What is the function of the Defense Acquisition Board (DAB)?

The Defense Acquisition Board (DAB) plays a crucial role in the oversight of major defense acquisition programs. Its primary function is to provide guidance and oversight, ensuring that these programs align with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) strategic objectives and requirements. The DAB conducts reviews at various milestones throughout the acquisition process, which helps to manage risks, ensure compliance with regulations, and facilitate informed decision-making regarding program development and execution.

This oversight process includes assessing the technical and financial status of programs, evaluating alternatives, and making recommendations for program direction. Such a structured oversight process is essential to maintaining accountability in spending and ensuring that the programs deliver the needed capabilities effectively and efficiently.

While other functions, like approving all defense technology projects or managing operational funding, are important aspects of defense acquisition, they fall outside the DAB's scope. The same goes for conducting audits on defense spending, which is typically the responsibility of different oversight bodies rather than the DAB. Through its dedicated focus on major acquisition programs, the DAB ensures that resources are allocated properly and that projects meet departmental goals.