Site problems POH Overview The DoD purchases goods and services from contractors to support military operations. Any purchase of a good or service by DoD is defined as a procurement. In contrast, the term defense acquisition is a  broader term that applies to more than just the purchase, or procurement of an item or service; the  acquisition process encompasses the design, engineering, construction, testing, deployment, sustainment and disposal of weapons or related items purchased from a contractor. Defense Acquisition process.