Node A6 · Acronym decoder
MDA
Milestone Decision Authority
What it actually means
The named official with authority to approve a program's entry into the next acquisition phase — and to halt it. Who holds MDA (a service acquisition executive, or for the biggest programs the under secretary) is set by the program's ACAT level; "the MDA decided" is the final word in acquisition governance. The same letters also mean Missile Defense Agency.
Where you'll meet it
Milestone reviews and acquisition decision memoranda.