In early December, a revised Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway was published. MCA is the largest and most complex pathway, integrating content from DODI 5000.85 (MCA), DODI 5000.88 (Engineering), DODI 5000.89 (Test and Evaluation (T&E)) DODI 5000.73 (Cost), as well as a vast array of guidance, training, and other resources. With the revised MCA in place, the workforce is now able to access AAF-specific content for all six pathways.

In mid-December, the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) was relaunched following the release of the new software policy, DODI 5000.87 (SWP). Acquisition professionals now have access to the exciting new pathway that Ms. Lord recently called one of the most significant accomplishments from her time as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. This new pathway implements key recommendations from the Defense Innovation and Science Boards and implements direction from Congress provided in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section 800.

In each of these major releases, there were continual improvements to the Urgent Capability Acquisition, Middle Tier of Acquisition, Defense Business Systems, and Acquisition of Services pathways to include integration of DoDI 5000.89 (T&E), additional guidance, FAQs, and lessons learned from experts. Additionally, the Contracting Cone, AAF Vignettes to Use or Transition the AAF pathways, and AAF pathway graphic were expanded based on user feedback and lessons learned. As of this update, the site now features a fully interactive AAF graphic, enhancing overall usability and consistent themes across the pathway pages.

The AAF, and corresponding website, was designed to enable the acquisition workforce to be successful in deftly tailoring and navigating a series of pathways to accommodate unique program needs. Please provide your input, ideas and constructive feedback about what features and content you value and what changes or new content you would like to see in future updates.