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5) do not require an operational test and evaluation.
ACAT programs or potential ACAT programs may not be artificially divided into separate entities for the
purpose of qualifying as Abbreviated Acquisition Programs. ASN(RD&A) or the cognizant SYSCOM, PEO, or
DRPM may, for reasons of visibility or other circumstances, elect to designate as an ACAT program any program
that otherwise qualifies as an Abbreviated Acquisition Program.
Each SYSCOM, PEO, and DRPM shall be responsible for developing its own policies and procedures for
Abbreviated Acquisition Program reviews, documentation, tracking, and designation of program decision
authority. Decision authority for Abbreviated Acquisition Programs may be delegated to the program manager
(PM). Such programs shall not be initiated without funding and a written requirement authorized by CNO/CMC.
ACAT Designation and Designation Change Requests: Program managers are responsible for ensuring that all
acquisition programs they are managing, including upgrades to out of production systems, have either an assigned
ACAT or are otherwise designated as an Abbreviated Acquisition Program (for many programs, particularly
ACAT ID, IC, and II programs the ACAT will be assigned with the issuing of the Operational Requirements
Document). To request an ACAT designation, PM's should prepare a memorandum to the designating authority
using the format found on page II-50 Part 7 of SECNAVINST 5000.2B. If a PM believes that a program has been
assigned an incorrect ACAT designation, or if reasons such as revised cost estimates, adjustments to procurement
quantities, or directed program changes warrant an ACAT change, a change request should be submitted using the
format cited in the previous sentence. Both types of requests should be forwarded by the PM to the appropriate
ACAT designating authority:
ACAT Level
ACAT Designating Authority
ID USD(A&T)
IC and III ASN(RD&A)
III and IVT/IVM Cognizant SYSCOM/PEO/DRPM
In those situations where an ACAT IVM designation is being requested, the request needs the concurrence of
the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) that no operational test and
evaluation is needed.
Lessons Learned: While milestone decision reviews, under most circumstances, cannot be held until the ACAT
request is approved, program managers may initiate actions in preparation for a milestone while the ACAT
approval is pending.
It should be noted that ACAT IV and Abbreviated Acquisition Program categories are only used by the Navy;
DoD only recognizes ACAT I, II, and III designations.
Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC): RDC procedures can be found in paragraph 1.9 of Part 1 or SECNAVINST
5000.2B. RDC will enable very quick fielding of a limited number of units of a new system to meet urgent
requirements based on combat or potential combat situations, or for safety considerations. It is envisioned that
most RDC procurements would evolve into a typical ACAT program after the initial urgent requirement was met.
Acquisition Tracking System: The Planning and Management Department (AIR-1.1) maintains the Acquisition
Tracking System (ATS), an automated database of the NAVAIR/PEO ACAT programs and their respective
milestone dates. If a program's ACAT or one or more of its projected milestone dates changes, or if an ACAT
designation is assigned to a new program, the PM should contact either Rosemary Richardson (AIR-1.1H, 757-
6616 or Tom Dewland (AIR-1.1B, 757-3364) so that the ATS database can be updated. This database is used
extensively throughout the Naval Air Systems Team for planning purposes, such as the scheduling of Program
Decision Meetings and Integrated Logistics Assessments.
POC: Tom Dewland, AIR-1.1B, room 354, bldg 2272 (301)757-6623
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