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

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MIL-HDBK-502: ACQUISITIONALOGISTICSsupportability. Other terms used to express similar assessments areequipment readiness and affordability.Discussions regarding open system supportability approaches,methodologies, and recommendations address the unique aspects of anopen system interface standard acquisition. When using open systeminterface standards, a best value approach should be pursued to balancecost, performance, schedule, operational readiness, and supportability. Theuse of open system interface standards promotes an environment in whichinterface conformant products from multiple original equipmentmanufacturers (OEMs) can be integrated to form functional systems.Supportability issues must be part of the criteria evaluated during theselection of the system architecture.When a total system demonstrates its operational suitability andaffordability, the total system element designs are generally consideredcomplete, but most characteristics of a total system are subject to changeover time. The rapid turnover in design and software technologies not onlycreates obsolescence through increased performance capabilities, but alsoreduces available sources of supply and invalidates repair concepts. So thesystems engineering process is used to monitor and assess changes in totalsystem requirements that may lead to new requirements or opportunitiesfor improvement.The systems engineering approach to design of total systems and theirmajor elements (hardware, software, and support) allows goodsupportability to be effectively “designed-in.” While poor supportability ofa system element can be mitigated through the design of the remainingelements, it can only be improved by a change in design.4.3.2 Major Supportability CriteriaCostEvery acquisition program is different, and specific criteria and emphasiswill vary from one program to another. However, three issues— cost,equipment readiness, and manpower and personnel constraints—shouldalways be considered as part of the total system design process because oftheir ability to affect system supportability.Cost constraints are an inescapable economic reality. Obtaining highquality, capable, and affordable systems which meet user needs is the goalof all defense acquisition programs. Evaluating the affordability of aproduct requires consideration of support investment and operations andsupport (O&S) costs, as well as other acquisition costs. Life cycle costestimates compare the investment and recurring ownership costs fordifferent system alternatives. The cost analysis methodology used should4-15
MIL-HDBK-502: ACQUISITIONALOGISTICSconsider the support resources necessary to achieve specified levels ofreadiness (A o ) for a range of assumptions regarding system reliability andmaintainability characteristics, usage rates, and operating scenarios.Because of the uncertainty in estimating resource costs like manpower andenergy, sensitivity analyses should be performed. Sensitivity analyses helpto identify and weight the various factors which drive life cycle costs. Thisknowledge is key to understanding and managing program risk.All major elements of life cycle cost should be addressed as part of thesystem analysis and control activities. The objective is to minimize costwithin major constraints such as readiness requirements. Ongoingassessments of life cycle costs during a product’s acquisition andcontinuing through its service life provide important insight to effective lifecycle management. These assessments are required not only because costschange over time, but also because what constitutes acceptableaffordability is also subject to change. What is affordable under one set ofeconomic conditions may be unaffordable under another. Therefore, it isimportant to investigate opportunities to reduce the cost of ownershipthroughout all phases of a system’s life cycle.Equipment readinessReadiness is a measure of an organization’s capability to perform assignedmission responsibilities when called upon to do so. A combination of A oand mission frequencies (e.g., sortie rates), for both surge and sustainedoperations is a measure of equipment readiness. Equipment readinesspredictions are a tool for assessing the operational suitability of a productbefore its introduction into service. Equipment readiness needs will varyfrom system to system, and from peacetime to wartime. As was true withmanpower and personnel, equipment readiness should be addressed at theearliest stage of a new acquisition.Manpower and personnel constraintsReductions in manpower and the increasing complexity of defense systemsoffer a significant challenge in acquiring affordable defense systems. Earlyconsideration of manpower and personnel requirements is very important.Manpower and personnel constraints (quantities, skills, and skill levels) aremajor cost drivers of every total system and are as important as any otherdesign consideration. Because of their potential impact on productperformance, readiness, and cost, all manpower and personnelrequirements for new systems should be identified and evaluated early andalternatives considered. For example, use of commercial support for a lowdensity,highly complex product could eliminate most of the training costsassociated with maintaining a qualified cadre of personnel in anenvironment with frequent personnel changes.4-16
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MIL-HDBK-502 - Barringer and Associates, Inc.

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