What is the first activity in the planning phase?

The first activity in the planning phase is identifying and justifying a mission need that requires a material solution. This step is crucial as it establishes the foundation for all subsequent actions in the acquisition process. By clearly defining and justifying the mission need, stakeholders can ensure that there is a valid problem or opportunity that warrants investment in a material solution.

This initial focus helps align the efforts of all involved parties, ensuring that the solutions pursued are directly tied to actual requirements. It sets the direction for developing capabilities and informs decisions related to budget proposals, stakeholder assessments, and performance metrics, which come later in the planning phase. By starting with a precise mission need, organizations can avoid resource misallocation and ultimately increase the likelihood of mission success.