What is the preferred strategy of DoD for rapid acquisition of mature technology?

The preferred strategy of the Department of Defense (DoD) for the rapid acquisition of mature technology is evolutionary acquisition. This approach focuses on delivering capabilities in increments that can adapt to changes in requirements and technology. It allows for flexibility between different developmental phases, enabling the integration of advanced technologies as they become available while still addressing urgent operational needs.

Evolutionary acquisition emphasizes a more iterative process, facilitating continuous improvements and adjustments based on user feedback and operational performance. This is particularly advantageous for rapidly evolving technological fields, as it enables the DoD to remain responsive to threats and adapt to new opportunities without being bound by the lengthy processes typically associated with traditional acquisition strategies.

In contrast, traditional acquisition often relies on waterfall methodologies that emphasize detailed upfront planning and requirements, which can slow down the process and may not allow for timely adaptations. Incremental acquisition focuses on delivering parts of a system over time but does not inherently prioritize the speed of delivery or the adaptability. Direct acquisition lacks the structured iterative approach that evolutionary acquisition provides, potentially leading to missed opportunities for leveraging technological advancements quickly.