Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
Questions
Purpose
-
What is the purpose of the Acquisition Process Model (APM)?
-
What is the relationship to other known models, such as the DAU Wall Chart,
DoDI 5000.02, AFI 10-601, AFI 63-101/20-101, and AFI 99-103?
-
Who owns the APM?
Content
-
How is the model structured from a Taxonomy perspective?
-
What is meant by Governing/Core/Enabling?
-
What process information is contained within the model?
-
What causes the APM to be updated?
-
How frequently is the model updated?
Functionality
-
How can I view the properties of a particular process?
-
How can I print the model?
-
How can I view the processes depicted within larger models?
-
How do I navigate within the APM?
Success Stories
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How has the APM benefited the USAF?
Communication
-
How can I provide comments for recommendations?
-
How can I be informed concerning changes (both current and future)?
-
Who do I talk to get additional information?
Troubleshooting
-
The web page loads, but with hyperlinks of process model names on the left
hand side of the web page. How can I fix this?
-
The APM site will not load properly and a warning screen appears.
-
The list of hyperlinks does not fit on the page.
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Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
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Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
Purpose
- What is the purpose of the Acquisition Process Model (APM)? The purpose of the
APM is to provide an authoritative source for the current state Big “A” acquisition
process as described and defined in law, policy, and/or guidance. The intended audience
of the APM is the acquisition workforce with particular emphasis on the Program
Executive Officer and his/her staff. The APM is composed of a series of interconnected
processes with associated decomposition as relevant for the audience. The hierarchy
provides sufficient detail to explain the high level processes without serving as a
proscriptive checklist for step-by-step actions. Back to Questions
Acquisition Process Model
1.0 Perform Air Force Acquisition
Governing
Click Here for the Defense
Acquisition Framework View
Program
Reporting
Programmatic
Data
Click here to view
the FAQ
Oversight (Review
and Approve)
AFLCMC
Standard
Processes
Enterprise
Metrics
Templates
PEO View
Program and
Budget (PPBE)
Strategic
Direction
Strategic
Direction
POM/PBD
ADM
Strategic Programmatic
Direction
Data
Programmatic
IMP
Data
Program Action
Budget
Reallocations
Core
ADM
Technology Concept
Technology Need
Develop
Requirements and
Preliminary
Design
Acquisition
Strategy
Preliminary
Design
Definitized
Agreement
(Contract)
Enabling
Programmatic Program
Capability Document
Data
Revisions
18 September 15 Version 6.3
Note: Each input/output in the APM is
hyperlinked to all other occurrences in
the model.
Acquire (Develop and
Operate)
Capability Document
Programmatic
Data
Conduct “Program”
Management Tasks
3
Operational
System
Program
Revisions
Program
Reporting
Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
- What is the relationship to other known models, such as the DAU Wall Chart,
DoDI 5000.02, AFI 10-601, AFI 63-101/20-101, and AFI 99-103? From a content
standpoint the APM and the DAU Wall Chart are very similar. However, the APM is
updated on a continual basis to reflect changes in guidance/instruction. The APM is
designed to incorporate a variety of process perspectives, with particular emphasis on the
requirements process described in the Joint Capability Integration Development System
(JCIDS) – CJCSI 3170 series; the acquisition process defined in the DoDI 5000.02; and
the Programming, Planning, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process described in the
DoD FMR 7000.14. These documents, in addition to a set of key instructions such as
AFI 10-601, AFI 63-101/20-101, and AFI 99-103, serve as the foundation for developing
and naming the processes and identifying the inputs and outputs within the model. Back
to Questions
- Who owns the APM? SAF/AQX is the owner of the APM. All recommendations for
process changes must be approved by the Acquisition Chief Process Officer. Back to
Questions
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Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
Content
- How is the model structured from a Taxonomy perspective? The APM uses up to a
nine level work breakdown structure, with each level being referred to as a tier.
Generally speaking, each tier has a specific focus/responsibility level. See below:
 Tier 0 (the context diagram numbered 1.0) is defined as the Macro Process level
with responsibility at the SAE/DAE level.
 Tier 1 (numbered 1.x) is the Process area with responsibility at the SAE/2 LTR
level.
 Tier 2 (numbered 1.x.x) is the Subprocess area with responsibility generally at the
PEO/3LTR level.
 Tier 3 (numbered 1.x.x.x) is the Supporting Process area with responsibility
generally at the SPD/PEO level.
 Tier 4 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x) is the Activity area with responsibility generally at
the SPD/PM level.
 Tier 5 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x) is the Sub activity area with responsibility
generally at the PM/AO level.
 Tier 6 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x.x) is the Action area with responsibility generally at
the AO level.
 Tier 7 (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x.x.x) is the Subaction area with responsibility
generally at the Journeyman level.
 Tier 8 and below (numbered 1.x.x.x.x.x.x.x.x) is the Supporting Action area with
responsibility generally at the trainee level. Back to Questions
- What is meant by Governing/Core/Enabling? The APM uses process types as
defined by Dr. Michael Hammer:
 Governing processes guide or direct other processes
 Core processes create the outputs that meet stated requirements of the
organization
 Enabling processes support the execution of the core processes. Back to
Questions
- What process information is contained within the model? Every process in the
APM has the following minimum set of metadata:
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Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update






Process name (short reference for the purpose of the process as described in the
authoritative source of the process),
Description of the process (based on the information contained within the
authoritative source defining the process),
Process owner (the organization/person with official authority over the execution
and result of the process),
Process performers (organizations/persons who participate in the execution of the
process),
Reference document (the authoritative source for the process),
Active link (a link to the authoritative source used to define the process).
Additionally, for every input and output in the APM, the following metadata exists:
 Description of the inputs and outputs (based on the information contained within
the authoritative source defining the inputs and outputs). Back to Questions
- What causes the APM to be updated? Changes in relevant policy or instruction as
well as changes in functionality cause SAF/AQXP to update the APM. Back to
Questions
- How frequently is the model updated? SAF/AQXP will update the APM on no less
than a quarterly basis. SAF/AQXP may make more frequent updates as necessary to
reflect approved policy. Back to Questions
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Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
Functionality
- How can I view the properties of a particular process? Either 1) hold the CTRL
button down on your computer’s keyboard and then Left Click on the desired process box
or 2) mouseover the process box or input/output element. The properties of the process or
input / output will then be displayed in the “Details” widget located on the left panel of
the web page. If available, templates and guides can be accessed and downloaded from
the Active Hyperlink property. Back to Questions
- How can I print the models? A PDF download is available of the process model as an
option from the initial entry screen. Selecting the PDF Version of the APM will allow
you to view the APM as a PDF file and then print pages as necessary. Back to Questions
- How can I view the processes depicted within larger models? Using the “Pan and
Zoom” widget located at the left hand side of the web page, a person can zoom in on a
process model and then pan to different areas of the model. To use “Pan and Zoom’, first
click on the zoom gradient bar located to the right of the module to the desired zoom
level; a red pan box will appear within the smaller representation of the page. Next,
within the red area, Left Click and hold on your mouse to move the red box, thus panning
around the process model located in the main viewer. Another way is to Hide the Left
Navigation Pane by clicking on the hide icon at the top left hand side of the web page.
Back to Questions
7
Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
-
How do I navigate within the APM? The APM provides five navigation ways.
1. Vertical navigation- Two icons in the APM allow vertical navigation. The
process boxes allow downward vertical navigation, that is, clicking on a
process box takes the user to the next level of process decomposition. The
standard icon in the upper left portion of each process page (Go Up 1 Level)
allows the user to return to the page one level up from where you are currently
located (e.g., If you are on the 1.3.2 page and click on the Go Up 1 Level Box,
you will then go back to the 1.3 page in the process).
Go Up 1 Level
2. Horizontal navigation- Two icons in the APM allow horizontal navigation.
Located in the lower right hand corner of each page, the BACK and FWD
arrows will allow you to move forward and backward to the processes
sequentially (e.g., From page 1.3.1, click on the FWD button and you will
continue to 1.3.2, by clicking the BACK button, you will return to the 1.3.1
page).
BACK
FWD
3. Process Inputs and/or Outputs based navigation- From any page in the
APM, click on the input/output to see all pages where the input/output is
referenced - please note that each input/output is hyperlinked to all other
occurrences in the model. You can click on any of these pages to
immediately go to that page.
4. “Go To Page”- Another way is to use the “Go To Page” widget on the left
hand side of your web browser, if you know the name and number of the
process, click on the drop down menu and then highlight the process name
you would like to view, once highlighted, click the green arrow to the right of
the “Go To Page” widgets.
5. Search function - You can use the Search Pages widget to identify all
locations a particular word/phrase is used. By typing such word/phrase and
clicking on the green arrow, the APM presents a list of potential locations will
appear below the Search Engine. Click on the desired search result(s) to view
the search query; a red / orange locator arrow will locate the object (process,
input, output, etc.) on the model in the main viewer. For an exact match, use
quotations around the word/phrase. The results of the query will not reset
after viewing a result, so that the other results can be viewed, if desired. Back
to Questions
8
Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
Success Stories
- How has the APM benefited the USAF? Air Force personnel have used the APM in
the following beneficial ways:
 The APM provided input to OSD senior leadership in the review of decision
making processes.
 The APM provided the basis of standard processes for Acquisition within the
Organization Execution Plan.
 The APM served as a foundation for an integrated sight picture of relevant
reviews in support of the Integrate Working Group (IWG) – this integrated sight
picture provided input to the Center for Naval Analysis in support of their
acquisition study. Specifically, the APM provided the detail processes
underlying the integrated set of reviews for an ACAT I program. The below
image is also part of the APM.
MS B
Rqmts
Requirements
RSR
AFGK
HPT
* NOTE 1: Reviews below the
PEO level may be conducted
prior to the ASP or AFRB
MS C
Program Reviews (MS B to MS C)
IPA (SPACE)
AFGK
FCB
AFROC
AFRRG
Other
Non-Milestone
Related
Reviews
JROC
JCB
Cost
Cost
Economic
Analysis
AF CAIG
Review
Contracts
Contracts
SSA
Review
MIRT
1b
MIRT
1a
OSD Peer
Review 1
DCAPE
Review
MDA AS/
RFP
Review
Solicitation
Review Board
MIRT
2a
MIRT
2c
OSD Peer
Review 2
Contract Clearance
Review
(Competitive)
*Assumes
Discussion
Source
Selection
Init Eval
Source
Selection Plan
Acq/Sust
Review
MIRT
2b
OSD Peer
Review 3
Source
Selection
Final Eval
Strategic
Strategic
FIG/
FIM
(IIPT)
PEO
ASP
ESIS
SEAM
CSB
Staffer Day
Brief
IPA (SPACE)
ASP
Audits/
Inspections
* NOTE 1
* NOTE 1
PEO
Portfolio
Review
Execution
Execution
SPR/IBR
AFRB
DPM
OIPT
DRM
DAB
IRB
DBSMC
SAE Monthly
Review
Technical
Technical
MRR
IBR
(Baseline)
Post PDR
Assessment
CDR
Post CDR
Assessment
TRR
FCA
SVR
MRA
LHA
SRA
ILA
IRA
TRA
EITR
ESOH
IHA
PSR
PRR

AOTR
OTRR
MIRT meets prior to each of the following:
1. Approval of acquisition strategy or acquisition plan
2. Release of the RFP
3. Conducting discussions or award w/o discussions
4. Issuance of the Final Proposal Revision Request
5. Source Selection Decision
OSD Pre-Award Peer Reviews occur prior to each of
the following:
1. Issuance of solicitation
BACK
2. Final Proposal Revision Request
3. Contract Award
* Contract Clearance Review (Sole Source) occurs
after MIRT 2 and before OSD Peer Review 3
The APM provided a process framework for various Rapid Improvement Events
(RIE), including the Future Air Force Organization, Human Systems Integration,
Engineering Enterprise, and NGREA RIEs. The RIEs leveraged the relevant
processes as the current state baseline. The APM also provided the specific
policies underlying the processes.
 The APM provided an acquisition process perspective for the attendees of the
Lean Applied to Acquisition Business Process (LAABP) training. In conjunction
with the LAABP’s intent to provide the improvement tools and methodology to
address process issues, the APM demonstrates the companion framework of
current state processes.
 The APM served as a process foundation to create the Acquisition Enterprise
Architecture (AcqEA) Versions 1.0 and 2.0. Specifically, the APM is the
approved process component for the AcqEA.
Back to Questions
9
ILCM
Executive
Forum
DAES
Reviews
Program
Management
Reviews
AFRB (Out of
Cycle)
DAO Review
Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
Communication
- How can I provide comments for recommendations? There are several ways to
provide comments or feedback for the APM. First, you can access an option from the
initial entry screen. There you can select the Change Request Form, fill in the
information, and submit to the enclosed email address. Second, you can also scroll to the
bottom of the initial webpage and click on the Contact SAF/AQXP. The system will then
prompt an email screen to the workflow where you can then provide feedback on the
model. Back to Questions
- How can I be informed concerning changes (both current and future)? Scroll to
the bottom of the initial webpage and click on the Contact SAF/AQXP. The system will
then prompt an email screen to the workflow where you can request updates for current
and future changes in the APM. Additionally, as an option from the initial entry screen,
select the Version Description Document to learn about the most recent changes in the
APM. Back to Questions
- Who do I talk to get additional information? Scroll to the bottom of the initial
webpage and click on the Contact SAF/AQXP. The system will then prompt an email
screen to the workflow where you can request additional information about the APM.
SAF/AQXP personnel will respond to your request within two business days. Back to
Questions
Troubleshooting
10
Acquisition Process Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 18 Sep 15 Update
- The web page loads, but with hyperlinks of process model names on the left hand
side of the web page. How can I fix this? In Internet Explorer, when the page first
loads, a prompt reading Allow Active Scripts to Run will be displayed below the menu of
the browser. Click Allow in order to Allow Active Scripts to run for this web site; other
web browsers will not render the process model with the exception of Firefox. In Mozilla
Firefox, install the IE Tab add on then switch the rendering engine from Mozilla Firefox
to Internet Explorer (click on the Firefox symbol at the bottom of the browser screen to
switch engines) to render the full functionality of the web site. Back to Questions
- The APM site will not load properly and a warning screen appears. Some firewalls
will block the APM website due to the use of Active X technology (in the form of client
side Javascript and AJAX code embedded within the navigation widgets). Consult with
your network administrator to resolve this issue. Back to Questions
- The list of hyperlinks does not fit on the page. Some components of the APM have
more hyperlink references than will fit on the standard desktop screen display. Hit
CTRL and – (minus sign) to reduce the font size for the hyperlink display. Once you do
this, click on the appropriate component to see the list of hyperlinks. Repeat this process
until all of the hyperlinks fit on the screen. Please note that CTRL and 0 (zero) will
restore the font to the original size. Back to Questions
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