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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

The importance of high performing people and teams

It is through our Acquisition People and teams that we will:

  • Embed a through life approach to acquisition.
  • Achieve a better and more open relationship with industry.
  • Improve our ability to deliver military capability.
  • Give the taxpayer better value for money.

Previous reforms in acquisition have focused on changes to organisation and process but have lacked sufficient and sustained commitment to the development of the required behaviours, culture and professionalism of our staff.

Behavioural and Cultural Change

We have recognised that behaviour and culture are central to creating a high performing acquisition organisation. Equally important is having skilled and professional staff where and when they are needed by the business. We recognise that Human Resources (HR) processes are important in making sure that staff are better motivated, rewarded and recognised for demonstrating improved acquisition performance.

The MOD is investing in behavioural change and the recruitment or development of staff with the professional skills necessary for acquisition roles. The MOD is making changes to HR processes or delegations to ensure the business is able to deliver the improved capability required by our Armed Forces.

People in acquisition must demonstrate the Defence Values for Acquisition and they will be accountable for the difficult decisions they make, but they will be rewarded appropriately.

Development of Skills

The acquisition community is large, and the range and depth of skills and knowledge needed are diverse. People working in acquisition will be encouraged to develop a range of skills through increased practical experience and professional qualifications.

Increasing the skills of our staff and deploying them where and when they are most needed will be an increasingly important aspect of HR management. This process – known as Flexible Resourcing – is being piloted n Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

Contacts

Strategic Guide to Acquisition

Owner

Post
Defence Acquisition Reform Project (DARP) Head

Point of Contact

Post Email Phone
DARP Communications and Secretariat DARP-CommsSecretariat@mod.uk
  • Mil: 9621 86062
  • Civ: +44 (0) 207 218 6062
DGCP-DAP2 – Subject Matter Expert (SME) DGCP-DAP2@mod.uk
  • Mil: 9621 82051
  • Civ: +44 (0) 207 218 2051
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 December 2009
Minor amendments made for Plain English review.
New Content Owner.
1 July 2008
Revised by DACP and AOF Team to bring content up to date and POC updated.
1 August 2007
POC updated and replaced by Subject Matter Expert (SME).
2 July 2007
Revised in accordance with amendments offered by DACP and accepted by DDefAcq to reflect role changes and increase pan-acquisition view.
1 June 2007
Contact names deleted due to IAW DDefSy Hd InfoSy Pol advice with regards to potential Security and Data Protection Act issues.