MIL-HDBK-502 - Barringer and Associates, Inc.

MIL-HDBK-502: ACQUISITIONALOGISTICSWhile readiness and sustainability are primary objectives in the acquisitionprocess, logistics needs, constraints, and activities vary from phase tophase. It is, therefore, necessary that the program manager considersupportability just as important as cost, schedule, and performance.8.3 SOLICITATIONS AND CONTRACTSContracting Strategy and Business Strategy Guides for LogisticsSupport InputOne way to ensure thesolicitation is not selfcontradictory is tocompartmentalize theinformation. That is, donot put the sameinformation in twoplaces. That way youavoid situations where,during the review process,the information ischanged in one part ofthe solicitation, but notin the other.The contracting strategy drives the selection of the specific requirements thatare included in the contract. The business strategy is the specific acquisitionapproach for each element of support. These strategies determine the structureof Sections B, C, and H of the contract. The contracting and business strategiesare translated into Section B by breaking down each strategy into requirementsby year and by support element. Section B is organized by contract line itemand contract year. The support system manager is responsible for ensuring thatall essential requirements are included in the contract.Since logistics needs are spread throughout the solicitation/contract, theacquisition logistician is concerned with the entire document. Figure 8-1has shown the part and section format for a solicitation and contract asrequired by the Federal Acquisition Regulation. As supportability andlogistics needs are defined, it is extremely important to keep the solicitationparts consistent. They must complement each other, and not contradicteach other, to express requirements clearly to potential offerors and toestablish enforceable contracts.In the solicitation the objectives for logistics are to:• Integrate logistics needs wherever support may be required.• Identify, analyze, and resolve support deficiencies.• Systematically identify and evaluate support systemalternatives.• Manage support acquisition throughout the contractingprocess.• Develop a timely, effective support capability at an economicallife cycle cost.Remember that logistic implications must be addressed in nearly everysection of the solicitation/contract. Figure 8-2 summarizes possiblelogistics content of each section.8-3