Continuing its effort to reform military acquisitions, the Department of Defense (“DoD”) recently released an updated version of its acquisition guideline, DoD Instruction (“DoDI”) 5000.02, Operation of the Defense Acquisition System, available here.  The updated document incorporates the changes from an interim version of the Instruction released on November 26, 2013, and emphasizes tailoring acquisition strategies to particular products or services.  Although the new guidance leaves the DoD’s basic acquisition process unchanged, contractors should be aware that the DoD continues to refine its acquisition goals and procedures.

The newest version of DoDI 5000.02 is only the latest step toward improving DoD’s acquisition policy, which the Department describes as its ongoing mission.  In 2008, the DoD reissued and substantially changed the defense acquisition management framework, particularly in the early phases of the process.  The 2013 interim version and the final version released on January 7, 2015 seek to streamline the acquisition system and account for the regulations and statutes promulgated since 2008.  These revisions increase emphasis on thoughtful program planning and incorporate Better Buying Power initiatives, best practices designed to enhance DoD’s purchasing power and improve industry productivity, while providing affordable, value-added military capability.  A comprehensive explanation of Better Buying Power initiatives is available here.
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