DoDI5000.85_DAFI63-151 — Major Capability Acquisition

DoDI5000.85_DAFI63-151 governs the acquisition of capabilities using the major capability acquisition pathway.

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  • Publication number: DoDI5000.85_DAFI63-151
  • Title: MAJOR CAPABILITY ACQUISITION
  • Date: 2022-08-19

View DoDI5000.85_DAFI63-151 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers major defense acquisition programs, ACAT I and II programs, automated information systems, and other capabilities in the pathway. It provides DAF guidance, requires records to follow Air Force records management rules, and requires supplements to receive review and approval before publication.

Applies to: This publication applies to Regular Air Force, United States Space Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard except where otherwise noted, all DAF civilian employees, and those with a contractual obligation to abide by the terms of DAF issuances.

Topics covered

  • Major capability acquisition procedures
  • Program planning
  • Decision reviews
  • Acquisition process decisions and phases
  • MDD reviews
  • Milestone A reviews
  • TMRR phase

Questions and answers

What programs does DoDI5000.85_DAFI63-151 guide through the major capability acquisition pathway?

In accordance with DoD Directive (DoDD) 5135.02, this issuance establishes policy and prescribes procedures that guide the acquisition of major capability acquisition programs, including major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs); other programs categorized as acquisition category (ACAT) I; major systems, usually categorized as ACAT II; automated information systems (AIS) (not managed by other acquisition pathways); and other capabilities developed via the major capability acquisition pathway.

What requirements in DoDI5000.85_DAFI63-151 have waiver authority identified by tier?

The authorities to waive wing, unit, delta or garrison level requirements in this publication are identified with a Tier (“T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3”) number following the compliance statement.

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