Defence

Capability Development Group

Release of DCDM 2006

By RADM Matt Tripovich, Head Capability Systems Division

In February 2005, the then newly formed Capability Development Group (CDG) released the inaugural Defence Capability Development Manual (DCDM). The manual was developed to provide authoritative guidance to Defence and Industry audiences undertaking, or participating in, capability development processes implemented following the Kinnaird Report.

The response was overwhelming, with almost 5000 copies of the manual distributed throughout Defence and Industry. CDG has now released the 2006 edition of DCDM to reflect the evolving nature of these processes and to ensure that Defence and Industry staff remain abreast of the latest developments in how the Group conducts its core business and of the outcomes that are expected, both within Defence and across Government.

The second edition of the DCDM has been developed in wide consultation across Defence and incorporates feedback from those who use the processes in the conduct of their daily business. Issues from the wider Defence environment have also been incorporated. In his address to the Senior Leadership Recall Day in August 2005, Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Houston said: "...it's just equipment until we do all the coordination of the fundamental inputs to capability". This is a theme that has flowed throughout CDG and there is a much greater emphasis on fundamental inputs to capability throughout the manual. A number of other issues that impact on the capability development process have been added to the manual, including capability roadmaps, acceptance into service, the use of simulation and the development of robust cost estimates.

Chief Capability Development Group, Lieutenant General David Hurley, also conducted his own survey during 2005 to gauge the performance of CDG in the eyes of its staff, stakeholders and customers. A key outcome was the need for the Group to develop 'winning submissions' when presenting capability proposals to the Minister and Government. Not only is it essential that new capability proposals provide clear, concise and well-justified options, but staff must also have a thorough understanding of the issues implicit in each option and be able to discuss them in detail. This applies with internal Defence stakeholders and the CDG Executive, but also with central Government agencies and the Minister if required. This message has been embedded throughout the manual and will be a major area of focus within CDG during 2006.

There is no avoiding the fact that capability development processes are complex, rigorous, time-consuming and resource-intensive. However, the ability for Defence to identify emerging capability needs, establish priorities, examine capability options and manage the ongoing investment program, all within the constraints of financial guidance and high levels of accountability, is an essential part of Defence's business. The DCDM aims to articulate this by providing concise yet comprehensive coverage of the main steps and features of these processes. It also includes discussion of issues involved in the development of the Government's investment program for new Defence capability.

These processes will continue to evolve so that CDG can deliver results against its mission, as efficiently and effectively as possible. Defence staff are encouraged to use the DCDM 2006 to keep abreast of the latest developments and to also utilise the newly established DCDM Helpdesk to raise any questions or seek further guidance on the processes described in the manual. Copies of the DCDM are available in electronic format from the CDG Intranet and Internet websites. Hard copies may be requested by emailing the Helpdesk.

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