Definition General Info Policies Guides Communities Training Related
DEFINITION
The Materiel Development Decision (MDD) is the formal entry point into the acquisition process and is mandatory for all programs. It identifies a gap in capability and develops requirements to fill that gap. The decision is documented in the Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM).
GENERAL INFORMATION/NARRATIVE
The Materiel Development Decision consists of an identification of a capability gap, a description of related risks, and a recommendation of whether or not to enter the acquisition process or use a non-materiel solution. The Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA) identifies the capability gap and the related operational risks, the capabilities required and related attributes, assesses the viability of a non-materiel solution, and recommends a type of solution to be pursued. If a non-materiel solution is recommended or can be implemented independent of proposed materiel needs, a DOTMLPF Change Recommendation (DCR) is produced. If materiel solutions are recommended, an Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) is created.
A Materiel Development Decision determines the program’s point of entry into the acquisition process. The entry point determination is based on the maturity of the technology and the meeting requirements for the considered entry point. The decision will be documented in the Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM).
The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) will review the ICD, determine the acquisition phase of entry, designate lead Component, and issue the ADM documenting the decision.
It is important to note that a successful Materiel Development Decision does not mean a new acquisition program has been started.
POLICIES, DIRECTIVES, REGULATIONS, LAWS
DoD Instruction 5000.02, Enclosure 4, Table 3
CJCS Instruction 3170.01
BEST PRACTICES, LESSONS LEARNED, STORIES, GUIDES, HANDBOOKS, TEMPLATES, EXAMPLES, TOOLS
Defense Acquisition Guide
The requirements determined during this activity may be stored in powerLOG. PowerLOG is a logistics data management system developed to support the development, integration, and review of logistic product information throughout the acquisition life cycle. PowerLOG implements the Logistics Support Analysis Record (LSAR) requirements defined in MIL-STD-1388-2B as well as Logistics Product Data (LPD) standards defined by GEIA-STD-0007. PowerLOG also supports legacy data standards such as MIL-STD-1552 (PMR). PowerLOG is available free to all Government agencies and their contractors and can be obtained by visiting: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/powerlog/.
The Computerized Optimization Model for Predicting and Analyzing Support Structures (COMPASS) is a system Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) modeling tool. LORA is the analytical methodology used to determine the maintenance repair levels where items should be removed and replaced; and ultimately repaired or discarded. COMPASS estimates the cost to repair or discard items at various maintenance levels, with contractor facilities included as a separate level. COMPASS optimizes both the maintenance and support to achieve your target operational availability (Ao). COMPASS can consider up to four levels of organic maintenance (supports Two-Level Maintenance studies), supply support, and contractor support. You can also use COMPASS output data as a source for developing the MAC and SMR codes. COMPASS is a free tool available to both DoD and contractors at: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/compass.
The Cost Analysis Strategy Assessment (CASA) Life-Cycle Cost Estimating Software uses an engineering cost model to estimate total cost of ownership based on RDT&E, Acquisition/Procurement, O&S, and Disposal activities. CASA can be used to evaluate the life-cycle cost of different materiel solutions. CASA is distributed freely to all US personnel. Request from foreign nations for CASA and associated training and technical support are handled through a Foreign Military Sales Case (FMS). CASA can be obtained here: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/casa/
Post Fielding Support Analysis (PFSA) can be useful in accomplishing the tasks discussed in this article. PFSA uses data captured in field performance databases such as the Logistics Information Warehouse, acquisition databases, and other user-owned data sources. PFSA assists users by using statistical methods for tracking logistics throughout the life cycle. This data is used to create an analysis capability for Army PEO/PMs, LCMCs and field organizations to better manage and solve logistics based readiness problems. PFSA is a free tool offered to the Army, it can be obtained by visiting: https://www.logsa.army.mil/lec/pfsa.
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
TRAINING RESOURCES
ACQ 101 – Lesson 3: Systems Acquisition Management: Introduction to the Defense Acquisition Management System
CLM 041 – Capabilities Based Planning
RQM 110 – Core Concepts for Requirements Management (CCMRM)
SYS 202
LOG 200
RELATED ARTICLES
Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) - https://www.intelink.gov/wiki/JCIDS_Manual_Enclosure_F
MDA – Milestone Decision Authority
ADM- Acquisition Decision Memorandum
Definition General Info Policies Guides Communities Training Related
