Understanding DAP 2020: What Changed for Defence Procurement
The **Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020** represents a significant shift in how India approaches defence procurement. For organisations navigating the Indian defence landscape, understanding these changes is critical to compliance and strategic planning.
Key Changes from DAP 2013
1. Emphasis on Indigenous Procurement
The updated procedure places stronger emphasis on **Make in India** initiatives, requiring higher thresholds for indigenous content before import approvals are granted. This affects:
2. Streamlined Approval Processes
DAP 2020 introduces a more streamlined approval hierarchy:
Each category now has clearer timelines and accountability structures.
3. Strategic Partnership Model
The introduction of the **Strategic Partnership (SP)** model allows selected Indian industry partners to develop, manufacture, and maintain defence equipment over a long-term horizon — reducing dependency on foreign OEMs for sustainment.
Impact on Private Sector Participants
For private defence manufacturers and technology providers:
What This Means for Your Organisation
If your organisation is involved in defence procurement — whether as a PSU, a private vendor, or a policy advisor — DAP 2020 requires:
1. **Revised internal procurement policies** to align with new thresholds
2. **Updated vendor evaluation frameworks** that account for indigenous content scoring
3. **Strategic planning** around the SP model opportunities
*This article is part of Ugram's ongoing analysis series on Indian defence and technology procurement policy.*
**Need guidance on DAP 2020 compliance?** Contact our advisory team(/contact) for a tailored assessment of your organisation's procurement readiness.