§3101. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) The term "best value" means, with respect to an acquisition, the optimal combination of cost, quality, technical capability or solution quality, and delivery schedule.

(2) The term "capability requirement" means a capability that is critical or essential to address an operational problem.

(3) The term "cost-effective" means, with respect to an acquisition, delivering superior end-user results at equal or lower cost compared to alternatives.

(4) The term "operational problem" means-

(A) a challenge of a military department in achieving an assigned military objective based on current doctrine, emerging threats, or future concepts; and

(B) may include limitations in capabilities, capacity, resources, or the ability to effectively and efficiently coordinate across the joint force, with another combatant command, or among military capabilities.

(5) The term "service chief" means-

(A) the Chief of Staff of the Army, with respect to matters concerning the Army;

(B) the Chief of Naval Operations, with respect to matters concerning the Navy;

(C) the Commandant of the Marine Corps, with respect to matters concerning the Marine Corps;

(D) the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force; and

(E) the Chief of Space Operations, with respect to matters concerning the Space Force.

(Added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §861(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4288 , §2545; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(a)(11), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3505 ; renumbered §3101 and amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1808(a)(2), (b)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4159 , 4160; Pub. L. 119–60, div. A, title XVIII, §1801(e)(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 1224 .)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section 2545 of this title, which was transferred to this section by Pub. L. 116–283, §1808(a)(2), was also transferred or copied in large part to section 3001 of this title by Pub. L. 116–283, §1806(a)(2)–(4).

Amendments

2025-Pub. L. 119–60 amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text defined the term "acquisition".

2021-Pub. L. 116–283, §1808(b)(1), substituted "In this chapter, the term" for "In this chapter:", par. (1) designation, and "The term" and struck out pars. (2) to (4) which defined "defense acquisition system", "element of the defense acquisition system", and "acquisition workforce".

Pub. L. 116–283, §1808(a)(2), renumbered section 2545 of this title as this section.

2014-Par. (1). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "section 131 of title 41" for "section 4(16) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(16))".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.