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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

Key Processes and Standing Instructions for Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)

The DE&S delivers its outputs by implementing several key processes, including:

  • Through Life Management
  • Project and Programme Management
  • Logistics
  • Technology Management
  • Engineering
  • Safety
  • Finance
  • Commercial
  • Human Resources
  • Approvals.

Standing InstructionsExternal link to Ministry of Defence Intranet content (SI) define the mandated requirements of DE&S processes.

The SIs supplement the guidance provided in the AOF.

Through Life Management

Through Life Management (TLM) is at the heart of DE&S’s ability to deliver equipment and support to the User. The TLM methodology helps DE&S to manage the acquisition of new equipment, upgrades and support through its life until it is finally disposed.

The DE&S Through Life Investment Assurance FrameworkExternal link to Ministry of Defence Intranet content provides the DE&S Main Board with confidence in the investments that DE&S is responsible for and to support Directors and Teams in that delivery.

The Assurance is provided through a single-point assuror for each DE&S Functional Assurance area: Finance, Commercial, Human Resources, Safety and Engineering, Joint Support Chain and Information Systems.

It is a through life activity based on early engagement, and an agreed assurance plan between functional experts and project staff.

Project and Programme Management

All projects in DE&S must adhere to, and follow recognised good practice in Project and Programme Management (PPM). They must fully embrace the Through Life Management concept.

The Through Life Management Plan (TLMP) lies at the heart of all projects and is the tool used to manage all projects.

Logistics

Logistics plays a major role in the provision of support and the MOD has a pan-Departmental Logistics Process. This is owned by CDM and managed by Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Logistics Operations) (ACDS(Log Ops)).

Technology Management

Technology Management includes the development of new research into usable systems, and introducing new technology into existing platforms.

DE&S has a strong relationship with the Science Innovation Technology (SIT) Top Level Budget (TLB). This helps to steer the MOD’s research programme and make best use of innovative ideas to enhance the Armed Force’s capabilities.

Engineering

Defence equipments and the services that support them are technically complex. They are required to integrate together in many different ways – from communications to weapon systems. DE&S must excel in Engineering and a wide range of other technical disciplines to make sure that everything purchased is fit for purpose.

Director Safety and Engineering is the main source of technical advice and assurance to the MOD.

Safety

A fundamental responsibility of DE&S is to ensure the equipment and services it provides to the User are safe. The aim is to ensure the risk to the workforce and third parties is as low as reasonably practical.

DE&S has a Safety framework that clearly defines how safety is managed and how equipment is shown to be safe through rigorous assurance.

Finance

The DE&S Finance [110KB DOC] process is focused on:

  • supporting sound financial decisions
  • providing the organisation with accurate corporate financial data
  • making sure money is being spent and committed appropriately.

Commercial

DE&S strives to be a commercially astute organisation. This means that teams need access to high quality commercial support, both in terms of skilled people and a comprehensive set of commercial guidance and tools.

DE&S Commercial processes are governed by the policies defined by the Defence Commercial Director, as head of the Defence Commercial Function.

Human Resources

Human Resources (HR) in DE&S supports the organisation by defining the overall skills development process for staff. It aims to provide a flexible workforce that can be deployed to meet challenges quickly.

HR also makes sure there are suitable tools available to manage staff performance, which helps drive DE&S’s performance.

DE&S Approvals

The Approvals process within DE&S is led by the DE&S Investment BoardExternal link to Ministry of Defence Intranet content (DESIB). The DESIB examines proposals that require Investment Approvals BoardExternal link to Ministry of Defence Intranet content (IAB) approval to make sure they are sufficiently mature to proceed.

The DESIB is also the Approval Authority for Category C and D projects and all other investments above certain limits.

Contacts

Defence Equipment and Support

Owner

Post
DE&S Head of Secretariat and Communications

Point of Contact

Post Email Phone
DES-Sec-Asst Hd-Gov-Brd-Supp DESSEC-GOVBDSPT-ASSTHD@mod.uk
  • Mil: 9355 67045
  • Civ: +44 (0) 1225 467045
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
DE&S Finance document updated.
1 October 2009
Minor amendments made for Plain English review.
1 August 2009
Content details updated to reflect changes to DE&S post titles.
1 June 2009
Contact details updated.
1 November 2008
DE&S Through Life Assurance Framework information added including a link to the framework.
1 March 2008
Contact details amended due to change of personnel and DII migration.
1 October 2007
Owner and Point Of Contact information updated.
1 July 2007
Point Of Contact information updated.
1 June 2007
Contact names deleted due to IAW DDefSy Hd InfoSy Pol advice with regards to potential Security and Data Protection Act issues.