Who is a Milestone Decision Authority (MDA)?

The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) is an authorized individual who plays a critical role in the acquisition process by determining whether a program should proceed to the next phase of its development. This authority is essential for ensuring that a program meets specific criteria and is aligned with strategic goals before moving forward, which helps in managing risks and making sound investment decisions.

The MDA evaluates whether the program is on track regarding timelines, budgets, and performance against established requirements, thereby safeguarding the effective use of resources in the Army acquisition process. Their approval is necessary at predefined milestones, which are set points in an acquisition program's lifecycle where progress and readiness for the next phase are assessed.

In the context of the other options presented, the roles of stakeholders, project managers, and contractors involve important functions within the acquisition process, but they do not hold the specific authority to approve progression between acquisition phases as the MDA does. The MDA's decisions are based on comprehensive reviews of program performance and alignment with overarching military and governmental objectives, making their role vital to effective acquisition management.