; and (E) ensure that acquisition program managers, on an ongoing basis, monitor cost, schedule, and performance against established baselines and use tools to assess risks to an acquisition program at all phases of the life cycle of such program to avoid and mitigate acquisition program baseline breaches. (3) Acquisition decision event The term acquisition decision event , with respect to an acquisition program, means a predetermined point within each of the acquisition phases at which the acquisition decision authority determines whether such acquisition program shall proceed to the next acquisition phase. (4) Acquisition program The term acquisition program means the process by which the Department acquires, with any appropriated amounts or fee funding, by contract for purchase or lease, property or services (including construction) that support the missions and goals of the Department. (5) Acquisition program baseline The term acquisition program baseline , with respect to an acquisition program, means a summary of the cost, schedule, and performance parameters, expressed in standard, measurable, quantitative terms, which must be met in order to accomplish the goals of such program. (6) Best practices The term best practices , with respect to acquisition, means a knowledge-based approach to capability development that includes the following: (A) Identifying and validating needs. (B) Assessing alternatives to select the most appropriate solution. (C) Clearly establishing well-defined requirements. (D) Developing realistic cost assessments and schedules. (E) Securing stable funding that matches resources to requirements. (F) Demonstrating technology, design, and manufacturing maturity. (G) Using milestones and exit criteria or specific accomplishments that demonstrate progress. (H) Adopting and executing standardized processes with known success across programs. (I) Establishing an adequate workforce that is qualified and sufficient to perform necessary functions. (J) Integrating the capabilities described in