concepts to program planning and milestone preparation scenarios.

Module 6: Acquisition Strategy Development and the Acquisition Program Baseline

• Explain the purpose and content of the Acquisition Strategy document.
• Describe the role of the Acquisition Program Baseline (APB) in managing cost, schedule, and performance.
• Identify the key decisions and considerations that shape acquisition strategy development.
• Recognize how program documentation supports milestone reviews and oversight activities.

Module 7: Risk Management in Systems Acquisition

• Identify the principles and terminology of risk management in the acquisition context.
• Describe the risk management process including identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring.
• Explain how risk management is integrated into program planning and execution activities.
• Apply basic risk management concepts to program scenario analysis.

Module 8: Test and Evaluation (T&E): Roles and Integration into the Acquisition Lifecycle

• Explain the purpose and types of Test and Evaluation including developmental and operational testing.
• Identify the roles of the Program Manager, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), and test agencies.
• Describe how T&E activities are integrated into acquisition phases and milestone reviews.
• Recognize the importance of test planning and evaluation criteria in demonstrating system performance.

Module 9: Life-Cycle Cost Analysis, Affordability, and Should-Cost Management

• Explain the importance of life-cycle cost analysis in acquisition program planning and decision-making.
• Describe the concept of affordability and its role in shaping acquisition strategy.
• Identify key elements of should-cost management and its application to cost control.
• Recognize how cost estimation and affordability analysis support milestone decisions.

Module 10: Case Studies, Practical Exercises, and Program Management Application

• Apply foundational acquisition management concepts to realistic program scenarios and case studies.
• Analyze program management decisions using the frameworks, policies, and processes covered in the course.
• Demonstrate understanding of acquisition lifecycle concepts through structured practical exercises.
• Identify lessons learned from program case studies and their application to future acquisition practice.