Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA)
MTA Scenario Overview
How To Use This Site
Each page in this pathway presents a wealth of curated knowledge from acquisition policies, guides, templates, training, reports, websites, case studies, and other resources. It also provides a framework for functional experts and practitioners across DoD to contribute to the collective knowledge base. This site aggregates official DoD policies, guides, references, and more.
DoD and Service policy is indicated by a BLUE vertical line.
Directly quoted material is preceeded with a link to the Reference Source.
These MTA scenarios provide a few specific, imitable examples of what it looks like to use the MTA pathway. We’re aiming to make these readable, practical, informative, and reality-based. The intent is to foster critical thinking and show the art of the possible.
These scenarios are not a set of checklists for compliance, but instead use-case stories for inspiration. Use them for “illumination, not imitation.” We hope they expand people’s understanding and adoption of this new acquisition pathway, and increase everyone’s awareness of the full range of options available to an MTA program.
Scenario One: THE SUPERCOMPUTER
Rapid Prototyping: How might we leverage COTS hardware to rapidly prototype a high-tech device with potential to transition to rapid fielding for operational users?
Scenario Two: CREWED ISR PLATFORMS
Rapid Fielding: How might we leverage COTS/GOTS hardware to rapidly field a new system?
Scenario Three: ATTRITABLE AIRBORNE TARGET
Rapid Prototyping: How might we use prototypes to simulate existing advanced capabilities?
Scenario Four: OPERATIONAL C2 SYSTEM
Rapid Prototyping: How might we use a series of modular prototypes to rapidly create and deliver a useful system?
Scenario Five: HYPERSONIC LONG-RANGE STANDOFF MISSILE
Rapid Prototyping: How might we use multiple rapid prototypes to explore various solutions and mature an emerging capability?