materiel development decision

The mandatory entry point into the major capability acquisition process and is informed by a validated requirements document (e.g., an initial capabilities document (ICD) or equivalent) and the completion of the analysis of alternatives (AoA) study guidance and the AoA study plan. A successful MDD may approve entry into any acquisition phase of entry consistent with phase-specific and statutory requirements but will normally be followed by a Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) phase. A successful MDD normally does not mean that a new acquisition program has been initiated.