MN3301 Acquisition of Defense Systems

This course introduces the principles and concepts that underlie successful defense acquisition management. The course focuses on management of the acquisition process for defense systems from the development of an initial desired capability or need through design, development, production, fielding, sustainment, and disposal. Students gain an understanding of successful acquisition as an interdisciplinary activity through contributions and applications of principles from business, management, and technical disciplines. The course also emphasizes the statutory, regulatory, and policy environment of acquisition. Numerous case studies illustrate the application of concepts and principles in actual acquisition programs. Prerequisites: None.

Lecture Hours

Lab Hours

Course Learning Outcomes

· Determine how IPT leadership concepts can be used to overcome barriers to effective teamwork based on real-world experience.

· Resolve an acquisition-related dilemma by prioritizing ethical values and considering how choices impact the welfare of others.

· Evaluate alternative approaches based on affordability, schedule, and technical considerations to meet a needed capability.

· Prepare an acquisition strategy program structure chart showing appropriate interrelationship(s) of the various business and technical functions involved in planning and executing programs planning and executing programs.

· Modify, present, and defend an acquisition strategy to accommodate program funding level changes.

· Develop portions of a source selection plan, including source selection criteria.

· Apply the iterative SE steps to develop outputs of the systems engineering process to verify they meet a given requirement.

· Given a program schedule, explain the role of test and evaluation (DT&E, OT&E, LFT&E) in the systems engineering and acquisition management processes.

· Analyze actual versus planned technical performance data in risk areas to indicate potential problems that may prevent a system from being operationally effective and suitable.

· Given a segment of contract work and associated tasks, plan the tasks and resources necessary to complete contract work within cost and schedule constraints.

· Select a best-value contractor by comparing contractor proposals and test results to source selection criteria.

· The student will be able to analyze contractor performance indicators to identify trends and problems.

· Given a scenario, apply fundamental software acquisition management principles to make sound decisions for planning and executing an acquisition program.

· Analyze a reliability problem from multiple perspectives and select and defend a solution.

· Recognize an unauthorized commitment situation and avoid giving inappropriate directions to a contractor.

· Given a scenario, apply the procedures, rules, and public laws associated with the execution of DoD budgets.

· Analyze the elements of manufacturing as they relate to a systems performance problem using a qualitative tool (cause and effect/fishbone diagram).

· Analyze the impact of supportability issues on system readiness/performance and other functional areas. E.g., contracts, finance, systems engineering, and acquisition logistics.