Defense Primer: Procurement

While the common use of the word procurement implies the process of obtaining goods or services, uses of the word procurement by national security experts and practitioners generally refers to a specific title within the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and defense appropriations legislation.

The Department of Defense (DOD) procurement appropriations title provides funds for non-construction related investment costs—the costs to acquire capital assets, such as an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft or a Virginia class submarine. Investment costs are distinguished from expenses—the costs of resources consumed in operating the Department, such as food and fuel. DOD uses procurement appropriations to obtain various categories of materiel, such as: new military hardware, such as aircraft, ships, armored vehicles, and other major equipment (e.g., radios and satellites); upgrades to existing equipment, including extending service life or remanufacturing existing systems; weapons and ammunition, ranging from air-to-air missiles to rifle rounds; and spare parts, particularly those that are centrally managed.