3.1 Objective

Chapter 3 establishes a Life Cycle Acquisition Framework (Figure 3-1) model of the process by which products are developed and produced.  Program managers (PMs) along with their integrated product teams (IPTs) use the systems engineering (SE) process to turn requirements into hardware and software solutions for the warfighter.  The overarching outcome of early and continuous technical planning is the design, development, and fielding of systems that meet the contractual and performance requirements of the warfighter at an affordable cost.  The SE process serves as a basis for integrating manufacturing management into systems engineering activities.

Figure 3-1 Life Cycle Framework View

A program manager should be able to:

• Define the development process for acquisition programs;
• Identify the roles and activities of manufacturing during the various phases of an acquisition program;
• Identify the various inputs and output documents that should contain the appropriate manufacturing considerations for that phase of the program; and
• Identify the opportunities and investments requirement in order to mitigate acquisition risk early. 

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