Node A6 · Acronym decoder
MCA
Major Capability Acquisition
What it actually means
The Adaptive Acquisition Framework pathway for classic large programs — the milestone-gated (A/B/C) process with the full JCIDS requirements and oversight apparatus, descended from the traditional DoD 5000 model. It's the right pathway for big, enduring hardware; the other pathways exist because it's slow.
Where you'll meet it
Pathway selection for major weapon systems.