Knowledge-based acquisition is a management approach which requires adequate knowledge at critical junctures (i.e., knowledge points) throughout the acquisition process to make informed decisions. DoD Directive 5000.1 calls for sufficient knowledge to reduce the risk associated with program initiation, system demonstration, and full-rate production. DoD Instruction 5000.2 provides a partial listing of the types of knowledge, based on demonstrated accomplishments, that enable accurate assessments of technology and design maturity and production readiness.
Implicit in this approach is the need to conduct the activities that capture relevant, product development knowledge. And that might mean additional time and dollars. However, knowledge provides the decision maker with higher degrees of certainty, and enables the program manager to deliver timely, affordable, quality products.
Chapter in the Defense Acquisition Guidebook that deals with Knowledge-Based Acquisition:
11.5 Knowledge-Based Acquisition
