The Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) phase is an integral part of the Defense Acquisition System, playing a crucial role in program success and achieving materiel readiness. This phase involves a comprehensive assessment of potential solutions for a stated need, ensuring that the selected solution aligns with the program’s objectives and satisfies the phase-specific entrance criteria for the next program milestone.
Key Facts
- The MSA phase is part of the Defense Acquisition System and is critical to program success and achieving materiel readiness.
- The MSA phase assesses potential solutions for a needed capability and satisfies the phase-specific entrance criteria for the next program milestone.
- During the MSA phase, an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is conducted to evaluate mission effectiveness, operational suitability, and estimated Life-Cycle Cost (LLC) of alternative solutions.
- The MSA phase involves analyzing various alternatives to select the most promising materiel solution and developing the Technology Development Strategy (TDS) to fill any technology gaps.
- The MSA phase also includes identifying and evaluating affordable product support alternatives to meet operational requirements and associated risks.
- The MSA phase establishes the overarching trade space available to the Program Manager (PM) in subsequent phases and examines user capabilities against technologies to determine feasibility and alternatives.
- The MSA phase ends when the AoA is completed, materiel solution options for the capability need are identified, and the phase-specific entrance criteria for the initial review milestone are satisfied.
Purpose of the MSA Phase
The primary purpose of the MSA phase is to:
- Evaluate all potential solutions for a stated need.
- Develop a preliminary Acquisition Strategy.
- Formulate a Technology Development Strategy (TDS) to address critical enabling technologies.
- Conduct an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to select and approve a materiel solution.
- Draft a Capabilities Development Document (CDD).
- Create a Systems Engineering Plan (SEP).
- Develop Initial Support and Maintenance Concepts (Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan).
- Establish the Life-Cycle Signature Support Plan (LSSP).
- Gain an understanding of Research and Development Costs.
Key Activities in the MSA Phase
The MSA phase encompasses several key activities, including:
- Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)The AoA is a comprehensive evaluation of alternative solutions to meet a mission capability, considering factors such as mission effectiveness, operational suitability, and estimated Life-Cycle Cost (LLC).
- Technology Development Strategy (TDS)The TDS outlines the approach for developing critical enabling technologies necessary to achieve the desired materiel solution.
- Identification and Evaluation of Product Support AlternativesThis involves identifying and assessing affordable product support alternatives that align with operational requirements and associated risks.
- Establishment of Overarching Trade SpaceThe MSA phase establishes the overarching trade space available to the Program Manager (PM) in subsequent phases, examining user capabilities against technologies to determine feasibility and alternatives.
Conclusion of the MSA Phase
The MSA phase concludes when the following conditions are met:
- The AoA is completed.
- Materiel solution options for the capability need are identified.
- The phase-specific entrance criteria for the initial review milestone are satisfied.
The successful completion of the MSA phase sets the stage for subsequent phases of the Defense Acquisition System, ensuring that the selected materiel solution is feasible, affordable, and aligned with the program’s objectives.
References
- Air Force Acquisition (AFAC) Center of Excellence. (n.d.). Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA). Retrieved from https://aaf.dau.edu/aaf/mca/msa/
- AcqNotes. (2021, June 24). Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) Phase. Retrieved from https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/acquisitions/materiel-solutions-analysis-phase
- U.S. Small Business Administration. (n.d.). Tutorial 1: An Overview of DoD Acquisition Process. Retrieved from https://www.sbir.gov/tutorials/acquisition-basics/tutorial-1
FAQs
What is the MSA phase?
The MSA phase is part of the Defense Acquisition System that assesses potential solutions for a needed capability and satisfies the phase-specific entrance criteria for the next program milestone.
What is the primary purpose of the MSA phase?
The primary purpose of the MSA phase is to evaluate all potential solutions for a stated need, develop a preliminary Acquisition Strategy, formulate a Technology Development Strategy (TDS), conduct an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to select and approve a materiel solution, and develop various plans and concepts for support and sustainment.
What are the key activities in the MSA phase?
Key activities in the MSA phase include conducting an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), developing a Technology Development Strategy (TDS), identifying and evaluating affordable product support alternatives, and establishing the overarching trade space available to the Program Manager (PM) in subsequent phases.
What is the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)?
The AoA is a comprehensive evaluation of alternative solutions to meet a mission capability, considering factors such as mission effectiveness, operational suitability, and estimated Life-Cycle Cost (LLC).
What is the Technology Development Strategy (TDS)?
The TDS outlines the approach for developing critical enabling technologies necessary to achieve the desired materiel solution.
What is the purpose of identifying and evaluating product support alternatives?
Identifying and evaluating product support alternatives helps to ensure that the selected materiel solution is affordable and can be effectively supported throughout its lifecycle.
What is the overarching trade space?
The overarching trade space is the range of options and possibilities available to the Program Manager (PM) in subsequent phases of the acquisition process. It is established during the MSA phase by examining user capabilities against technologies to determine feasibility and alternatives.
When does the MSA phase conclude?
The MSA phase concludes when the AoA is completed, materiel solution options for the capability need are identified, and the phase-specific entrance criteria for the initial review milestone are satisfied.