UK MOD Smart Acquisition

Publication date: 2007

Smart Acquisition (SA) is a long-term initiative to improve the way the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) acquires defence capability. Military equipment, services, estates or business information systems are no longer replaced on a like-for-like basis but instead take into account how such a capability will integrate with other capabilities to achieve optimum effect by UK Armed Forces. A through-life approach to acquisition has been adopted rather than concentrating resources on the initial procurement.

Detailed information on the tools and processes which support Smart Acquisition can be found on the UK MOD Acquisition Operating Framework (AOF).

The aim of Smart Acquisition is:

To acquire Defence capability faster, cheaper, better and more effectively integrated

The objectives of Smart Acquisition are:

• To deliver and sustain defence capabilities within the performance, time and cost parameters approved at the time the major investment decisions are taken
• To integrate defence capabilities into their environment within Defence, with the flexibility to be adapted as the environment changes
• To acquire defence capabilities progressively, at lower risk. Optimisation of trade-offs between military effectiveness, time and whole life cost are maximised
• To cut the time for (key) new technologies to be introduced into the frontline, where needed to secure military advantage and industrial competitiveness

There are seven principles in Smart Acquisition:

1. A whole-life approach, typified by applying Through Life Costing techniques
2. Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with clearly identified customers
3. A better, more open relationship with industry
4. More investment during early project phases
5. Effective trade-offs between system performance, through-life costs and time
6. New procurement approaches, including incremental acquisition
7. A streamlined process for project approvals

Source: UK MOD
Publication date: 2007

Related Defence Supplier Guidance

• UK MOD Defence Industrial Strategy

To find out how your company can successfully compete for procurement opportunities with the UK MOD, contact Jeffrey Strategic.