Site problems Materiel Development Decision (MDD) The MDD precedes entry into any phase of the Defense Acquisition Management System (DAMS). When the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) demonstrates a need for a materiel solution, the DoD Component sponsor shall assess the potential level of investment and plan for a MDD review with the appropriate decision authority. To obtain a MDD, the ICD must explain the preliminary concept of operations, justify the need for the capability, and provide a risk assessment and the basis for determining that non-materiel approaches are not sufficient.