Who is typically responsible for approving each phase in a defense acquisition program and for program outcomes and risk management?

• A. Program Manager
• B. System Engineer
• C. Comptroller
• D. Milestone Decision Authority

Answer: (D)

In defense acquisitions, who moves a program forward through its life cycle and who signs off on risk and outcomes is defined by the Milestone Decision Authority. This senior official has the authority to approve entry into the next phase and to accept the program’s outcomes and associated risk. They review the program’s cost, schedule, performance, and risk posture and decide whether it’s acceptable to proceed.

The Program Manager is the person who leads the work to deliver the program within the approved baselines, executing plans, coordinating teams, and managing risk on a day-to-day basis under the authority already granted by the MDA. The System Engineer focuses on technical risk and feasibility—analyzing requirements, technical maturity, and design trade-offs—but does not grant phase approvals. The Comptroller handles funding and fiscal controls, ensuring money is available and spent per policy, but does not approve phases or risk acceptance.