What does the 'Procurement Process' encompass?

The procurement process is best understood as a comprehensive cycle that includes various stages, from identifying a need to ultimately acquiring goods or services. This holistic view acknowledges that procurement is not just about purchasing items but involves a structured approach to ensuring that the right goods or services are selected, effectively evaluated, and obtained to meet the needs of an organization.

This process typically begins with a requirement being identified, followed by market research, planning, sourcing, and finally execution, which includes contract management. After acquiring goods or services, it also involves post-acquisition activities like evaluation and feedback to improve future procurement efforts. Therefore, recognizing the entire cycle captures the complexity and importance of the procurement process within the scope of Army acquisition activities.

This understanding is crucial in the context of Army acquisition, where the process must align with specific operational needs, budget constraints, and compliance with regulations and policies.