The "4th Estate" includes all agencies and field activities in the Department of Defense (DoD) that are not affiliated with a military branch or a combatant command. From defense health to logistical support, agencies within the 4th Estate provide acquisition functions for the entire DoD. Acquisition involves the purchase of weapons and other systems, supplies or services to satisfy DoD needs and support military missions. Personnel within the 4th Estate are vital enablers of mission success. For their part, the 4th Estate office invests in the career development of more than 28,000 civilian acquisition workforce members.

The Defense Acquisition University (DAU), a 4th Estate agency, was established by the DoD in October 1991. DAU serves as a strategic tool in providing a global learning environment to develop qualified acquisition, requirements, and contingency professionals who deliver and sustain effective and affordable warfighting capabilities. All of DAU’s learning assets are meant to help acquisition workforce members develop and manage acquisition programs, projects, and systems that continue to make our nation's warfighters the best-equipped armed forces in the world.

The Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) – passed in 1990 – requires the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (A&S) to have established education and training standards, requirements, and courses for the civilian and military acquisition workforce.

DoD is modernizing its implementation of DAWIA into a 21st Century talent management framework called “Back-to-Basics,” which significantly streamlines the certification construct and re-focuses training resources for the Defense Acquisition Workforce. In September 2020, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment launched the BtB initiative to update the 1990 DAWIA construct. For more than thirty years, training under DAWIA’s three-tiered certification program was a one-size-fits-all approach and delivered early in an individual’s career. BtB now offers training that fosters a culture of lifelong learning for current and future acquisition professionals. More details are available in the 4th Estate DACM’s BtB section of its website.The Defense Acquisition University (DAU), a 4th Estate agency, was established by the DoD in October 1991. DAU serves as a strategic tool in providing a global learning environment to develop qualified acquisition, requirements, and contingency professionals who deliver and sustain effective and affordable warfighting capabilities. All of DAU’s learning assets are meant to help acquisition workforce members develop and manage acquisition programs, projects, and systems that continue to make our nation's warfighters the best-equipped armed forces in the world.

The Department of Defense (DoD) Directive – the Defense Acquisition Workforce Education, Training, Experience, and Career Development Program – more commonly referred to as "DoDI 5000.66", last updated 13 September 2019, is the policy that governs the DoD Acquisition Workforce. Additionally, the DoD Human Capital Initiatives office makes available the Defense Acquisition Workforce Program Desk Guide for additional assistance.

The DoD Acquisition positions are currently grouped into 14 acquisition career fields. Most career fields are divided into three (3) certification levels for purposes of establishing standards and qualifications: Level 1 - Basic or entry level; Level 2 - Intermediate or Journeymen level; Level 3 - Advanced or Senior level. Refer to DAWIA certification and core plus requirements for each career field & certification level in DAU’s iCatalog.