What is the mandatory entry point for the Defense Acquisition System Major Capability Acquisition?

• A. Operations and Sustainment
• B. Acquisition Categories (ACAT) I-IV
• C. Materiel Development Decision (MDD)
• D. Force Design Update (FDU) Junior

Answer: (B)

The program enters the Defense Acquisition System for Major Capability Acquisition by assigning it an Acquisition Category level (ACAT I through IV). This ACAT designation is the entry point because it determines the oversight, governance, and milestone path the program will follow. Major capability programs require formal review and approval by senior DoD leadership, with the specific ACAT level guiding which decision authorities and processes apply. The other options don’t serve as the entry point for MCA: the materiel development decision is an earlier, separate milestone, operations and sustainment is a later lifecycle phase, and the suggested option is not a relevant entry point.