MN3221 Principles of Acquisition and Program Management I

This is the first of two courses which provides the student with an understanding of the underlying concepts, fundamentals and philosophies of the Department of Defense systems acquisition process and the practical application of program management methods within this process. The course examines management characteristics and competencies, control policies and techniques, systems analysis methods and functional area concerns. Techniques for interpersonal relationships will be examined in team exercise settings. Topics, from a program management perspective, include the evolution and current state of systems acquisition management, the system acquisition life cycle, requirements analysis, systems engineering, contract management, resource management, test and evaluation, user-producer acquisition management disciplines and activities; and program planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling. Case studies are used to analyze various acquisition issues. This course offers DAU equivalencies. PREREQUISITE: 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.