DAU PM PRACTITIONER EXAM SCRIPT 2026
SOLVED QUESTIONS GRADED A+
◉middle tier of acquisition (MTA) Answer: - used to rapidly develop
fieldable prototypes within an acquisition program to demonstrate
new capabilities within 5 years or rapidly field production quantities
of systems with proven technologies that require minimal
development within 5 years
- may be used to accelerate capability maturation before
transitioning to another acquisition pathway or may be used to
minimally develop a capability before rapid fielding it in the second
phase of the MTA pathway
◉major capability acquisition (MCA) Answer: - used to acquire and
modernize military unique programs that provide enduring
capability
- works in conjunction with the JCIDS process to validate its
requirements and develop a capability
◉software acquisition Answer: - used to facilitate rapid and iterative
delivery of software capability to the user
- 2 phases: planning and execution
- active user engagement through the process
, - has a capability needs statement instead of an ICD or CDD
- needs to be delivered within a year of starting
- leverages existing services
- outside the scope of JCIDS and being treated as an MDAP
- T&E, cybersecurity, and product support are integrated throughout
the program
◉defense business systems Answer: used to acquire information
systems that support DoD business operations, including those with
"as-a-service" solutions (financial and financial data feeder,
contracting, logistics, planning and budgeting, installations
management, human resources management, training and readiness
systems).
*** May be used to acquire non-developmental software intensive
programs that are not business systems
◉acquisition of services Answer: for the acquisition of contracted
services from private sector companies with a total estimated value
at or above the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), including
knowledge-based, construction, electronics and communications,
facilities, life cycle sustainment plan, logistics, research and
development, and transportation services
SOLVED QUESTIONS GRADED A+
◉middle tier of acquisition (MTA) Answer: - used to rapidly develop
fieldable prototypes within an acquisition program to demonstrate
new capabilities within 5 years or rapidly field production quantities
of systems with proven technologies that require minimal
development within 5 years
- may be used to accelerate capability maturation before
transitioning to another acquisition pathway or may be used to
minimally develop a capability before rapid fielding it in the second
phase of the MTA pathway
◉major capability acquisition (MCA) Answer: - used to acquire and
modernize military unique programs that provide enduring
capability
- works in conjunction with the JCIDS process to validate its
requirements and develop a capability
◉software acquisition Answer: - used to facilitate rapid and iterative
delivery of software capability to the user
- 2 phases: planning and execution
- active user engagement through the process
, - has a capability needs statement instead of an ICD or CDD
- needs to be delivered within a year of starting
- leverages existing services
- outside the scope of JCIDS and being treated as an MDAP
- T&E, cybersecurity, and product support are integrated throughout
the program
◉defense business systems Answer: used to acquire information
systems that support DoD business operations, including those with
"as-a-service" solutions (financial and financial data feeder,
contracting, logistics, planning and budgeting, installations
management, human resources management, training and readiness
systems).
*** May be used to acquire non-developmental software intensive
programs that are not business systems
◉acquisition of services Answer: for the acquisition of contracted
services from private sector companies with a total estimated value
at or above the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), including
knowledge-based, construction, electronics and communications,
facilities, life cycle sustainment plan, logistics, research and
development, and transportation services
