COMDTINST M5000.4A — Coast Guard Operational Requirements Generation Manual

COMDTINST M5000.4A governs the Coast Guard operational requirements generation process and its alignment with Department of Homeland Security policy.

Search COMDTINST M5000.4A

  • Publication number: COMDTINST M5000.4A
  • Title: COAST GUARD OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS GENERATION MANUAL
  • Date: 5/1/2019
  • Proponent: CG-771

View COMDTINST M5000.4A on armypubs.army.mil


It covers capability analyses, CONOPS development, operational requirements documents, key performance parameters, review and validation, and urgent operational needs. It requires KPPs to be included in the Acquisition Program Baseline and requires a validated CAR and approved MNS to finalize the CONOPS.

Applies to: All Coast Guard Unit Commanders, Commanding Officers, Officers-In-Charge, Deputy/Assistant Commandants, and Chiefs of Headquarters staff elements must comply with the provisions of this Manual.

Topics covered

  • Operational requirements generation
  • Capability analysis
  • CONOPS development
  • Operational requirements documents
  • Key Performance Parameters
  • DHS JRIMS validation
  • Urgent Operational Need process

Questions and answers

What does the operational requirements generation process ensure?

References (a) and (b) establish a standardized operational requirements generation process that ensures traceability between the Department’s strategic objectives and capability investments (both non-materiel and materiel). (paragraph 4)

What is required before finalizing the CONOPS?

A validated CAR and approved MNS are required to finalize the CONOPS. (paragraph 2)

How many Key Performance Parameters should an operational requirements document normally contain?

The ORD should only contain a limited number of KPPs (normally four or five) that capture the parameters needed to reach the overall desired mission capabilities. (paragraph 7)

What happens if a Key Performance Parameter threshold is not met?

Failure to meet a KPP threshold results in a program “breach”, which could result in program cancellation or other action. (paragraph 1)

What security responsibilities apply to ORD development?

The IPT members are responsible for following current Coast Guard policy in these matters including but not limited to: a. Developing any classified sections of the ORD; b. Ensuring for the protection and handling of FOUO materials; or c. Ensuring for the protection and handling of proprietary information, including the use of NDA. (paragraph 5)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about COMDTINST M5000.4A