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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

What is the role of Research and Development ?

Research and Development (R&D) are key enabling functions throughout Acquisition. Much of R&D is fundamentally creative and has the important purpose of expanding the knowledge and range of options available to Acquisition and more widely to Defence.

R&D includes:

  • Horizon scanning and technology watch to identify important emerging technologies.
  • Exploration of promising technologies for Defence.
  • Invention of new technologies and approaches.
  • Nurturing technical skills and expertise within the supply base.
  • Development of data sets and models to support planning and policy decision making, including strategic technologies and advice to Ministers.

Research Outputs

Research within MOD is undertaken and delivered in three outputs:

  • Enabling Research Output:
    • Provides access to high quality scientific and technical advice across all Defence Lines of Development (DLoDs).
  • Capability Planning and Management:
    • Generates capability options and trade space to support Capability Change Planning.
  • Technology Development Output:
    • Develops and matures technology options than can be exploited by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) projects.

The three Research Outputs will enable a more progressive and responsive transfer of Research into technology development and exploitation throughout acquisition.

There are a number of tools available to assist in delivering Research Outputs, one of which is Modelling and Simulation (M&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
SIT-RT Mil2 – Subject Matter Expert (SME) DSIT-RTMil2@mod.uk
  • Mil: 9355 84601
  • Civ: +44 (0) 207 218 4601
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.