Identifying Acquisition Framing Assumptions Through Structured Deliberation

Abstract : Employment of acquisition framing assumptions (FAs) is an approach to defining and tracking key program assumptions that are made early in program development and throughout the program life. FAs serve as a form of risk analysis to identify uncertainties that may or may not be recognized as such. This document provides supporting information for the briefing titled Identifying and Prioritizing Acquisition Framing Assumptions: Structured Deliberation Exercise a briefing to be used in a group setting to identify FAs. It also provides a brief introduction to the concept of FAs; an overview of the approach used in the briefing to identify FAs; and a discussion of how to operationalize this approach, including an overview of structured deliberation, some of the important concepts in having a successful session, and tailoring questions on program risk areas to help elucidate FAs. Note that the briefing is meant as a starting point and should be tailored to specific program circumstances.