Evolutionary Acquisition with an Incremental Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to answer the primary research question: How difficult is it to develop a successful incremental acquisition approach for defense acquisition programs? The focus of this research is to examine how difficult it is to successfully develop an evolutionary acquisition strategy with an incremental development approach. The research uses the DOD’s Joint Common Missile (JCM) program and the subsequent Joint Air Ground Missile (JAGM) program as the basis to survey acquisition professionals. This research prepares a preliminary survey to assess capabilities of future surveys and analysis of higher level acquisition scheduling and program planning. The preliminary survey created for this thesis helps to enable future research on survey and questionnaire methods in the acquisition academic environment. Feedback for the preliminary survey from acquisition subject matter experts helps to edit as needed to finalize a detailed and effective survey for future use. Results of the preliminary survey will help to develop future questionnaires and training programs for acquisition professionals.