## Dod Directive 5135.03 Deputy Under Secretary Of Defense For Acquisition And Sustainment

Office of the Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense
Originating Component:

December 10, 2020

Effective: Releasability:
Cleared for public release.  Available on the Directives Division Website at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.
Approved by:
David L. Norquist, Deputy Secretary of Defense
Purpose: This issuance establishes the responsibilities, functions, relationships, and authorities of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, pursuant to the authority vested in the Secretary of Defense by Sections 113, 133b, and 137a of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.).

## Table Of Contents

SECTION 1:  GENERAL ISSUANCE INFORMATION ........ 3
1.1.  Applicability. ........ 3
SECTION 2:  RESPONSIBILITIES, FUNCTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND AUTHORITIES ........ 4 GLOSSARY ........ 5
Acronyms. ........ 5
REFERENCES ........ 6

## Section 1:  General Issuance Information 1.1.  Applicability.

This issuance applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD.

## Section 2:  Responsibilities, Functions, Relationships, And Authorities

As the principal assistant to, and under the authority, direction, and control of, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)), the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment:
a. Pursuant to Sections 133b and 137a of Title 10, U.S.C., exercises the full powers of the USD(A&S) on any and all matters of which the USD(A&S) is authorized to act, pursuant to Title 10, U.S.C., and DoD Directive 5135.02, except in those areas where delegation of the USD(A&S)'s authority is otherwise restricted by higher authority or prohibited by law.  This allinclusive authority may not be further delegated in *toto*; however, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment is authorized to make specific written delegations, where authorized and required.

b. Helps the USD(A&S) carry out responsibilities, fulfill functions, manage relationships, and exercise authorities, as provided in law and in accordance with DoD Directive 5135.02.

c. Advises on and assists the USD(A&S) with all responsibilities in providing staff advice and assistance to the Secretary of Defense.

d. Is the first assistant to the USD(A&S), pursuant to:

(1) Section 137a of Title 10, U.S.C.
(2) Sections 3345-3349d of Title 5, U.S.C., also known as the "Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, as amended."

(3) Paragraph 3.b. of DoD Directive 3020.04.

## Glossary Acronyms. Acronym Meaning

| U.S.C.    | United States Code                                         |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| USD(A&S)  | Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment |

## References

DoD Directive 3020.04, "Order of Succession Pursuant to Executive Order 13533 and the
Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998," August 25, 2010
DoD Directive 5135.02, "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
(USD(A&S))," July 15, 2020
United States Code, Title 5 United States Code, Title 10