Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary risk factors?

The correct answer identifies a misconception about risk management in the context of Army Acquisition. The three primary risk factors generally recognized in this field are cost, performance, and schedule. These factors are critical because they directly impact the success of a project.

Cost refers to the financial resources required to complete a project. Managing cost risk involves ensuring that the project remains within its budget to avoid overruns that can compromise other project elements. Performance pertains to whether the deliverables meet specified requirements and standards, which is essential for the success and usability of the product being acquired. Schedule concerns the timeline for delivering the project outputs; delays in schedule can lead to increased costs and lost opportunities.

Quality, while an important consideration, is often viewed as a component of overall performance rather than a primary risk factor by itself. In risk management, quality issues can be seen as outcomes of failures in either cost, performance, or schedule, rather than an independent risk factor. This delineation helps focus risk mitigation strategies effectively on the most significant areas of concern that can impact project success.