Component Acquisition Executive

Definition

The Component Acquisition Executive (CAE) is the senior acquisition official within a Component responsible for implementation, management, and oversight of his or her Component's acquisition processes, and coordinating those processes with the contracting and procurement processes of the Head of Contracting Activity (HCA).

The CAE is responsible for:

1. Establishing acquisition processes within the Component;
2. Overseeing execution of the Component's acquisition portfolio;
3. Serving as the Acquisition Decision Authority for Component Level acquisitions and for Level 2 acquisitions, if designated by the CAQO.

Source

• Department of Homeland Security, Acquisition Management Directive 3 (Directive Number: 102~1) (Jan. 20, 2010) (full-text)