1. New Space Systems Acquisition Policy
This presentation updates the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce on recent changes to the acquisition of national security space systems. It covers changes directed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and changes directed by the Secretary of the Air Force.
Steve Skotte, DAU Space Acquisition Performance Learning Director

2. Implementation of New Space Systems Acquisition (SSAP) Policy
Directive-Type Memorandum (DTM) , October 18, 2010:
Cancels Interim Guidance of March 2009
Amends DoD Instruction
Impacts operation of the Defense Acquisition System and duties of key officials
Effective immediately
Directive Type memorandum signed by the Under Secretary for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics on October, cancels all previous policy and procedure for the acquisition of space systems.
The DTM establishes requirements that directly impact the operation of the defense acquisition management system and duties of key officials for Space Systems Acquisition.
The DTM is effective immediately, and directs the necessary revisions to the DoD Instruction within 180 days.
DTM is available at

3. Implementation of New SSAP
DTM Changes to Policy and Procedure
Independent Program Assessment (IPA)
Technology Development Strategy (TDS) Considerations
Systems Engineering Plan (SEP) Considerations
Systems Design Review (SDR)
Post-System Design Review Assessment (P-SDRA)
Approval for Long-Lead Items at Milestone B
Entrance Criteria for Production and Deployment Phase
Milestone C and Production and Deployment Phase
Follow-On Production Decision for Space Systems
Entrance Criteria for Operations and Support Phase
Material Development Decision (MDD) for Follow-On Increments
Listed here are eleven key features of the new space systems acquisition policy. Here is a brief summary with more detail to come later in this presentation.
An independent program assessment, or IPA, will be conducted of major space system managerial and technical progress prior to each milestone.
Both the Technology Development Strategy and the Systems Engineering Plan must contain additional considerations for space systems.
During Technology Development a systems design review, or SDR, will be conducted and a post-SDR report provided to the milestone decision authority. The MDA then conducts a post-SDR Assessment to assess traceability from the Initial Capabilities Document to the contractor’s functional baseline and system specification.
In addition to Milestone B requirements in DoD Instruction , Milestone B for space systems will approve procurement of long lead items for the initial production articles.
Entrance criteria for production and deployment requires space systems to have acceptable performance during development test and evaluation and acceptable manufacturing risks. Additionally, Milestone C for space systems is initial production approval.
For space systems the MDA will conduct a Follow On Production Decision Review in lieu of a Full Rate Production Decision Review. If only one space system is being acquired a follow-on production decision is not necessary.
In addition to entrance criteria in DoD Instruction for operations and support, space systems are required to have acceptable performance in both developmental and operational test and evaluation and user acceptance of the system.
Finally, all follow-on increments for space systems will be preceded by a Material Development Decision, instead of the Milestone A or B normal for non-space systems
Applies to acquisition of military space systems

4. New Space Acquisition Policy
Acquisition Management System Revisions
DoDI (8 Dec 2008 with Space-Related Revisions)
JROC
ICD
Initial
CDD
JROC
CDD
JROC
CPD
Materiel Solution Analysis
Technology Development
Engineering & Manufacturing Development
Production &
Deployment
Operations
& Support
SRR
SDR/SFR
PDR
CDR
IPA A
Post SDR
Assessment B C
IOC
Follow
On Buy
Approval
FOC
Material
Development
Decision
Acquisition Strategy
Approval
IPA
IPA
IPA
Technology
Development
Strategy (TDS) Approval
(w/Space related provisions)
This chart shows the major space acquisition related revisions to the Defense Acquisition Management System.
First, note the addition of an Integrated Program Assessment (IPA) prior to each decision point. Detailed implementation of the IPA process will be described in revisions to the Defense Acquisition Guidebook.
Other major revisions include additional content for space programs in the Technology Development Strategy due before Milestone A, a Systems Design Review and Post-Systems Design Review Assessment conducted by the Milestone Decision Authority, and the Critical Design Review conducted just prior to Milestone C. The latter two are major changes to the technical review process for traditional acquisition progams
Also, note that there is a Follow-On Buy Approval in lieu of a Full-Rate Production Decision Review.
The following charts discuss these changes in more detail; however, full implementation guidance will be contained in revisions to the Defense Acquisition Guidebook, and policy and procedures issued by the Air Force Acquisition Executive.
Red Star denotes Space related revisions to DoDI (08 Dec 2008)

5. Implementation of New SSAP Independent Program Assessment (IPA)
Independent Program Assessments (IPAs) are:
An independent, comprehensive, and systematic review of major space system managerial and technical progress
Designed to identify program cost, schedule, and performance risks; formulate risk mitigation plans; and provide feedback both to the PM and the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)
An IPA will be conducted:
Before each milestone
Prior to Post-SDR Assessment
Whenever directed by the MDA

6. Implementation of New SSAP
Technology Development Strategy (TDS) Considerations
In addition to DoDI requirements, TDS for Space Systems shall detail acquisition strategy and contracting approach for development of pertinent technologies for each phase of program lifecycle
See Defense Acquisition Guidebook, Chapter 2 for content of TDS
The content of the Technology Development Strategy required by DoDI will not accommodate details required for space systems acquisition. However, the much expanded content of the Technology Development Strategy described in Chapter 2 or the Defense Acquisition Guidebook may meet the requirement.
The Technology Development Strategy outlined in the Defense Acquisition Guidebook is an “initial acquisition strategy” due at Milestone A.

7. Implementation of New SSAP
Systems Engineering Plan (SEP) Additional Considerations
In addition to DoDI requirements, the SEP shall:
Emphasize space system’s integration with other existing and approved future architectures and capabilities
Include Mission Assurance (MA) planning
Description of those activities undertaken to ensure that space systems operate properly once launched into orbit, since retrieval for repair is impractical
DoDI : The SEP shall describe the program’s overall technical approach, including key technical risks, processes, resources, metrics, and applicable performance incentives. It shall also detail the timing, conduct, and success criteria of technical reviews.
Current guidance for preparation of the SEP is at

8. Implementation of New SSAP Conduct of Systems Design Review (SDR)
PMs shall conduct a SDR during Technology Development (TD) Phase to:
Ensure system’s functional baseline is established
Ensure systems has reasonable expectation of satisfying Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) requirement within allocated budget and schedule
SDR
Completes process of defining items or elements below system level
Assesses decomposition of system specification to system functional specifications
Determines whether system’s functional definition is fully decomposed
Determines that program is prepared for preliminary design
According to the Defense Acquisition Guidebook, the Systems Functional Review (SFR) accomplishes the same objectives as the Systems Design Review (SDR) for space systems described on this chart. There may be additional requirements for the space system SDR that will be described in revisions to the Guidebook.

9. Implementation of New SSAP
Conduct of Post-SDR Assessment
PMs shall provide a Post-SDR report to the MDA:
Assessment of design maturity and summary of system-level SDR results
Independent vulnerability assessment and orbital debris mitigation risk report
MDA shall conduct a Post-SDR Assessment
Reviews PMs Post-SDR Report
Determines if more action is necessary to achieve TD phase objectives and satisfy ICD
Results documented in Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM)
Space system program managers must provide a post-SDR report to the MDA reflecting an overall assessment of design maturity and a summary of the system level SDR results. The post-SDR report shall include an independent vulnerability assessment and an orbital debris mitigation risk report. The orbital debris mitigation risk report will include an assessment of debris generation risk during launch, on-orbit operations, and end-of-life disposal, and shall assess compliance with the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices, provided by the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office.
The MDA shall review the post-SDR report and the program manager's resolution and/or mitigation plans, and determine whether additional action is necessary to achieve technology development phase objectives and satisfy the capability need specified in the ICD. The post-SDR assessment will be supported by an Independent Program Assessment as mentioned earlier.
The results of the MDA's post-SDR assessment is documented in an Acquisition Decision Memorandum and includes the MDA's determination to proceed with technology development (or not).
Additional guidance and expectations will be provided in the Defense Acquisition Guidebook
An IPA will support the Post-SDR Assessment

10. Implementation of New SSAP
Authorization for Procurement of Long-Lead Items at Milestone B
In addition to DoDI requirements, Milestone B shall normally include authorization for procurement of long-lead items necessary for authorized number of initial production articles
The Initial Production Decision is at Milestone C, so it is appropriate that approval for procurement of long-lead items to support initial production of space systems occur much earlier, at Milestone B.

11. Implementation of SSAP
Entrance Criteria for Production and Deployment Phase
In lieu of the DoDI requirements to have acceptable performance in DT&E and Operational Assessment (OA), and no significant manufacturing risks, space systems shall be required to have acceptable performance in developmental test activities and acceptable manufacturing risks

12. Implementation of SSAP
Phase Description of Production and Deployment Phase
Milestone C shall be described as the initial production review and shall be conducted as soon as feasible after program CDR
Authorizes acquisition-related activities associated with fabrication, integrated T&E, to include DT&E and OT&E, deployment (e.g. launch), and support of new space system
MDA shall review post-CDR report, determine whether additional action is necessary to satisfy EMD phase exit criteria, address and resolve orbital debris compliance issues, and approve entry into production and deployment phase for initial number of production articles
Moving CDR to just before MS C and having the MDA review the post-CDR report at MS C is a major difference from the DoDI process for non-space programs. For space programs there will be no significant production and testing of “production representative articles” after CDR and prior to MS C. Those activities will take place after MS C during what is commonly called “LRIP” for non-space systems. There may be further clarification/guidance in revisions to the DAG.
Post CDR Assessment takes place at Milestone C

13. Implementation of SSAP
Phase Description of Production and Deployment Phase
MDA will approve subsequent article production at a Follow-on Production Decision
MDA may direct an In-Progress Review (IPR) after Milestone C, but prior to follow-on production decision review, to assess progress and determine if any additional actions are necessary to support a Follow-on Production Decision

14. Implementation of SSAP Follow-On Production Decision for Space Systems
MDA shall conduct a Follow-on Production Decision Review in lieu of a full-rate production and deployment decision to authorize procurement of additional space system articles beyond those authorized at Milestone C
Statutory and regulatory information requirements in DoDI for full-rate production and deployment reviews shall apply to follow-on production decision review for space systems
An OSD Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) is required to support a Follow-on Production Decision

15. Implementation of SSAP
Entrance Criteria for Operations and Support Phase
In addition to DoDI requirements, space systems shall be required to have acceptable performance in integrated T&E, to include DT&E, OT&E, and user acceptance of the system
A Follow-on Production Decision Review may not be required as an entrance criteria if, for example, only one space system article is being acquired
Current O&S Phase Entrance Criteria: Approved Capability Production Document (CPD); approved Life Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP); and successful Full-Rate Production (FRP) Decision

16. Implementation of SSAP
Material Development Decision (MDD) for All Follow-On Increments
All follow-on increments shall be preceded by a Materiel Development Decision (MDD) to:
Assess prior increment’s progress
Consider additional requirements for that increment
Determine proper phase of entry for next increment

17. New Space Systems Acquisition Policy
Air Force Changes
Secretary of the Air Force Memorandum, HQ Air Force Space Management and Organization, 25 Aug 2010
Designates Under Secretary of the Air Force as the Senior Air Force Official for space matters
Transfers space acquisition from Under Secretary (SAF/US) to Asst Secretary for Acquisition (SAF/AQ)
Realigns Space PEO reporting from SAF/US to SAF/AQ
Maintains Air Staff A3/A5 role for space operations and requirements
Continues Air Force Space Command as lead for space related capabilities
Creates Air Force Space Board
The Secretary of the Air Force issued a memorandum on August 25, 2010 that significantly changes the management and organization for space systems acquisition at Headquarters, Department of the Air Force.
The Under Secretary of the Air Force serves as the Senior Air Force official for space matters and the focal point for space planning, policy, strategy international relations, interagency relations and primary interface to OSD.
Space acquisition responsibilities are transferred from the Under Secretary of the Air Force to the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, the Air Force Acquisition Executive.
The Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space, who is also the Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, now reports direct to the Assistant Secretary for Acquisition for all space system acquisition matters.
The Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, the A3/A5, continues in the role of the principal Air Staff organization for space operations and requirements.
Air Force Space Command retains its role as the Air Force’s lead command for space related capabilities, to include such major functions as developing and coordinating space system requirements.
An Air Force Space Board is established to coordinate Air Force positions regarding multi-organization, service and inter-agency issues. The Space Board is co-chaired by the Under Secretary of the Air Force and the Vice Chief of Staff.
SECAF Memo is available at 16

18. Implementation of SSAP
What is Next?
DTM to be incorporated into DoDI within 180 days
Additional guidance, best practices, lessons learned, and expectations will be provided in the Defense Acquisition Guidebook (revision date TBD)
Additional Information Related to Space Acquisition is Available at DAU’s Space Acquisition Community of Practice