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AOF Acquisition Operating Framework

The high level principles and information that guide how the UK MOD Defence Acquisition Community works

version 2.0.21 – March 2010

Content

Introduction to the Acquisition Operating Framework (AOF)

What is the AOF ?

The AOF provides a structured source of information, guidance and instruction for everyone who works in acquisition, whether they are MOD or Industry. Put simply, it is a set of documents that explain how we do our business.

Why do we need an AOF ?

The AOF will help us to continually improve the consistency of acquisition performance.

Having a clear source of advice, which brings together all of the relevant information, guidance and instruction, will:

  • Improve the delivery of capability to the front line.
  • Provide better value for money for the tax payer.

The AOF will also:

  • Support the Defence Values for Acquisition (DVfA)
  • Enable improved speed of responsiveness of decision making
  • Establish a strong professional doctrine for the acquisition community
  • Define the obligations of organisations and individuals in the acquisition community
  • Improve our approach to 'Learning from Experience' to ensure regular assessment and improvement to embed best practice.

What does the AOF contain ?

The AOF contains:

  • Guidance on better ways of working with industry suppliers;
  • Definitions of an acquisition organisation, with clearly stated roles and responsibilities;
  • The information, guidance and instruction for the discharge of those responsibilities;
  • Information on how we manage and develop our people, and the professional skills and behaviour they are required to demonstrate.

How is the AOF Structured ?

The AOF has three layers, each serving a specific purpose and with varying degrees of detail.

  • The Strategic layer defines acquisition, how it works and provides the high level context for how it contributes to the Defence Vision. This layer provides:
    • A good source of information for new users.
    • A reminder to all of us of what the ‘big picture’ looks like.
    • Where and how we fit in to the ‘big picture’.
  • The Operational layer provides greater detail on:
    • Organisation - our organisational structure, roles and responsibilities.
    • People - how we manage and develop our people.
    • Business - the information, guidance and instruction that set out how we conduct acquisition business.
  • The Tactical layer is the source of the most detailed guidance and instruction. It supports the principles, processes and mandates described in the Strategic and Operational layers.

Does the AOF have a formal governance process ?

The AOF has a clearly defined governance process, the purpose of which is to ensure there is a clear management structure and lines of accountability for the ownership and sustainment of the AOF.

This process is purposely robust to ensure that the acquisition community receives the best, and most up to date information, guidance and instruction. We aim to ensure the AOF is always consistent and easy to navigate.

You can find more information by visiting the AOF Governance page.

What are the benefits to me ?

  • Information, guidance and instruction for acquisition that is clearly defined.
  • I can find the information I need to know to do my job.

Continuous improvement

The AOF will achieve Full Operating Capability in April 2010 and the AOF project will transition from a development activity to continuous improvement. This process will be overseen by the AOF Governance Board.

We will continue to actively check whether the AOF fully delivers what the Acquisition Community requires through:

  • Usage Rates
  • Customer Surveys
  • Peer reviews
  • Feedback
  • Awareness.

The feedback and knowledge we obtain will be used to further improve the AOF.

Who can I ask for more information ?

You can find more information by contacting the AOF team on:

Contacts

Owner

Post
Director Programmes and Technology Group

Point of Contact

Post Email Phone
Acquisition Operating Framework Deputy Head DESPTG-AOF-Dhd@mod.uk
  • Mil: 9352 37866
  • Civ: +44 (0) 117 913 7866
Change History

Change History

The AOF has been updated to Version 2.0.0 on 1st April 2008 following the introduction of the main content in the tactical layer. In addition small changes have been added to the Operational layer. Individual document Change History pages will detail any changes other than minor editorial amendments.

1 February 2010
Further Information Point of Contact changed.
Reference to AMS removed and other minor editorial amendments.
1 December 2009
Brought up to date and Minor amendments made following Plain English review.
1 June 2009
Owner details updated.
1 October 2008
Slight amendment to existing content, in line with updated AOF programme.
1 April 2008
Information updated due to first full release of Tactical layer information.
1 October 2007
Existing content amended and expanded.
1 June 2007
Contact names deleted due to IAW DDefSy Hd InfoSy Pol advice with regards to potential Security and Data Protection Act issues.