Which statement is true about the first phase in the acquisition life cycle?

• A. Materiel Solution Analysis is the first phase
• B. System performance evaluation is the first phase
• C. Production and deployment is the first phase
• D. Disposal is the first phase

Answer: (A)

The first phase centers on Materiel Solution Analysis, where the capability gap is defined and the feasibility of a material solution is assessed. This stage asks what problem needs solving, what potential solutions exist (including non-material options), and whether pursuing a materiel solution is affordable, technically feasible, and worth the investment. It sets up the go/no-go decision to proceed into more detailed development, so it must occur before design, testing, production, and deployment.

That’s why this option is the best answer: it identifies the initial step of evaluating and selecting a viable materiel approach before committing to development. The other choices describe activities that occur later in the lifecycle—evaluating system performance, producing and deploying the system, or handling disposal at end of life.