The Acquisition Handbook

Jargon BusterDemonstration StageThe third stage of six, immediately after Main Gate approval. Duringthe demonstration stage the prime contractor will often be selected (insome cases this will have happened earlier) and a contract based onthe SRD placed. The ability to produce an integrated capability will bedemonstrated.Director Equipment Capability(DEC)The single point of contact between the IPT Leader and theEquipment Capability Customer, responsible for a defined area ofcapability. Manages the work of Capability Working Groups.Disposal StageThe final stage of six, during which plans are carried out for theefficient, effective and safe disposal of the equipment.Dual AccountabilityDual accountability is a term applied to those IPTs who havemanagement responsibility for carrying out both equipmentprocurement and support activities and who are therefore accountableto both CDP and CDL for these respective activities.Equipment Capability Customer(ECC)The customer prior to the point when equipment becomes available tothe user, and for upgrades to in-service equipment that reflect achange to the user’s requirement.Equipment PlanThe Equipment Plan is used to re-cost and adjust the content of theequipment programme over a ten-year period. The costs identified inequipment planning are those incurred by the DPA while the contentof the plan will be the responsibility of the ECC.GainshareGainsharing is working together to derive mutual advantage wherethere is a benefit to both MOD and Industry in reopening andrenegotiating current contracts.Hard TargetA target for which a plan for achievement can currently be envisaged,but which may require novel approaches and team working toachieve.IndicatorAn indirect measure that gives supporting information about input,output or performance (e.g. staff skill levels). Indicators can alsoprovide warning of potential problems or risks.Initial GateThe approval point between the Concept and Assessment Stages,intended to encourage early and full exploration of a wide range ofoptions for meeting a particular capability. A lower hurdle than MainGate.49