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Capabilities-Based Assessment (CBA)

A Capabilities-Based Assessment (CBA) is an analytical process within the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) that evaluates a mission area to determine the capabilities and capacities required for the joint force to successfully execute assigned missions. The CBA identifies capability requirements and associated gaps, providing recommendations for materiel or non-materiel solutions to address these gaps.

A CBA provides an analytical basis to identify and justify capability requirements, gaps, and potential solutions prior to development and submission of capability requirement documents for review and validation.

Outputs of a CBA​

  • Initial Capabilities Document (ICD): If a materiel solution is recommended, an ICD is developed to summarize the analysis performed, detail the identified capability gaps, propose potential solutions, and describe the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for employing the new capabilities.

  • DOTmLPF-P Change Recommendation (DCR): If a non-materiel solution is proposed, a DCR is produced to recommend changes in Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities, and Policy necessary to address the capability gaps identified in the CBA.

Conduct of DoD CBA

Learn more about [[Types of Capabilities Requirement Documents]].

CBA Initiation?​

The Navy Capabilities Board (NCB) approves CBA initiation for the Navy.

Requirements Officers (ROs) develop the CBA Initiation Brief with Stakeholder input, focusing on the tactical situations (TACTSITs), CONOPS, and expected/proposed capability requirements and gaps expected to be identified. Furthermore, ROs develop the Study Plan to guide the CBA. After the development of the CBA Initiation Brief, the following occurs:

  1. RO's 2-Star Division Director endorses the initiation brief; and may have to present to CNO for concurrence

  2. The RO routes the brief to the relevant branch head within N81 (Assessment Division) for review comment, and endorsement.

  3. N81B (N81 Deputy Director) signs off on the CBA Initiation Brief and Study Plan prior to RO presentation to NCB.

  4. Once the NCB reviews and concurs with the details of the proposed CBA effort, N8/N9 may approve initiation of the CBA.

Throughout this process, N9IJ (Navy, Joint, & Urgent Requirements Branch) serves as the gatekeeper, coordinator, and stakeholder for advising and guiding the RO through CBA Initiation.

Marine Corps​

The section of this article regarding the initiation of a Marine Corps-specific Capabilities-Based Assessment (CBA) is currently in draft. However, if the proposed CBA is to study a program with Navy Fiscal Sponsorship, the Stakeholder should likely reference the section above for Navy CBAs.

However, it is important to note that the Marine Corps has an established process for conducting an annual CBA as part of its Campaign of Learning (CoL). For more detailed information on this process, refer to the USMC Force Development System User Guide and MCO 3900.20.

References​