Using evolutionary acquisition in the management of major defense acquisition programs

摘要

This thesis analyzes the issues that must be addressed before the Department of Defense (DoD) can successfully utilize the Evolutionary Acquisition (EA) approach in major weapon system programs. Such programs have often taken over 10 years before the user receives a weapon system based on the original mission need. EA is an acquisition reform measure and is intended to reduce fielding time of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) to three to five years or less. This thesis looks at the historical aspects of EA and analyzes how the traditional and EA approach differ under the DoD acquisition model. Surveys on the subject of EA were completed by DoD acquisition managers and provide the data for this research. These data are used to identify and explore the issues DoD must address to successfully utilize this acquisition approach.