Organizations and ACATs

Question 1

Three primary organizations that influence the defense acquisition community

Answer 1

1. the Executive Branch
2. Congress
3. the Industry

Question 2

USD (A&S)

Answer 2

Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition & Sustainment)

Question 3

Role of the USD (A&S)

Answer 3

• Is the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE)
• Establishes DoD acquisition policy and procedures
• Chairs the Defense Acquisitions Board (DAB)
• Senior decision authority for program milestone decisions for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs)

Question 4

Role of the USD Comptroller

Answer 4

• Controls the budget and release of funds

- Responsible for the budgeting phase of Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process

Question 5

Role of the USD Policy

Answer 5

• Reviews/approves certain aspects of programs involving other nations
• Responsible for formulating strategic planning guidance during the planning phase of PPBE

Question 6

CAPE

Answer 6

Director, Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (CAPE)

Question 7

Role of the Director, Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (CAPE)

Answer 7

• Provides analysis and advice relative to the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) system
• Formulates study guidance for Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for major defense acquisition programs and performance of such analyses
• Provides review, analysis, and evaluation of programs for executing approved strategies and policies; ensuring that information on programs is presented accurately and completely; and assessing the effect of DoD spending on the United States economy

Question 8

PPBE

Answer 8

Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution

Question 9

DOT&E

Answer 9

Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E)

Question 10

Role of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E)

Answer 10

• Provides independent assessment of operational effectiveness and suitability of new weapon systems
• Sends Operational Test & Evaluation reports directly to the SECDEF and Congress

Question 11

Three ACAT categories

Answer 11

ACAT I
ACAT II
ACAT III

Question 12

Two ACAT I

Answer 12

ACAT ID

ACAT IC

Question 13

Regulation that specifies criteria for ACAT level

Answer 13

DODI 5000.02

Question 14

ACAT level enables identification of:

Answer 14

1. Type of System
2. Level of management review/decision authority
3. Applicable program reporting requirements

Question 15

The CAE is the MDA for which ACAT level(s)

Answer 15

Weapon System: ACAT IC; ACAT II; ACAT III (can be delegated to PEO)
Automated systems: ACAT IAC; ACAT III

Question 16

The DAE is the MDA for which ACAT level(s)

Answer 16

Weapon System: ACAT ID

Automated System: ACAT IAM (unless delegated to DoD CIO)

Question 17

Final ACAT determination is made by the MDA when?

Answer 17

Milestone B

Question 18

Who recommends ACAT designation to the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)?

Answer 18

The sponsor of the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD)