Acquisition Strategy Development at Program Initiation: Concepts, Realities, and Methodology

摘要

One of the most important tasks faced by a Program Manager at the initiation of a major systems acquisition program is the formulation of the program's acquisition strategy. In this thesis, the researcher identifies the principal characteristics of an acquisition strategy, discusses the constraints and limitations which must be considered in its development, and considers the realities involved in the formulation process. The study also investigates the concept of strategic planning and its applicability in the major acquisition process. In Chapter V, the study develops a methodology for the formulation of an acquisition strategy at program initiation. The study concludes that in the major systems acquisition process there exists a lack of clear distinction between acquisition strategies and acquisition plans, a lack of long range planning, and a failure of higher levels to clearly communicate overall strategies, policies, and priorities which will impact on the program.