Integration of systems engineering best practices with DOD acquisition practices

Abstract

Technological developments and requirements in a world of rapidly changing innovations and warfare dictate a high level of need for new equipment. The Defense Acquisition System is the management process by which the Department of Defense provides effective, affordable, and timely systems to the users to satisfy capability needs. Currently, this system is managed by DOD Directive 5000.1, entitled the Defense Acquisition System and DOD Instruction 5000.2, Operation of the Defense Acquisition System - which is constantly criticized for its slow, confusing, and bureaucratic nature. For this reason, this paper analyzes different systems engineering processes, and compare them to the current acquisition process, in order to improve the Defense Acquisition System.