Cracking the CNS Code

Getting the Capability Needs Statement (CNS) right unlocks substantial benefits (e.g., help you develop your acquisition strategy and cost estimates). Taking the time to engage effectively with Users and other stakeholders is critically important, and getting it wrong can create pitfalls you want to avoid (e.g., making it more difficult to prioritize the backlog). We provide tips and examples to help you develop a CNS that addresses your program’s unique objectives at the right level of detail.