DAS
DAS (Defense Acquisition System) is the standard process that the Department of Defense uses to buy military equipment, services, and systems. Think of it as a structured shopping and planning system for military needs. It covers everything from planning what to buy, to actually purchasing it, and making sure it works as intended. This system helps ensure that military purchases are done efficiently, follow all required rules, and provide good value for taxpayer money. Similar terms you might see include "Defense Procurement System" or "Military Acquisition Process."
Examples in Resumes
Managed DAS documentation for $50M military equipment procurement
Led team compliance with Defense Acquisition System requirements
Coordinated DAS milestone reviews for major weapon systems
Typical job title: "Defense Acquisition Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Defense Acquisition Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a major schedule delay in a defense acquisition program?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that show understanding of risk management, stakeholder communication, and ability to develop recovery strategies while maintaining compliance with DAS requirements.
Q: Describe your experience with major defense acquisition program milestones.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of the different milestone reviews, documentation requirements, and decision points in the defense acquisition lifecycle.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with defense acquisition documentation?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common program documents, approval processes, and experience with requirements tracking.
Q: How do you ensure compliance with DAS regulations?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for tracking requirements, maintaining documentation, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure program compliance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main phases of the Defense Acquisition System?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic phases like planning, development, production, and deployment in simple terms.
Q: What is your understanding of acquisition documentation requirements?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of common program documents and why they're important.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of DAS processes
- Familiarity with acquisition documentation
- Knowledge of military terminology
- Basic project coordination
Mid (2-5 years)
- Program documentation management
- Stakeholder coordination
- Requirements tracking
- Budget monitoring
Senior (5+ years)
- Program strategy development
- Risk management
- Major milestone management
- Team leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of military or defense terminology
- Lack of security clearance or ability to obtain one
- No experience with government documentation processes
- Poor attention to detail in compliance matters
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