DoDI5000.81_DAFI63-147 — Urgent Capability Acquisition

DoDI5000.81_DAFI63-147 governs acquisition programs for urgent operational needs and quick reaction capabilities fielded in less than 2 years.

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  • Publication number: DoDI5000.81_DAFI63-147
  • Title: URGENT CAPABILITY ACQUISITION
  • Date: 2025-12-09

View DoDI5000.81_DAFI63-147 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication addresses urgent capability acquisition, including pre-development, development, production and deployment, and operations and support. It requires acquisition approaches to address available technologies, contract type, testing, quantities, waivers and approvals.

Applies to: This publication applies to all civilian employees and uniformed members of Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, the United States Space Force and those who are contractually obligated to comply with Department of the Air Force publications.

Topics covered

  • Urgent operational needs
  • Quick reaction capabilities
  • Fixed price contracts
  • Acquisition strategies
  • Test and evaluation master plans
  • Performance assessments
  • Acquisition program baselines
  • Contract type exceptions

Questions and answers

What development effort can an urgent capability acquisition require?

Does not require substantial development effort.

What technologies qualify for an urgent capability acquisition?

Is based on technologies that are proven and available. (paragraph 3)

What contract type can be used for an urgent capability acquisition?

Can be acquired under a fixed price contract. (paragraph 4)

Can an urgent capability acquisition use another contract type?

Exceptions may include use of another appropriate contract type if a fixed price contract is not appropriate for the acquisition strategy; examples include use of an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) or modifying an existing contract. (paragraph 6)

What quantities must be approved for production and assessment?

Approve initial quantities to be produced and assessed, to include required assessment and training articles. (paragraph 6)

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