Air Force Acquisition Process Model (APM)

The Acquisition Process Model (APM) is a tool designed to serve as the standard acquisition process reference and guide for all stakeholders at the Program Executive Officer (PEO) level and above.  As directed by SAF/AQX, the APM provides an end-to-end “Big A” acquisition process context for ACAT I programs, i.e., an integration of the DoD 5000 process (Acquisition), the JCIDS process (Requirements), and the PPBE process (Funding). Given the increasing downward pressure on defense budgets, it is important that leadership gains a common perspective in order to reduce inefficiencies.  In response to this need, SAF/AQX created the APM as a comprehensive model to depict and to provide understanding of the end to end acquisition process.  The model is inclusive of all processes above PEO level and describes the inputs required from the PEOs.  In the future, it will be expanded to include best practices of these processes controlled by the PEOs and Program Managers."