Initial Satellite(s): Acquisition-related activities associated with fabrication, integrated test and 

evaluation, to include both developmental and operational test and evaluation, deployment (e.g., launch), 

and support of a new space system. 

Defense

Acquisition

System

(event-driven)

Planning,

Programming,

Budgeting

& Execution 

Process

Military

Departments and

Defense Agencies

Financial

Management

Follow-On Satellite(s): Procurement of additional satellites 

beyond those authorized at Milestone C.

Engineering & Manufacturing Development Phase Operations & Support Phase

Life Cycle Sustainment

Decisions

Actual Costs

Engineering

Cost Estimation

Methods

Materiel Solution Analysis Phase Technology Development Phase

White

House

Office of the

Secretary of Defense

and Joint Staff

PMO POM Input

Oversight

& Review

ACAT ID & ACAT IAM

(other ACATs have 

similar process at 

Component Level)

Exit

Criteria

ADM

Exit

Criteria

ADM

MBI Apportionment

Production & Deployment Phase

Complete Analysis of Alternatives to assess potential materiel solutions to capability need, identify key 

technologies and estimate life cycle costs. Consider commercial- off-the- shelf and solutions from 

both large and small business. Identify materiel solution to capability need. Complete 

Technology Development Strategy. 

 Reduce technology risk; determine & mature appropriate set of technologies to integrate into full system; demonstrate critical technology elements on prototypes; complete preliminary design. 

Identify an affordable program or increment of militarily useful capability; demonstrate technology in relevant environment; identify & assess manufacturing risks. Provide for two or more 

competing teams producing prototypes of key system elements prior to or through Milestone B.

Achieve operational capability to satisfy mission needs. Deliver systems and supporting material and services for 

program or increment to users.

Execute support program that meets materiel readiness and operational support performance requirements 

and sustains system in most cost-effective manner. Overlaps Production and Deployment Phase. 

July

August - November November December

January February (1st Monday)

Disposal

Joint 

Capabilities 

Integration & 

Development 

System

(need-driven)

Follow-On

Satellites

Major

Products 

Operations & Support

Types of

Funds RDT&E – Management & Support

FOT&E

 Technical

Systems Engineering

Test and Evaluation

Supportability

Analyze/Assess 

Concepts Versus 

Defined User Needs &

Environmental Constraints

Decompose Concept 

Functional Definition into 

Component Concepts &

Assessment Objectives

Develop Component Concepts, 

i.e., Enabling/Critical 

Technologies, Constraints, 

& Cost/Risk Drivers 

Design/Develop System Concepts,

i.e., Enabling/Critical Technologies, 

Update Constraints, & 

Cost/Risk Drivers

•ICD

•AoA Study Plan

•Exit Criteria

•Alternative Maintenance 

& Sustainment Concepts

Trades Trades

Implement and

Field

• Process Change 

 - Operations/Maintenance Support

• Materiel Change

 - Hardware/Product Support Package

INPUTS

•Service Use Data

•User Feedback •Failure Reports

•Discrepancy Reports

•SEP

•System Safety Analysis

•Product Support Element 

 Requirements

OUTPUTS

•Approved Materiel Solution

•Alternate Design Concepts

•ICD & Draft CDD

•Exit Criteria 

•Support & Maintenance Concepts

& Technologies

•Systems Engineering Plan

•AoA Report 

•T&E Strategy

•TDS

•System Safety Analysis

•ISP & PPP

Analyze Deficiencies

To Determine 

Corrective Actions

OUTPUTS

Modify Configuration

(Hardware/Software/Specs)

To Correct Deficiencies

Logistics/

Sustainment

OUTPUTS

Evaluate Product

Support Capabilities

Performance-Based 

Agreements 

Product Support Integrator/

Product Support Provider •Preliminary System Spec

•SEP (DASD(SE) approved)

•T&E Strategy

•System Safety Analysis

•Support & Maintenance Concepts

& Technologies

•Inputs to:

 -draft CDD -AoA -TDS -IBR

 -Cost/Manpower Est.

 -Product Support Strategy

 -ISP & PPP

ASR •Data for Post-Deployment Reviews

•Input to CDD for next increment

•Modifications/upgrades to fielded

 systems

•SEP •Test Reports

•System Safety Analysis

•Product Support Package

•Test Reports

•SEP •PESHE •TEMP 

•System Safety Analysis 

•Inputs to: 

 - Cost/Manpower Est.

 - Product Support Package

PCA

Refine 

Supportability

Objectives/

Constraints 

Post-IOC Logistics Assessments (Every 5 Years)

Post-Deployment

Review

In-Service

Review

TLCSM

Total Life

Cycle Systems

Management

INPUTS INPUTS

INPUTS OUTPUTS OUTPUTS

(annualcalendar-driven)

Congressional Budget Process

Appropriation

Committees

Authorization

Committees

Authorization/

Appropriation

Acts Passed

Evolutionary Acquisition Strategy

DoD Testimony DoD Appeals

Exit

Criteria

ADM

OMB

Appropriated Funds To Support Contracts

Business Case

Analysis 

Monitor & Collect

Service Use & Supply

Chain Performance Data

Analyze Data to:

Validate Failures &

Determine Root Causes

Determine

System Risk/

Hazard Severity

Develop

Corrective

Action

Integrate and Test

Corrective Action

Assess Risk of 

Improved System

Interpret User Needs,

Analyze Operational 

Capabilities &

Environmental Constraints

Verification

Linkage

Validation

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

Validation

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

ITR

Verification/

Validation

Linkage

Fiscal Guidance

AoA Study Guidance

AoA Study Plan

Define 

Supportability

Objectives 

MS

C

MS

A

DoD Decision

Support Systems

Effective Interaction

is Essential

Version 5.4.14, 25 Jul 2012

Joint 

Capabilities Integration

& Development System

VCJCS Oversight

CJCSI 3170.01 series

Defense

Acquisition

System

USD(AT&L) Oversight

DoDD 5000.01

Planning,

Programming,

Budgeting & Execution

Process

DEPSECDEF Oversight

DoD 7000.14-R

 Product Support Plan •Statutory/Regulatory

•Source of Support

•Legacy Considerations

•Conduct Product Support BCA

-Supply Support -Training

-Maintenance -Support Data

 -Manpower & personnel

•Product Support Elements Set 

Product Support

Strategy

 Following the Materiel Development Decision, the Milestone Decision Authority may authorize entry into the acquisition process at any point, consistent with phase-specific entrance criteria and statutory requirements 

Decompose Functional

Definitions into Critical

Component Definition &

Technologies Verification Plan

Clinger-Cohen Act (IT incl NSS) - Compliance

- CIO Confirmation of Compliance 

Decision Points/Milestones FPDR

Clinger-Cohen Act (IT incl NSS) - Compliance

- CIO Confirmation of Compliance 

Clinger-Cohen Act (IT incl NSS) - Compliance

- CIO Confirmation of Compliance 

Clinger-Cohen Act (IT incl NSS) - Compliance

- CIO Confirmation of Compliance 

CCE CCP

MDAP

CARD

MDAP MDAP

CCE

MDAP

CCP CARD

MDAP/MAIS

ICE

(DCAPE)

MDAP

CARD CCE CCP

MDAP MDAP MDAP

CCE CCP

Manpower Estimate (MDAP)

TD Phase

Fully Funded

Full Funding

In FYDP Full Funding

In FYDP

Full Funding

In FYDP

March

Fiscal Guidance

April

POM/Budget Formulation

SECDEF Option

Assess/Analyze

Concept & Verify 

System Concept’s

Performance

Develop Concept 

Performance (& Constraints)

Definition & Verification

Objectives

Decompose Concept

Performance into 

Functional Definition &

Verification Objectives

Assess/Analyze

System Concept

Versus Functional

Capabilities

Assess/Analyze

Enabling/Critical

Components Versus

Capabilities

Interpret User Needs.

Analyze Operational 

Capabilities & 

Environmental Constraints

Develop System Performance

(& Constraints) Spec &

Enabling/Critical Tech &

Prototypes Verification Plan

Demo System & Prototype

Functionality

Versus Plan

Develop Functional

Definitions for Enabling/

Critical Tech/Prototypes &

Associated Verification Plan

Demo Enabling/Critical 

Technology Components

Versus Plan

Demo/Model

Integrated System Versus

Performance Spec

POM/Budget Submit

Contract Management ECPs/Changes Contract Management ECPs/Changes

Exercise 

Satellite

Build Options

Contract Management ECPs/Changes

Contract

Closeout

Options for Follow-on

Satellite(s)

•Commercial Satellites

•Fix parts obsolescence/

Non-recurring engineering 

issues

•Major satellite development

(additional increment or new 

program)

IOT&E

AOTR OTRR

Post-Production Software Support Contracts

ICE

(DCAPE)

MDAP MDAP

MSA Phase

Fully Funded

as required

MDAP

Evolve CI Functional

Specs into Product

(Build to) Documentation

& Verification Plan

Sustainment Contracts

Product Support Package/

PBL Implementation

•Continuous Tech Refreshment

•Obsolescence Management

•Configuration Control

•Data Management

•Monitor Performance & Adjust 

 Product Support

 Product Support/PBL Management •Public-Private Partnering

•Supply Chain Management

•PBA Modifications

•Assessment of PSI/PSPs

•Revalidate PBA/BCA

Operations and Sustainment

•Peacetime

•Training

•Revalidate BCA

•Joint Operations 

•Crises

•Refine LCSP

DoD Budget Integrated Program/Budget 

Review

President’s Budget to

Congress

Allocation

FYDP

updated

FYDP

updated

February – September

Budget

Committees

Defense Planning Guidance

Issue Nominations/Disposition

DASD(SE) Post-CDR 

Assessment of Design 

Maturity & Technical Risk

B C

FRP

A

MDD Increment 2 Follow-On Prod for Space Sys

B C

FRP Increment 3

A

MDD Follow-On Prod for Space Sys

IOC

IPA/

OIPT DAB MDA IPA/OIPT

IPA/

OIPT DAB MDA

IPR

In Process 

Review 

MDA Discretion

MS

B

• Purpose

• Capability Need

• Acquisition Approach

• Tailoring

• Program Schedule

• Risk & Risk Management

• Business Strategy

• Cost & Funding

• Resource Management

• Industrial Capability & 

Manufacturing Readiness

• Life-Cycle Signature Support 

Technology Development Strategy (TDS)

• Purpose

• Capability Need

• Acquisition Approach

• Tailoring

• Program Schedule

• Risk & Risk Management

• Business Strategy

• Cost & Funding

• Resource Management

• Industrial Capability & 

Manufacturing Readiness

• Life-Cycle Signature Support 

Acquisition Strategy • Purpose

• Capability Need

• Acquisition Approach

• Tailoring

• Program Schedule

• Risk & Risk Management

• Business Strategy

• Business Strategy

• Cost & Funding

• Resource Management

• Industrial Capability & 

Manufacturing Readiness

• Life-Cycle Signature Support

• Military Equipment Valuation 

Acquisition Strategy

• Purpose

• Capability Need

• Acquisition Approach

• Tailoring

• Program Schedule

• Risk & Risk Management

• Business Strategy

• Cost & Funding

• Resource Management

• Industrial Capability & 

Manufacturing Readiness

• Life-Cycle Signature Support 

Acquisition Strategy

Pre – Materiel Development Decision Activities

Conduct Capabilities-Based Assessments, DOTmLPF-P analysis and other studies and analysis to identify 

gaps in warfighting capabilities and determine non-materiel and materiel approaches to resolve or 

mitigate gaps. Summarize results of assessments/analysis in an ICD and/or Joint DCR. Conduct 

Development Planning.

Identify joint 

warfighting 

capability gaps

Joint Integrating 

Concepts

Capstone Concept 

for Joint Operations

Joint Operating

Concepts

ISCs

CapabilitiesBased

Assessment

or other study 

ICD AFROC/JROC

Validation 

CONOPS

Strategic 

Guidance

National Strategy Documents (updated as necessary)

National Security Strategy

National Defense Strategy

National Military Strategy

PMO Budget Estimate

MDD

TDS for space systems shall detail acquisition strategy and contract approach for 

development of pertinent technologies for each phase of program lifecycle 

DAB MDA

AFROC – AFRB – DCAPE 

DCAPE approved AoA Study Guidance and 

AoA Study Plan both due at MDD review. 

Manpower Estimate (MDAP)

Should Cost Estimate

Affordability

Requirement

Should Cost Estimate

Affordability

Target

Should Cost Estimate Should Cost Estimate

Affordability

Assessment

ICE

(DCAPE)

ICE

(DCAPE)

Trade Space 

Characterization

Candidate Solution Sets 

Characterization

Implementation 

Analysis 

Decompose Capability 

Solution Sets into

Component Solutions & 

Assessment Objectives

•Capability Shortfall(s)

•Draft ICD

•Other Inputs

Trades

INPUTS

Interpret User Needs,

Analyze Operational 

Capability Shortfalls &

Environmental Constraints

Develop Capability 

Tradespace &

Constraints

Decompose Capability

Tradespace Into

Solution Sets

•CCTDs & Other technical 

documents to inform/support 

the MDD, AoA Study Guidance 

and Early Acquisition 

Activities

OUTPUTS

Assess/Analyze 

Capability Tradespace

Performance

Assess/Analyze 

Solution Sets Versus 

Function Performance

Assess/Analyze 

Enabling/Critical 

Component Solutions 

Versus Shortfalls, 

Develop Component Solutions, 

i.e., Enabling/Critical

Technologies, Constraints &

Cost/Risk Drivers 

Verification

Linkage

Validation

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

PBL Strategy

Select 

Product 

Support 

Manager

Develop a system or an increment of capability; complete full system integration; develop an affordable and executable manufacturing 

process; ensure operational supportability with particular attention to minimizing the logistics footprint; implement human systems 

integration; design for producibility; ensure affordability; protect CPI by implementing appropriate techniques such as anti-tamper;

and demonstrate system integration, interoperability, safety, and utility. Space systems are required to have acceptable 

performance in development test activities and acceptable manufacturing risks. 

Independent 

Logistics

Assessment

 Demonstrate Product Support Capability •Footprint Reduction 

•Supply Chain Management

•Product Support Elements 

•Finalize Product Support BCA

Contracting 

Concept Evolution

ATP

Disposal

Considerations for Space Debris-Disposal

Altitude threshold dependent: 

GEO: Becomes part of USAF space debris

 tracking footprint 

MEO: Becomes part of USAF space debris

 tracking footprint 

LEO: Becomes part of Ground-Affected

 disposal footprint

Verification/Validation

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

Verification

Linkage

SVR FCA

•CDR Report

•Initial Satellite Baseline

•Input to updated Acquisition 

Strategy

PRR

•Test Reports

•Inputs to: -ISP -PPP -STA

 -LCSP

 -CDD for next increment

 -Product Support Package

 -Acq Strategy

 -Affordability Assessment

 -Cost/Manpower Est.

 -TEMP

DT&E & OAs

Demonstrate System to

Specified User Needs and

Environmental Constraints

DT&E & OAs

Verify System Functionality

& Constraints

Compliance to Specs

TRR

DT&E & OAs Verify 

Performance Compliance 

to Specifications

Individual CI

Verification 

DT&E

Fabricate, Assemble,

Code to “Build-to”

Documentation

JITC Joint Interoperability 

Test Certification

Joint Interoperability 

Certification Testing

INPUTS

•Test Results

•Exit Criteria

•APB SEP •PESHE •TEMP 

•Product Support Element 

 Requirements 

•PESHE

•System Safety Analysis

The Materiel Development Decision precedes entry 

into any phase of the acquisition management system

Space & Missile Systems Center Satellite Acquisition Process

Independent 

Logistics

Assessment

Independent 

Logistics

Assessment

Alternative

Materiel

Solutions

Threat

• SEP for space systems shall include:

- Emphasis on space system’s integration with other 

existing and approved future architectures and 

capabilities

- Mission assurance planning

• DASD(DT&E) reviews and approves DT portion of 

TES and TEMP

• ASD(R&E) shall review, assess, and report maturity 

of MDAP technology prior to MS B

Revise CDD

if required

updated as

necessary AoA

Exit Criteria Met? Exit

Criteria

MS B

Cert Cost-Type

Contract

Determination

(if applicable)

ADM

PDR Report

IPA/

OIPT DAB MDA IPA/

OIPT DAB MDA

PDR Report PDR may be conducted before or 

after Pre-EMD Review

ADM

updated as 

necessary AoA

DPM DRM

Exit Criteria Met?

DPM DRM

PSR TRA

APB APB APB

DPM DRM

Develop Initial Product Support Strategy

Initiate Product Support BCA

(Define Ground Rules & Assumptions)

ACAT – Acquisition Category

ACE – Acquisition Center of Excellence

ADM – Acquisition Decision Memorandum

AFRB – Air Force Review Board

AFROC – Air Force Requirements Oversight Council

AoA – Analysis of Alternatives

AOTR – Assessment of Operational Test Readiness

APB – Acquisition Program Baseline

ASD – Acquisition Strategy Document

ASD(R&E) – Assistant Secretary of Defense 

(Research & Engineering)

ASP – Acquisition Strategy Panel

ASR – Alternative Systems Review

ATP – Authority to Proceed

BAA – Broad Agency Announcement

BCA – Business Case Analysis

BLRIP – Beyond Low Rate Initial Production

CAPE – Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation

CARD – Cost Analysis Requirements Description

CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear

CCE – Component Cost Estimate

CCP – Component Cost Position

CCTD – Concept Characterization & Technical 

Description

CD – Executive Director

CDD – Capability Development Document

CDR – Critical Design Review

CI – Configuration Item

CIO – Chief Information Officer

CONOPS – Concept of Operations

CPD – Capability Production Document

DAB – Defense Acquisition Board

DASD(DT&E) – Deputy Assistant Secretary of 

Defense (Developmental Test & Evaluation)

DASD(SE) – DASD(Systems Engineering

DCAPE – Director, Cost Assessment & Program 

Evaluation

DCR – DOTmLPF-P Change Recommendation

DOTmLPF-P – Doctrine, Organization, Training, 

materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, 

Facilities & Policy

DPM – DAB Planning Meeting

DRM – DAB Readiness Meeting

DT&E – Developmental Test & Evaluation

ECP – Engineering Change Proposal

EOA – Early Operational Assessment

ESIS – Early Strategy & Issues Session

ESOH – Environment, Safety, and Occupational 

Health

EVM – Earned Value Management

FAR 15 – Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15

FCA – Functional Configuration Audit

FCB – Functional Capability Board

FMECA – Failure Mode Effects & Criticality Analysis

FOC – Full Operational Capability

FOT&E – Follow-On Test & Evaluation

FPDR – Follow-On Production Decision Review

FTA – Failure Tree Analysis

GEO – Geosynchronous Earth Orbit

HEO – Highly Elliptical Orbit

IBR – Integrated Baseline Review

ICE – Independent Cost Estimate

ICD – Initial Capabilities Document

IOC – Initial Operational Capability

IOT&E – Initial Operational Test & Evaluation

IPA – Integrated Program Assessment

IT – Information Technology

ISC – Integrated Security Construct

ISR – In-Service Review

ISP – Information Support Plan

ITR – Initial Technical Review

JITC – Joint Interoperability Test Command

JROC – Joint Requirements Oversight Council

KM/DS – Knowledge Management/Decision Support 

KPP – Key Performance Parameter

KSA – Key System Attribute

L & M – Instructions to Offerors (L) & Evaluation 

Criteria (M)

LCMP – Life Cycle Management Plan

LCSP – Life Cycle Sustainment Plan

LEO – Low Earth Orbit

LFT&E – Live Fire Test & Evaluation

LORA – Level of Repair Analysis

LRIP – Low Rate Initial Production

MAIS – Major Automated Information System

MAJCOM – Major Command

MDA – Milestone Decision Authority

MDAP – Major Defense Acquisition Program

MDD – Materiel Development Decision

MEO – Medium Earth Orbit

MIRT – Multi-Functional Independent Review Team

MS – Milestone 

MSA – Materiel Solution Analysis

MTA – Maintenance Task Analysis

NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act

NSS – National Security Systems

OA – Operational Assessment

OIPT – Overarching Integrated Product Team

O&S – Operations & Support

OTRR – Operational Test Readiness Review

PBA – Performance-Based Agreement

PBL – Performance –Based Life-Cycle Product 

Support

PCA – Physical Configuration Audit

P-CDRA – Post Critical Design Review Assessment

PDR – Preliminary Design Review

PEO – Program Executive Officer

PESHE – Programmatic Environment, Safety & 

Occupational Health Evaluation

PI – Program Management & Integration Directorate

PMO – Program Management Office

POM – Program Objectives Memorandum

P-PDRA – Post PDR Assessment

PPP – Program Protection Plan

PRR – Production Readiness Review

PSI – Product Support Integrator

PSM – Product Support Manager

PSP – Product Support Provider

PSR – Program Support Review

RAD – Requirements Approval Document

RAM-C – Reliability, Availability, Maintainability & 

Cost Rationale Report

RCM – Reliability Centered Maintenance

RDT&E – Research, Development, Test & Evaluation

RFB – Request for Bid

RFP – Request for Proposal

RFI – Request for Information

RMS – Reliability, Maintainability & Supportability

SDAR – Space Debris Assessment Report

SDR – System Design Review

SDR-A – SDR Assessment

SEP – Systems Engineering Plan

SFR – System Functional Review

SRB – Solicitation Review Board

SRR – System Requirements Review

SSA – Source Selection Authority

STA – System Threat Assessment

SVR – System Verification Review

TD – Technology Development

TDS – Technology Development Strategy

TEMP – Test & Evaluation Master Plan

TLCSM – Total Life Cycle Systems Management

TRA – Technology Readiness Assessment

TRD – Technical Requirements Document

TRR – Test Readiness Review

Acronyms

Initiate Evolutionary Acquisition Strategy

PSR

APB

DPM DRM

PSR

Acquisition Strategy updated if necessary

•System Allocated Baseline

•Government Reference Architecture

•SDR & PDR Reports •TRA •Test Reports

•SEP (DASD(SE) approved) 

•TEMP •PESHE •PPP •TRD

•NEPA Compliance Schedule

•Risk Assessment •LCSP/LCMP

•Validated Systems Support & Maint

Objectives & Requirements

•System Safety Analysis

•Inputs to: -CDD -ISP -STAR -IBR

 -Acq Strategy -Cost/Manpower Est.

 -Affordability Assessment 

MTA

FMECA

FTA

LORA

RCM

Interpret User Needs, 

Refine System

Performance Specs &

Environmental Constraints

Evolve Functional

Performance Specs into 

System Allocated Baseline

PDR

Develop System Functional 

Specs & Verification Plan to

Evolve System Functional

Baseline

SDR

May be conduced before 

or after Pre-EMD Review

Demo & Validate System

& Tech Maturity Versus 

Defined User Needs &

Environmental Constraints

CDR

FOC

Exit

Criteria

MS A

Cert

ADM IPA/

OIPT DPM DRM DAB MDA

Exit Criteria Met? PSR

AoA

Validated CDD & CPD for 

Follow-on increments of 

evolutionary acquisition

AFROC/JROC

Validation 

System Threat Assessment

Force

Protection

KPP

Survivability

KPP

Supports

Military

Operations

Effectively

Exchanges

Information Entered & 

Managed on 

the Network Net-Ready

KPP

Information

Support

Plan

Assessment of 

Operational Utility for

Joint Capability Technology 

Demonstrations & other 

prototype projects

Materiel Availability &

Operational Availability

Reliability

KSA O&S Cost

KSA

Availability

KPP

Joint Staff Endorsements J-2 – Threat/Intelligence 

J-4 – Sustainment & Energy KPPs 

J-7 – DOTmLPF-P Considerations & Training KPP

J-8 – Weapon Safety & Net-Ready KPP

Protection FCB – Force Protection & Survivability KPPs

Training

KPP

Energy

KPP

CDD/

CPD

Verification

Linkage

MDA approved

Materiel

Solution

ICD (or approved substitute)

AoA Results

DoD Enterprise Architecture

Solution Architecture

Technology Development Strategy

Results of IOT&E

AoA (if updated)

Final Design

DoD Enterprise Architecture

Solution Architecture

Threshold/objective tradeoffs

Revised Performance Attributes

RDT&E – Advanced Technology Development RDT&E – Advanced Component Development and Prototypes

Procurement

Analogy

Parametric

Alt Designs 

for Concept

Independent 

Logistics

Assessment

Verify and Validate

Production

Configuration

draft

CDD

Final RFP for TD cannot 

be released until 

Milestone A approval

Combined

3-Ltr & 2-Ltr

Review Board

Prepare 

for 

Workshop

3-Ltr/2-Ltr 

Staff

Review Board

HAF

4-Ltr

Review

TDS

2-Ltr

Signoff

ASP 

or

Pre-ASP

ACE & PM PEO/CD

PEO/CD

Session 

#1

Initiate RAD

Coord/Approval

TDS Development Workshop

Yes RAD No changes Draft

RAD

Approved

RAD

“Go

Ahead”

CD

Coord &

PEO Sign 3-Ltr/2-Ltr Staff

Review Board

Prep Time

Pre-ASP

MIRT Review HAF 3-Ltr/

MAJOM

Coord

PI

MDA

Approved

TDS

Source

Selection

Contractor 

Proposal Prep

Combined

3-Ltr & 2-Ltr

Review Board

Prepare 

for 

Workshop

3-Ltr/2-Ltr 

Staff

Review Board

HAF

4-Ltr

Review

ASD

2-Ltr

Signoff

ASP 

or

Pre-ASP

ACE & PM PEO/CD PEO/CD

PEO/CD

Session 

#1

Initiate RAD

Coord/Approval

ASD Development Workshop

Yes RAD No changes Draft

RAD

Approved

RAD

“Go

Ahead”

CD

Coord &

PEO Sign

Session

#2

ESIS

3-Ltr/2-Ltr Staff

Review Board

Prep Time

Pre-ASP

MIRT Review HAF 3-Ltr/

MAJOM

Coord

PI

MDA

Approved

ASD

KPPs

ATP Source

Selection

Contractor 

Proposal Prep

PI PI

Contract Management ECPs/Changes

EVM

Surveillance

Materiel 

Solution

Contract(s)

(BAA & FAR 15 Efforts) Contract

Closeout

EVM

Surveillance

Materiel

Development

Contract(s)

(BAA & FAR 15 Studies) Contract

Closeout

ATP Source RFP Selection

Contractor 

Proposal Prep

Contract Management Contract Management 

BAA in lieu of FAR 15 source selection is used for basic and applied sciences 

not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement 

Includes Initial 

RAM-C Report

AoA

Report

Select Alternative

Solution That Best 

Satisfies Requirements

Draft of section L&M

Draft RFP

RFP Workshop

TRD & Eval Criteria 

Coordination by MAJCOM

RFP Prep

Contract Clearance

SRB MIRT

RFP Release by SSA

Draft of section L&M

Draft RFP

RFP Workshop

TRD & Eval Criteria 

Coordination by MAJCOM

RFP Prep

Contract Clearance

SRB MIRT

RFP Release by SSA

Draft of section L&M

Draft RFP

RFP Workshop

TRD & Eval Criteria 

Coordination by MAJCOM

RFP Prep

Contract Clearance

SRB MIRT

RFP Release by SSA

Pre-EMD

Review

SRR

OUTPUTS

PMs may submit their TDS for MDA 

approval sufficiently prior to MS A to 

facilitate preparation of the final RFP

Sponsor approved; not 

provided to KM/DS system 

for validation

RDT&E – Systems Development & Demonstration

RDT&E – Management & Support

Session

#2

PEO/CD

ESIS

•Sys Performance Spec

•Acquisition Strategy

•Exit Criteria

•APB •CDD •STAR •ISP 

•SEP •TEMP •PESHE •PPP 

•NEPA Compliance Schedule

•Risk Assessment

•Validated Sys Support & Maint

Objectives & Requirements

•Product Support Strategy

•System Safety Analysis

Feed-back to

Acquisition Strategy 

Acquisition Strategy updated if necessary

Procurement of 

Long Lead Items

MDA 

authorizes 

procurement of 

Long Lead 

Items

Launch

Early Orbit Tests

First 

Satellite

Subsystem &

Software Testing

Payload Testing

Parts Testing

Environmental Testing

(Thermal Vacuum)

Ship to Launch Site

Satellite/Launch Vehicle

Integration Testing

AFROC/JROC CDD

Validation 

System Threat Assessment

Force

Protection

KPP

Survivability

KPP

Supports

Military

Operations

Effectively

Exchanges

Information Entered & 

Managed on 

the Network Net-Ready

KPP

Information

Support

Plan

Assessment of 

Operational Utility for

Joint Capability Technology 

Demonstrations & other 

prototype projects

Materiel Availability &

Operational Availability

Reliability

KSA O&S Cost

KSA

Availability

KPP

Joint Staff Endorsements J-2 – Threat/Intelligence 

J-4 – Sustainment & Energy KPPs 

J-7 – DOTmLPF-P Considerations & Training KPP

J-8 – Weapon Safety & Net-Ready KPP

Protection FCB – Force Protection & Survivability KPPs

Training

KPP

Energy

KPP

Results of TD Phase Prototyping

Preliminary Design

AoA (if updated)

DoD Enterprise Architecture

Solution Architecture

Threshold/objective tradeoffs 

Revised Performance Attributes KPPs

CDD

Prototypes/

Risk Reduction

Tech Demos

EVM

Surveillance

Satellite 

Development

Contract

IBR

Exercise 

EMD Options

(if applicable)

RFP

Prototypes/

Risk Reduction

Tech Demos

Contract Management ECPs/Changes

EVM

Surveillance

Technology

Development

Contract(s)

(Competitive Prototyping)

IBR

RFP

AFROC/JROC

Validation 

System Threat Assessment

Force

Protection

KPP

Survivability

KPP

Supports

Military

Operations

Entered & 

Managed on 

the Network Net-Ready

KPP

Information

Support

Plan

Assessment of 

Operational Utility for

Joint Capability Technology 

Demonstrations & other 

prototype projects

Materiel Availability &

Operational Availability

Reliability

KSA O&S Cost

KSA

Availability

KPP

Joint Staff Endorsements J-2 – Threat/Intelligence 

J-4 – Sustainment & Energy KPPs 

J-7 – DOTmLPF-P Considerations & Training KPP

J-8 – Weapon Safety & Net-Ready KPP

Protection FCB – Force Protection & Survivability KPPs

Training

KPP

Energy

KPP

CPD

KPPs

Effectively

Exchanges

Information

Results of EMD Phase Testing

AoA (if updated)

Final Design

DoD Enterprise Architecture

Solution Architecture

Threshold/objective tradeoffs

Revised Performance Attributes

Contract

Closeout

CARD

Analyze/Assess 

Capabilities Versus 

Defined User Needs & 

Environmental Constraints

ADM PostSDR A Post-SDR 

Report

SDAR