The Defense Acquisition System exists to manage the nation's investments in technologies, programs, and product support necessary to achieve the National Security Strategy and support the United States Armed Forces. Our investment strategy is designed to support not only today's force, but also the next force, and future forces.

DoD Acquisition Policy is articulated in two principal documents: DoDD 5000.1 which describes management principles and overarching policy, and DoDI 5000.2 which describes the operation of the Defense Acquisition System. Additional Non-Mandatory best business practice is in the Defense Acquisition Guidebook.

Contingency Contracting support has evolved from purchases not greater than the simplified threshold to defense procurement and interagency support of commodities, services, and construction for military operations and for other emergency relief activities such as Hurricane Katrina.