Enclosure (1) to COMDTINST 1520.2
DAU COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
This provides a description of all DAU acquisition training courses, prerequisites, recommended
experience/education levels, and course lengths. All courses beginning with number 1 are Level I
courses, with number 2, Level II, and with number 3, Level III.
ACQ 101
Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management
Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management provides an overview of the DoD systems acquisition
process including the basics of system acquisition program management and the developmental life cycle
of a system from inception to retirement. The course covers system concept exploration, development,
production, and deployment using examples and case studies of DoD acquisition organizations, DoD
resource allocation processes, ethics, contemporary issues in acquisition strategy, and details of the phases
of system development. Discussions are conducted on mission area analysis, directives, procedures,
documentation, and current issues. The course concludes with an acquisition strategy workshop that
integrates all the course material. The course is designed for individuals who have limited experience in
DoD acquisition management and will be useful to personnel in headquarters, program management, and
functional or support offices.
Prerequisites: None.
Length: 9 Class Days
ACQ 201
Intermediate Systems Acquisition
Intermediate Systems Acquisition focuses on acquisition processes, the role of the major acquisition
players, and their interactions. The course covers the systems life cycle management process, technical
and business processes, and program integration. Subject areas include: life cycle acquisition
management policy and integration; technical management including production management; and
business management covering contract management, government funds management, contractor
financial management, and cost and schedule control. A comprehensive exercise integrates the subject
matter. Total quality management and ethics are stressed throughout the course.
Prerequisites: ACQ 101.
Length: 20 Class Days
ACQ 401
Senior Acquisition Course
The Senior Acquisition course is the preeminent course for members of the Acquisition Corps. The
course is designed to prepare selected military officers and civilians for senior leadership and staff
positions throughout the acquisition community. All students successfully completing the Senior
Acquisition Course are awarded a Masters of Science degree in National Resource Strategy.
The Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) has been designated by the Under Secretary of
Defense (Acquisition & Technology) (USD(A&T)) to present the Senior Acquisition Course for selected
students as part of the Defense Acquisition University (DAU). Students are selected for attendance by the
respective services or agencies. Military officers are selected as part of the senior service school selection
process and designation by the Director, Acquisition Career Manager (DACM). Civilians normally apply
through and are selected by the Service or agency DACM.
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