USAF ILA Handbook - ACC Practice Center - Defense Acquisition ...

3.4.2. The ILA process outlined in this handbook focuses on program readiness for
Acquisition Milestones B, C and the FRP decision. Well-conceived product support
strategies and rigorous systems engineering supplemented with a disciplined assessment
process lay a solid foundation of logistics support for achieving desired system
performance. However, these logistics programs should be assessed again before IOC
and FOC to rid product support of deficiencies that may still exist and to improve the
overall weapons system.
3.4.3. PBL is DoD’s preferred product support strategy. Its successful implementation
will optimize system readiness while reducing the system’s logistics demand. Additional
evaluation criteria provided will help PMs assess their implementation of PBL strategies.
4. Independent Logistics Assessment Process and Criteria.
The purpose of an ILA is to make certain that the system in acquisition can be supported
effectively both during the acquisition process and throughout its service life. The ILA will
assess the product support management processes needed to achieve the warfighter performance
objectives outlined in applicable capabilities documents. In addition to assessing product support
planning for the sustainment elements, planning documents should be reviewed to ensure that
they project effective product support strategies. Product support planning and implementation
processes must demonstrate sufficient life-cycle management planning to promote effective
program management and execution of the activities necessary to acquire and subsequently
sustain the product successfully. Additionally, assessments of logistics support programs before
IOC and FOC ensure timely awareness of potential deficiencies requiring immediate attention
and corrective action to affect a successful IOC and FOC.
4.1. Steps of the Assessment Process.
The general assessment steps displayed in Figure 4-1, General Assessment Process,
should be followed when conducting an ILA. These steps provide a methodical way to execute
the assessment process. ILA team leaders are not constrained to the sequence as outlined, but
instead should ensure that aspects appropriate to the acquisition program and phase of the life
cycle are addressed in the course of the ILA process. Each of these steps is discussed in more
detail in the Appendix G.
Version 1: January 2006 7
Air Force Independent Logistics Assessment Handbook