AFPD63-1 — Integrated Life Cycle Management

AFPD63-1 governs Air Force acquisition and sustainment through an Integrated Life Cycle Management framework for programs.

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  • Publication number: AFPD63-1
  • Title: INTEGRATED LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT
  • Date: 2018-08-07

View AFPD63-1 on armypubs.army.mil


AFPD63-1 addresses requirements identification, development, testing, fielding, product support, disposal, and program policy. It requires balanced management of cost, schedule, performance, risks, requirements, acquisition security, and product support throughout the life cycle.

Applies to: It applies to all Air Force military and civilian personnel; members of the Air Force Reserve; members of the Air National Guard; and other individuals or organizations as required by binding agreement or obligation with the Department of the Air Force.

Topics covered

  • Integrated Life Cycle Management
  • Acquisition and sustainment
  • Milestone Decision Authority
  • Program Manager authority
  • Systems engineering
  • Acquisition security
  • Product support

Questions and answers

How must Air Force programs manage cost, schedule, and performance risks?

Air Force programs will apply a balanced approach that manages cost, schedule, and performance risks and requirements throughout the life cycle in support of warfighter capability planning and validated operational requirements. (paragraph 2)

Does every program need an acquisition chain of command?

All programs will have a clear acquisition chain of command with authorities delegated to the lowest appropriate level. (paragraph 2)

What kind of capability need must a program respond to?

Programs will be executed in response to a valid capability need vetted through an approved requirements process. (paragraph 2)

Who approves a program's entry into the next life cycle phase?

The Milestone Decision Authority has the authority to approve entry of a program into the next phase of the life cycle process and tailor the program to maximize efficient use of limited resources. (paragraph 2)

What authority does the Program Manager have?

The Program Manager will have the authority to accomplish program objectives for development, test, production, fielding, sustainment, and will be accountable to the Milestone Decision Authority or equivalent authority for program cost, schedule, and performance for the life cycle of the program. (paragraph 2)

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