Back-to-Basics for the Defense Acquisition Workforce Memo

The Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) issued an important new memorandum on September 2, 2020 entitled "Back-to-Basics" for the Defense Acquisition Workforce". It represents perhaps the most significant update to the Defense Acquisition Workforce certification construct and governance we've seen in many years. While specific implementation details are still being developed, what we know to be true from this memo is:

• The Defense Acquisition Workforce will be restructured and consolidated under six Functional Areas
• Life Cycle Logistics remains one of the six primary Defense Acquisition Workforce Functional Areas
• In addition to Life Cycle Logistics, the others are: Program Management, Contracting, Engineering, Test & Evaluation, and Business Financial Management/Cost Estimating
• There will continue to be a Functional Leader (FL) assigned for each of the six Functional Areas; the Life Cycle Logistics Functional Leader will be the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment (ASD(S))
• There will be a phased implementation of this new “Back-to-Basics 21st Century Acquisition Workforce Talent Management Framework” beginning October 1, 2020, with full deployment by October 1, 2021
• Back-to-Basic outcomes for each Functional Area, including Life Cycle Logistics, includes achieving a) streamlined and restructured certification requirements, b) identifying prioritized credentials, and c) providing for continuous learning

A DoD Life Cycle Logistics Functional Area Transformation Team led by ODASD (Product Support) is actively working details for the three outcomes listed above, including future updates to the DAWIA certification requirements and a series of new life cycle logistics credentials built around the 12 Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements.

For current Life Cycle Logistics DAWIA certification requirements, visit the DAU iCatalog or the LCL DAWIA Certification Requirements on our LOG CoP Life Cycle Logistics Professional Development page.

For additional information on defense acquisition workforce credentials in particular, please visit the DAU Credentials website.

For additional insights into the “why” behind the “what”, encourage you to take a look at an excellent overview video entitled “4th Estate DACM Addresses the "Why" of Back-to-Basics”.

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