Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA)

The first phase of the Defense Acquisition System as defined and established by DoDI 5000.02. The purpose of this phase is to conduct the analysis and other activities needed to choose the concept for the product that will be acquired, to begin translating validated capability gaps into system-specific requirements, including the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Key System Attributes (KSAs), and to conduct planning to support a decision on the acquisition strategy for the product. During this phase, an Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) will be conducted and the initial Acquisition Strategy (AS) and draft Capability Development Document (CDD) will be formulated. Also during this phase, the Component Acquisition Executive (CAE) will select a Program Manager and establish a Program Office to complete the necessary actions associated with planning the acquisition program with emphasis on the next phase. This phase ends when a DoD Component has completed the necessary analysis and the activities necessary to support a decision to proceed to the next decision point and desired phase in the acquisition process. The next phase can be Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR), Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD), or Production and Deployment, depending on the actions needed to mature the product being acquired.

Source: DoDI 5000.02