The Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) is a legislation enacted by the United States Congress in 1990 to establish standards and guidelines for the education, training, and certification of the Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition workforce. The purpose of the DAWIA is to enhance the professionalism and proficiency of individuals involved in defense acquisition and to ensure the effective acquisition of goods and services for the military.

Key features and components of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act include:

1. Acquisition Career Fields: The DAWIA establishes specific career fields within the acquisition workforce, covering various functional areas such as program management, contracting, systems planning, research and engineering, logistics, and financial management. These career fields help define the different professional disciplines within defense acquisition.

2. Core Competencies: The act identifies core competencies required for each acquisition career field. These competencies outline the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities that acquisition professionals must possess to perform their roles effectively. Core competencies provide a foundation for training and certification requirements.

3. Education, Training, and Experience Requirements: DAWIA mandates that individuals working in acquisition positions must meet specific education, training, and experience requirements based on their career field and level of responsibility. These requirements are intended to ensure that individuals have the necessary qualifications to carry out their duties and responsibilities effectively.

4. Certification: DAWIA establishes a certification process to validate the proficiency and expertise of acquisition professionals. Certification serves as evidence that individuals have met the education, training, and experience requirements of their respective career fields. The certification process involves the completion of specific training courses, meeting experience benchmarks, and passing certification exams.

5. Continuous Learning: The act emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development within the acquisition workforce. It encourages acquisition professionals to engage in ongoing training and education to keep their knowledge and skills current in an ever-evolving acquisition environment. Continuous learning helps individuals stay abreast of changes in policies, regulations, and technologies that impact defense acquisition.

6. Career Development: DAWIA supports career development within the acquisition workforce by providing opportunities for progression and advancement. It outlines the different levels within each acquisition career field, from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles. The act encourages individuals to pursue career advancement by meeting specific criteria, gaining additional experience, and achieving higher levels of certification.

7. Oversight and Compliance: DAWIA establishes mechanisms for oversight and compliance to ensure that acquisition professionals and organizations adhere to the requirements set forth in the legislation. It assigns responsibility to the DoD Acquisition Career Management Office (DACMO) to oversee the implementation of the act, manage certification programs, and maintain workforce data.

By implementing the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act, the DoD aims to build a highly skilled and qualified acquisition workforce capable of effectively and efficiently meeting the complex acquisition needs of the military. The act provides a framework for consistent standards, training, and certification across the acquisition community, contributing to improved acquisition outcomes and strengthened national security.