Acquisition Visibility - Software Pilot Program

The Acquisition Visibility - Software Pilot Program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to enhance the Department of Defense's acquisition data management through agile software development. This initiative focuses on delivering authoritative acquisition data via the Defense Acquisition Visibility Environment (DAVE) and the Acquisition Visibility Data Framework (AVDF). The program's objectives include providing data access and standards, supporting statutory reporting, and accelerating the retirement of costly legacy systems. It serves as a critical resource for acquisition data across various pathways, including all Acquisition Category (ACAT) I-IV programs and Middle Tier of Acquisition programs.

A key goal of the Acquisition Visibility program is to align with legislative requirements such as Section 836 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2021 and Sections 805 and 821 of the NDAA for FY 2022. These efforts are directed towards modernizing acquisition decision-making processes and enhancing data transparency. The program supports multiple platforms that rely on its capabilities, including OSD Comptroller Advanced Analytics (ADVANA) and OSD Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation (CAPE) Cost Assessment Data Enterprise. By doing so, it aims to improve acquisition decisions and enable sophisticated analysis.

In FY 2024, the program plans to sustain and enhance DAVE as an authoritative source for acquisition data while aligning data collection with evolving legal and policy requirements. It also intends to provide comprehensive data analyses and visualizations to support executive decision-making. Looking ahead to FY 2025, the program will focus on deploying a centralized data analytics function that maximizes the use of acquisition data for strategic decision-making. This includes developing dashboards, visualizations, and reports using advanced data science tools.

The program's strategy involves acquiring capabilities through a combination of small-disadvantaged and small business contracts employing agile methodologies. This approach ensures that development and sustainment efforts are competitive and innovative. Planned activities also include expanding the Acquisition Visibility Data Framework to accommodate new use cases such as defense exportability and energy resilience, thereby supporting broader departmental objectives in acquisition integration and interoperability.