Who estimates MDAP expenditures for procurements and RDT&E?

• A. USD AT&L
• B. DoD Comptroller
• C. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
• D. Program Manager

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that major defense programs are overseen at the acquisition policy level, not just by the program office. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD AT&L) is the senior official responsible for acquisition programs, including setting policy, approving baselines, and validating cost estimates for MDAPs. Because procurements and RDT&E costs are central to how these programs are funded and overseen, the USD AT&L is the official who estimates the MDAP expenditures at this level and ensures they align with budgeting processes. The DoD Comptroller handles overall budget management and execution, but the primary estimation authority for MDAP funding comes from USD AT&L. The program manager provides detailed cost data within the program, but the formal, top-level estimate comes from the acquisition leadership.