Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA)

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Transition Program

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Reference Source: DODI 5000.80, Paragraph 3.2.f

Transitioning Rapid Fielding Programs. For each MTA program, DoD Components will develop a process for transitioning successful programs to operations and sustainment. This process will result in a transition plan, included in the acquisition strategy, which provides a timeline for completion within 2 years of all necessary documentation required for transition, as determined by the DA, after MTA program start.

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DoD Component Guidance

Note that DoD Component MTA Implementation policies and guidance are currently being updated to be consistent with the newly published DODI 5000.80 30 December 2019 (Change 1 Effective 25 Nov 2024).

Air Force

Transition Determination

Reference Source: Air Force Guidance Memorandum for Rapid Acquisition Activities, 27 June 2019

3.2.2.2. The benchmark for complete fielding should be determined based on the circumstances of the particular program and can include Initial Operating Capability (IOC) and block fielding of systems.

Army

MTA Program Transition

Reference Source: ASA(ALT) Middle Tier of Acquisition Policy, 20 March 2020, Enclosure 3
[Note: CAC required for access]

Transitioning. See Figure 2.

Rapid Fielding. Upon successful fielding, rapid fielding efforts should transition into operations and sustainment.

Termimated MTA Programs

Reference Source: ASA(ALT) Middle Tier of Acquisition Policy, 20 March 2020, Enclosure 3
[Note: CAC required for access]

Terminated Programs. Upon decision to terminate an MTA program, the Program Manager (PM) will submit for approval to the Army Acquisition Executive a termination Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) or Information Memo, citing the reason(s) for the termination, transition, etc. Additionally, the PM will submit a final MTA spreadsheet (specifically, the “Outcome” section).

MTA Programs that exceed Five Years

Reference Source: ASA(ALT) Middle Tier of Acquisition Policy, 20 March 2020, Enclosure 2
[Note: CAC required for access]

Schedule. MTA program plans may not exceed five years to completion. Any MTA program execution exceeding five years after MTA program start has the following options:

a. Obtain a DAE waiver.

b. End the MTA program by submitting exit documentation, and then start a new MTA program.

c. Terminate the MTA program.

Navy

Reference Source: ASN(RDA) Middle Tier Acquisition Interim Guidance, 24 April 2018

Section 2.3. Transition to Acquisition Program. Where production exceeds the five (5) year limit of Rapid Fielding, or the program would be more appropriately managed under a traditional acquisition pathway, the Acquisition Decision Authority may transition the program to a traditional acquisition pathway at an appropriate Milestone. Under the DoDI 5000.02 and JCIDS, such programs shall be subject to, appropriately tailored where possible, the statutory and regulatory requirements for their respective Acquisition Category (ACAT) designation.

Section 6. Transition. Successful Rapid Prototyping projects not transitioning into Rapid Fielding shall transition into an existing acquisition program, a new acquisition program, or the residual capability can be sustained in the field.

6.2. Transition to Acquisition Program. Where production exceeds the five year limit on Rapid Fielding, or the program would be more appropriately managed under a traditional acquisition pathway, the Acquisition Decision Authority may transition the program to a traditional acquisition pathway at an appropriate milestone.

SOCOM

Reference Source: USSOCOM Middle Tier Acquisition Authorities and Guidance, 1 Aug 2018

Transition: If a Rapid Prototyping effort does not transition to fielding or Rapid Fielding effort fails to adhere to the MTA schedule requirements, the residual technology can transition to a traditional acquisition program.