DAU ACQ 101 Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition
Management Exam | Complete Practice Questions & Detailed
Rationales 2026/2027
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the Joint Capabilities Integration and
Development System (JCIDS)?
• A. To manage the budget for defense programs.
• B. To identify, assess, and prioritize joint military capability gaps.
• C. To award contracts to private industry.
• D. To test weapons systems for safety.
Correct Answer: B. To identify, assess, and prioritize joint military
capability gaps.
Detailed Rationale: JCIDS is the process used to determine the needs of
the Warfighter by identifying capability requirements and associated
capability gaps.
Question 2
Which process governs the allocation of resources for defense
acquisition programs?
• A. JCIDS
• B. DAS
• C. PPBE
• D. OTA
,Correct Answer: C. PPBE
Detailed Rationale: The Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and
Execution (PPBE) process is the financial management system used by
the DOD to allocate resources.
Question 3
The Defense Acquisition System (DAS) is designed to provide:
• A. Only low-cost equipment.
• B. Effective, suitable, and survivable capabilities to the user.
• C. Maximum profit for defense contractors.
• D. Only software-based solutions.
Correct Answer: B. Effective, suitable, and survivable capabilities to the
user.
Detailed Rationale: The primary goal of the DAS is to deliver timely,
affordable, and effective capabilities to the Warfighter.
Question 4
Which milestone initiates the Technology Maturation and Risk
Reduction (TMRR) phase?
• A. Milestone A
• B. Milestone B
• C. Milestone C
• D. Full Rate Production Decision
Correct Answer: A. Milestone A
,Detailed Rationale: Milestone A marks the entrance into the TMRR
phase, where technology is matured and risks are reduced.
Question 5
What is the primary goal of the Engineering and Manufacturing
Development (EMD) phase?
• A. To finalize the design and prepare for production.
• B. To conduct market research.
• C. To define the mission need.
• D. To dispose of old equipment.
Correct Answer: A. To finalize the design and prepare for production.
Detailed Rationale: The EMD phase focuses on completing the
development of a system, integrating subsystems, and ensuring the
design is ready for manufacturing.
Question 6
Who is the primary individual responsible for the cost, schedule, and
performance of an acquisition program?
• A. The Contracting Officer (KO)
• B. The Program Manager (PM)
• C. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)
• D. The Congressional Representative
Correct Answer: B. The Program Manager (PM)
Detailed Rationale: The PM is the single face to the user and is
accountable for the execution of the program throughout its life cycle.
, Question 7
Which document provides the requirements for the system based on
the capabilities developed in JCIDS?
• A. Acquisition Strategy
• B. Capability Development Document (CDD)
• C. Purchase Order
• D. Statement of Work
Correct Answer: B. Capability Development Document (CDD)
Detailed Rationale: The CDD specifies the operational performance
requirements necessary for the system to meet the capability gap
identified in JCIDS.
Question 8
What is the primary role of the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)?
• A. To write the contract.
• B. To make the decision to authorize entry into the next phase of
the acquisition process.
• C. To design the weapons system.
• D. To approve the budget in Congress.
Correct Answer: B. To make the decision to authorize entry into the
next phase of the acquisition process.
Detailed Rationale: The MDA has the authority to approve program
milestones and transition the program from one phase to the next.
Question 9
Management Exam | Complete Practice Questions & Detailed
Rationales 2026/2027
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the Joint Capabilities Integration and
Development System (JCIDS)?
• A. To manage the budget for defense programs.
• B. To identify, assess, and prioritize joint military capability gaps.
• C. To award contracts to private industry.
• D. To test weapons systems for safety.
Correct Answer: B. To identify, assess, and prioritize joint military
capability gaps.
Detailed Rationale: JCIDS is the process used to determine the needs of
the Warfighter by identifying capability requirements and associated
capability gaps.
Question 2
Which process governs the allocation of resources for defense
acquisition programs?
• A. JCIDS
• B. DAS
• C. PPBE
• D. OTA
,Correct Answer: C. PPBE
Detailed Rationale: The Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and
Execution (PPBE) process is the financial management system used by
the DOD to allocate resources.
Question 3
The Defense Acquisition System (DAS) is designed to provide:
• A. Only low-cost equipment.
• B. Effective, suitable, and survivable capabilities to the user.
• C. Maximum profit for defense contractors.
• D. Only software-based solutions.
Correct Answer: B. Effective, suitable, and survivable capabilities to the
user.
Detailed Rationale: The primary goal of the DAS is to deliver timely,
affordable, and effective capabilities to the Warfighter.
Question 4
Which milestone initiates the Technology Maturation and Risk
Reduction (TMRR) phase?
• A. Milestone A
• B. Milestone B
• C. Milestone C
• D. Full Rate Production Decision
Correct Answer: A. Milestone A
,Detailed Rationale: Milestone A marks the entrance into the TMRR
phase, where technology is matured and risks are reduced.
Question 5
What is the primary goal of the Engineering and Manufacturing
Development (EMD) phase?
• A. To finalize the design and prepare for production.
• B. To conduct market research.
• C. To define the mission need.
• D. To dispose of old equipment.
Correct Answer: A. To finalize the design and prepare for production.
Detailed Rationale: The EMD phase focuses on completing the
development of a system, integrating subsystems, and ensuring the
design is ready for manufacturing.
Question 6
Who is the primary individual responsible for the cost, schedule, and
performance of an acquisition program?
• A. The Contracting Officer (KO)
• B. The Program Manager (PM)
• C. The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)
• D. The Congressional Representative
Correct Answer: B. The Program Manager (PM)
Detailed Rationale: The PM is the single face to the user and is
accountable for the execution of the program throughout its life cycle.
, Question 7
Which document provides the requirements for the system based on
the capabilities developed in JCIDS?
• A. Acquisition Strategy
• B. Capability Development Document (CDD)
• C. Purchase Order
• D. Statement of Work
Correct Answer: B. Capability Development Document (CDD)
Detailed Rationale: The CDD specifies the operational performance
requirements necessary for the system to meet the capability gap
identified in JCIDS.
Question 8
What is the primary role of the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)?
• A. To write the contract.
• B. To make the decision to authorize entry into the next phase of
the acquisition process.
• C. To design the weapons system.
• D. To approve the budget in Congress.
Correct Answer: B. To make the decision to authorize entry into the
next phase of the acquisition process.
Detailed Rationale: The MDA has the authority to approve program
milestones and transition the program from one phase to the next.
Question 9
