DoD Procurement Overview

The Department of Defense (DoD) procurement process is the backbone for developing DoD military capability. It’s governed by the policy and principals of DoD Directive 5000.01 “The Defense Acquisition System”. The system is divided into three main processes; (1) The Defense Acquisition Process, (2) the Joint Capability Integration Development System (JCIDS), and (3) the Planning, Program, Budget and Execution (PPBE) process. Each of these processes plays a critical role in the development and procurement of DoD military capability and forms the overall acquisition system.

(1) The Acquisition Process: The Defense Acquisition System manages the development and procurement of DoD weapons systems.  It’s governed by the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 5000.02. The instruction is based upon policies but allows for de-centralize execution.

(2) The JCIDS Process: The Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS) was established by the Joint Chief of Staff. It’s primary purpose is to assess and resolve gaps in military joint warfighting capabilities and control the requirements generation process.  The JCIDS guidance (CJCSI 3170.01H and JCIDS Manual) was developed by the DoD to effectively integrate capabilities identification within the acquisition process.