DOD INSTRUCTION 5000.85
M
AJOR CAPABILITY ACQUISITION
Originating Component: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
Effective: August 6, 2020
Change 1 Effective: November 4, 2021
Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available on the Directives Division Website
at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/.
Incorporates and Cancels: Sections 1, 4, and 6, and Enclosures 1, 2, 6, and 8 of DoDI 5000.02T,
“Operation of the Defense Acquisition System,” January 7, 2015, as
amended
Approved by: Ellen M. Lord, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment
Change 1 Approved by: Gregory M. Kausner, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
Purpose: In accordance with DoD Directive (DoDD) 5135.02, this issuance establishes policy and
prescribes procedures that guide the acquisition of major capability acquisition programs, including
major defense acquisition programs (MDAPs); other programs categorized as acquisition category
(ACAT) I; major systems, usually categorized as ACAT II; automated information systems (AIS) (not
managed by other acquisition pathways); and other capabilities developed via the major capability
acquisition pathway. Wholly and majority National Intelligence Program-funded acquisition programs
will be executed in accordance with Intelligence Community policy.
