The employment of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) in acquisition is mandated in DOD acquisition directives. The DoD acquisition, capability needs, and financial communities, and operational users maintain continuous and effective communications with each other by using Integrated Product Teams (IPTs). Teaming among warfighters, users, developers, acquirers, technologists, testers, budgeters, and sustainers begins during capability needs definition. MDAs and PMs are responsible for making decisions and leading execution of their programs, and are accountable for results. (DoD Directive 5000.1, paragraph E1.2.)
There are two types of IPT set forth in DOD Directive 5000.1:
a) Overarching IPTs: These are established by the military decision authority (MDA) for ACAT ID and IAM programs to evaluate the overall program prior to a milestone or formal program review, to address issues that may impact milestone or program review decisions, and to facilitate program communications among major stakeholders as required by DoD Instruction 5000.2, "Operation of the Defense Acquisition System," 12 May 03 (NOTAL), paragraph 3.10.4.
b) Working IPTs: These are formed to address issues and needs in a specific functional/topic area or to address integration of all program functions. WIPTS may utilize working level staff, managers at various levels, and program support personnel. Functional WIPTs generally focus on a particular topic such as cost/performance, design, test, or contracting. Members are selected based on their knowledge and/or responsibility in the designated focus area. Integrating WIPTs (i.e., Integrating IPTs (IIPTs)) coordinate efforts across all functional areas. IIPTs are usually convened to address a specific issue before that issue is brought to the attention of an OIPT and/or a Defense Acquisition Board (DAB).
DoD Components develop realistic program schedules, long-range investment plans, and affordability assessments, and strive to ensure stable program funding. The MDA determines the appropriate point at which to fully fund an acquisition program, generally when a system concept and design have been selected, a PM has been assigned, capability needs have been approved, and system-level development is ready to begin. Full funding (Milestone B decision) is based on the cost of the most likely system alternative. (DoD Directive 5000.1, paragraph E1.20.)
