What is the process of developing concepts and technologies into producible and deployable products?

The process of developing concepts and technologies into producible and deployable products is referred to as systems acquisition. This encompasses a comprehensive series of actions and methodologies aimed at transforming innovative ideas and technological advancements into tangible solutions that can be manufactured and ultimately fielded to meet operational requirements.

In systems acquisition, activities involve defining requirements, analyzing potential solutions, managing risks, and overseeing the development and production phases to ensure that the final product effectively meets military needs. This process is an essential aspect of defense procurement, aimed at efficiently delivering capabilities to support mission objectives.

While other choices refer to different components of the overall acquisition process, none encompass the full range of activities involved in transitioning a concept from an idea into an operational product as systems acquisition does. For instance, functional needs analysis focuses primarily on identifying and articulating the needs that the system must satisfy, while capabilities development strategy outlines a broader vision for acquiring capabilities over time. Operational capability development emphasizes the operational side of implementing and using the acquired system but doesn't specifically address the aspects of producing and deploying it.