Lesson 1.4
Systems Acquisition Management: Organizations and
Acquisition Categories
Organizations Involved in Defense Acquisition
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The Executive Branch
The Congress
Industry
There are three primary organizations that influence the defense acquisition community: the Executive Branch, Congress, and industry. Each participant plays a significant role in the acquisition process.
The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch includes the President, the Department of Defense, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Department of State, and the National
Security Council (NSC). These participants:
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Formulate, direct, and execute national security policy.
Issue directives and regulations.
Exercise command and control of unified commands through the Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS).
Make decisions on defense acquisition programs.
Sign legislation into law.
Field weapon systems to counter threats.
The Congress
Congressional activities include:
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Representing interests of their constituents.
Debating, voting, and passing legislation.
Setting resource ceilings (e.g., for manpower and equipment).
Raising taxes and providing budget authority.
Balancing defense and social needs.
Controlling public debt.
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Congress uses various committees to assist with the legislative oversight of defense activities. Industry
The defense industry (contractors) includes large and small organizations that provide goods and services to DOD. These organizations:
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Represent interests of their owners or stockholders.
Respond to requests for proposals.
Propose solutions.
Design and produce systems.
Upgrade and support systems.
Generate profit and growth.
Department of Defense Organization
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Secretary of Defense
The Office of the Secretary of Defense
Under Secretary of Defense (USD) Comptroller
USD (Policy)
Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE)
Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
Under Secretary of Defense Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics
(USD(AT&L))
Defense Acquisition Board (DAB)
Before looking at the different acquisition categories, it is important to understand the role of the key players who have an impact on the acquisition workforce and programs and the organizational structure within the Department of Defense.
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Secretary of Defense
The Department of Defense is headed by the Secretary of Defense, also known as the
SECDEF. The SECDEF is a Cabinet-level position created by the National Security Act of 1947.
The Secretary of Defense is "the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the national security", is responsible for establishing the "general policies and programs" for the military departments and agencies, and exercises "general direction, authority, and control" over those entities.
The Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Defense staff members are referred to as the Office of the
Secretary of Defense (OSD). These staff members help the SECDEF manage the Armed Forces of the United States.
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USD Comptroller
The Under Secretary of Defense (USD) Comptroller controls the budget and the release of funds. The USD Comptroller is responsible for the budgeting and execution phase of the Planning, Programming, and Budgeting and Execution (PPBE).
USD (C) is the principal advisor to SECDEF on all budgetary and fiscal matters, including the development and execution of DoD’s annual budget.
USD (Policy)
USD (Policy) is charged with approving certain aspects of programs involving other nations and is responsible for providing planning guidance for the Defense Planning
Guidance during the planning phase of PPBE.
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Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
Responsible for analysis and advice on matters relating to the planning and programming phases of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) system • Formulation of study guidance for analyses of
