scope:

The Department of Defense (DoD) relies extensively on the commercial market for the products and services it needs, whether those products and services are purely commercial, modified for DoD use from commercial products and services, or designed specifically for DoD. DoD acquisition professionals must develop the knowledge and understanding of the industries and sectors that make up the global market for the products or services they support. Market research is conducted to determine the availability of commercial products and services, to identify market practices, and to become aware of the latest developments in products and services.

This document, an update of the SD-5 published in July 1997, contains practical information on market research leading to the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services. A key change in the 10 years since the SD-5 was last published is that the Internet has become the primary means for conducting market research.

Although this document emphasizes commercial products and services, the same market research techniques can be used when acquiring noncommercial products and services. In those cases, market research can help define requirements, identify alternatives, and monitor the industry for any new developments that may affect DoD.