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The technological advances of the last decade have resulted in the commercial market leading the military market in many areas of technological development. As a result, the military depends on the commercial sector for increased capabilities in many systems. The Commercial Item and Non- Developmental item procurement strategy has been utilized to capitalize on this development. Using pre-existing systems to provide additional capabilities for military weapon systems results in a shorter procurement time and enables new technology to be used sooner. However, the logistics support of these items suffers since there is less time to test and plan for spare parts, training facilities, and support equipment. More assets are needed during the initial planning stages for these items to identify and produce the support structures needed for the life of the system. Finally, the shift of logistics support from an organic, military support system to a commercial support system has certain cost savings that are realized early in the program, but may have long-term effects in terms of security risk and overall life-cycle cost.

Partnering the public and private sector for the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair is a relatively new concept. While partnering arrangements offer tremendous opportumties to increase the efficiency of the industrial base; to be successful, these arrangements require substantial effort and commitment from all involved parties. Partnering arrangements are complicated by their reliance upon full and open communication, plus their dependency on the total commitment of senior leadership from all involved organizations. Phase I of the Abrams Integrated Management for the Twenty-First Century (AIM XXI) program, a partnering arrangement between General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), which called for the complete rebuild and modernization of 17 M1Als, offers valuable insight to acquisition professionals who are considering establishing a partnering arrangement. A principal finding of this research is the necessity for partnering arrangements to have the long-term commitment of senior management, and be thoroughly disseminated throughout the involved organizations, particularly to the mid-level managers who are responsible for executing the arrangement. Open and honest communication is the key to the success of partnering arrangements. Partnering is more than a new buzzword brought about by Acquisition Reform (AR). It is a new dimension to the relationship between the public and private sectors. Acquisition officials must ensure that the parties fully understand this, and the groundwork for this environment is established prior to approving requests to partner

With the implementation of the Defense Management Review, and publications of DoD Directive 5000.1 and DoD 5OOO.2-R, the Army was mandated to restructure program offices with the intent of cutting waste and fraud within the defense acquisition process. The goal was to establish an organizational structure which could operate efficiently in an environment of shrinking budgets and increasing technical specialization. To address this challenge, the Army followed the aerospace industry's lead, and adopted the matrix management structure. Since its implementation, the matrix structure remains as the management structure of choice within acquisition program offices throughout the Army. While the structure has remained effective, its efficiency remains a point of contention with many program managers. This thesis focuses on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the matrix structure within acquisition program offices. In addition, the comments of 18 program managers will be offered regarding some possible methods and organizational variants which can be used to improve the matrix structure within acquisition program management offices.

This purpose of this thesis is to present a cost/benefit analysis of different Interactive Courseware (ICW) packages available for use at Fleet Anti- Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN), San Diego, CA. Data was gathered from interviews with the current users of ICW software at FLEASWTRACEN and at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas, interviews with companies that develop authoring systems, and information available on the Internet. Data was also gathered from information received from software companies and reports and memorandums available at FLEASWTRACEN. The goal of this thesis was to identify a cost effective product that not only met the current training requirements at FLEASWTRACEN, but also one that would be able to expand and grow to meet their future requirements. The nature of the pricing of the ICW software did not allow for a 'strict' cost vs. benefit analysis. Since the costs vary depending on both the capabilities of the software package and the economic benefits received by the customer (which are 'soft' and difficult to measure), the analysis focused on identifying a product that required minimal investment in additional hardware and/or software requirements. Based on evaluation of the research data, recommendations are presented for future acquisition of ICW software.

The Marine Corps' purpose of reporting equipment readiness ratings is to reflect both the portion of equipment possessed by an organization and the ability to perform its wartime mission. Supply ratings generated by the current methodology do an adequate job of reflecting the portion of equipment available for use, but the readiness ratings fall short of representing the unit's true war-fighting ability. The current method used to compute readiness ratings reflects the readiness reportable items rated that are on-hand and in an operational condition. Under this method, any reportable item that is declared as being in a deadlined maintenance condition will impact the readiness rating with an equal weight, regardless of the critical nature of the item. This thesis proposes a better way of computing the readiness rating in order to ensure it represents the true war-fighting capability of the unit instead of a mere perce.

The Army has developed a new requirements determination process aimed at providing decision makers with better cost and technological feasibility information. The goals are to cut acquisition cycle time and costs. The Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) will be responsible for all requirements decisions under the new system. The Army recognizes that requirements are produced from a variety of sources. TRADOC, through its schools, is the new guiding force for the process. The school commandants will define, document, and defend doctrine, training, leadership development, organization, material development, and soldier requirements (DTLOMS). The user, requirements, and acquisition communities will have representatives on newly created integrated concept teams (ICTs). Industry, academia, and relevant Pentagon organizations will also have members on the teams. ICTs will guide the requirements development process and complement the integrated product team (IPT) methodology already used by material developers. Establishing ICTs early in concept development enables the teams to transition to IPTs when a material requirement is approved at a Milestone I decision. One of the key components of the ICT process is considering Cost as an Independent Variable (CAIV) to weight capabilities versus cost tradeoffs.

The role of leadership in the international community has taken on a new meaning for the United States in the post Cold-War Era. American engagement and leadership are just as important today as they were during the Cold-War Era because we confront an interdependent world in which the line between our concerns at home and our interests abroad is increasingly blurred. The United States offers Security Assistance to strengthen the national security of friendly nations, support existing or prospective democratic institutions, and market-oriented economies. In some instances, we can leverage our power and resources through alliances and multinational institutions. We have a stake in helping our allies to strengthen their own defenses so that they can share the common defense burden. Even in times of shrinking domestic defense budgets, and a 'downsizing' defense industrial base, the U.S. will continue to be the world leader in the transfer of defense articles and services to meet our foreign policy objectives. An examination of the role of the Project Manager is critical to increasing the efficiency of the Foreign Military Sales process. The functional management role of the Project Manager is vital to the success of FMS transactions. By closely examining the FMS case of the MLRS to Israel, we can further develop and refine the FMS process. Adoption of the recommendations of this thesis will help to improve future FMS transactions.

This thesis focuses on the development of a spreadsheet model that can be used by acquisition personnel to forecast the life-cycle costs of a weapon system under consideration for acquisition, helicopters for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, which provides the basis for the model. The life-cycle costs used are limited to the cost of operating and supporting the system once it has been deployed and represent the most significant costs incurred during the system's life-cycle. In an effort to assist the Program Manager in the decision-making process, decision analysis techniques are introduced An 'add-in' simulation software package allows the assumptions upon which the cost-estimates are based to take on a more realistic stochastic nature. From the simulation trial runs, distribution frequencies are generated which enable the cost analyst to establish future cost with a higher probability of occurrence. Cost sensitivity analysis is also used to provide the Program Manager with a mechanism for establishing which assumptions have the greatest impact on costs and what happens when those assumptions are varied. The major finding of the theses is that these decision analysis techniques can significantly aid the Program Manager in the decision-making process.

The end of the Cold War has had a tremendous impact on the structure, size, and capabilities of the United States Armed Forces. The Defense buildup period of the early 1980's in which new programs flourished, is over. At a time when Defense dollars and resources are waning, both successful and unsuccessful acquisition programs must be closely scrutinized to learn how to most efficiently utilize current technology, private industry, and the existing industrial base. One highly-successful acquisition program worthy of study and review is the United States Army's Ml Abrams Tank Program. This program's acquisition strategy was well-planned and executed, efficiently managed, and amply supported by all constituents involved in the acquisition process. This analysis of the M1 Abrams acquisition strategy has provided numerous lessons-learned that can be practically applied to future major weapon system procurements. This study concludes that program advocacy, continuous interface between the program office and the end-user community, and continuity of key program personnel are but a few of the many reasons why the Ml Abrams family of vehicles is the most lethal, survivable, and technologically advanced main battle tank in the world today.

As the Department of Defense continues to face force and budget reductions, the Army must rise to the occasion and explore opportunities that will improve its level of wartime readiness within resource constraints. Senior Army leadership realized that one area needing substantial changes was the Army's maintenance procedures. This thesis examines the Army's Integrated Sustainment Maintenance (ISM) program. As with any program, there is a certain amount of managerial control necessary to implement and execute the program. The primary focus of this thesis is to identify what agencies, within the Army, are capable of providing the centralized management of ISM at the national level and what functions/responsibilities the National Sustainment Maintenance Manager (NSMM) should perform. ISM allows centralized management and decentralized execution of the Army's sustainment maintenance requirements through the consolidation of all sustainment maintenance activities under an integrated management structure. The goal of the concept is to maximize repair capabilities while providing high levels of operational availability for assigned weapon systems at a reduced cost. By balancing resource allocations, workload distributions, and decentralizing the execution of sustainment maintenance, ISM seeks to maximize repair capabilities and optimize the use of available resources.

This thesis examines the issues surrounding the potential closure of the sole tank engine production facility in the United States. The analysis will describe the impact of the production facility's closure on both the United States Army's tank fleet readiness and the industrial base. The analysis is based on the FY95 DoD budget which appropriated funds for a service life extension program for existing AGT 1500 gas turbine engines through 1998. This thesis presents three possible alternatives to preserving the tank engine industrial base. The three alternatives are: (1) terminate production, mothball the production facility and develop an alternate source to provide support of existing engines, (2) terminate production, mothball the production facility, while retaining the original contractor for support of existing engines, and (3) terminate production, downsize the current facility, maintain production capability while retaining the original contractor for support of existing engines. The following factors were utilized to analyze each course of action: (1) workforce issues, (2) costs, (3) mobilization and surge capabilities, (4) spare parts requirements and (5) operational effectiveness.

This purpose of this thesis is to inform the acquisition community of the growing concern about the dependence upon foreign sources for both components and technologies used to produce Army missile systems. The extent of foreign-source use is unknown, due to the lack of data. In spite of America's recent economic gains, foreign-source dependencies may be increasing. Research suggests that the foreign-dependency issue receives lower-priority attention at both the national and the program management levels. The new threat environment and the rise of industrial globalization increase the risks associated with foreign-source dependencies. Failing to manage foreign-source dependencies can cause production stoppages in an emergency, and the loss of the technological superiority of U.S. weaponry. Program Managers are required to manage their systems' foreign-source dependencies, but they are often unaware of foreign-source use until problems occur, nor are they provided with adequate resources to manage this area. The foreign- dependency issue was examined from the points of view of economists, the Government and industry. Interviews of program management officials and a survey of lower-tier vendors were conducted to substantiate trends noted in the literature review. Proposed evaluation methodologies, foreign-dependency causes, and solutions were reviewed.

The Japanese Defense Agency (JDA) and the Japanese Defense Industrial Base (JDIB) are in a transitory period. A recession in the Japanese economy, and an increasing requirement for participation by the Japanese military in regional and global venues has placed unprecedented demands on the JDA. The Department of Defense also finds itself in a transformational period, wherein implementation of acquisition reform initiatives is an imperative. Given this environment, this thesis seeks to both provide DoD Program Managers with a baseline economic analysis of the Japanese Defense Industry and identify potential synergies in U.S. - Japan acquisition efforts. An exposition of the Japanese Defense Industry's composition and status, and a targeted comparison to U.S. defense firms, frames the current acquisition environment. Economic factors at work in U.S. - Japan acquisition efforts are identified through examination of past and current acquisition interfaces such as: the FS-X aircraft co-development program, and the Theater Missile Defense program. Specific and general acquisition opportunities are discussed, and an assessment tool for evaluation of collaboration alternatives is proposed. This thesis finds that acquisition opportunities do exist for DoD within the JDIB, and optimization of these opportunities can facilitate DoD's effort to engage in "best-value" acquisition practices., http://archive.org/details/aneconomicnalysi109453925, Major, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The goal of this MBA Project is to investigate possible disconnects between doctrine and practice in the employment of the Raven Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV). The Army's current Small UAV requirements are based upon the Future Combat System's Operations Requirements Document and has not been validated at the platoon or company level. The Raven SUAV is a Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) item that swiftly became the Army's Small UAV of choice for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Doctrine and Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTP) have been written for the Raven SUAV; however, it is not standard practice for all units operating the system abroad. The last review of the SUAV operational requirements was conducted in 2003 but did not specifically address its usage on the battlefield. In an attempt to fill that gap, this project focuses on real-world usage of the Raven SUAV system. We compare doctrine versus practice using the Department of Defense's (DOD) Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Personnel, Facilities (DOTML-PF) model as the primary logic construct. The report begins by providing a background of the Raven SUAV, to include its evolution from a COTS item to the Army's SUAV of choice, and how it has impacted the warfighter. Next, the authors provide an overview of DOTML-PF in order to provide a basis for comparing doctrine and practice. The study then looks in-depth at doctrine and practice using DOTML-PF as the model for revealing differences between the two. Finally, the authors analyze these differences and recommend solutions to mitigate shortfalls in actual Raven SUAV usage on the battlefield., http://archive.org/details/theravensmallunm1094534228, Major, United States Army, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Contractors have consistently contributed to successful military operations. The goal of this thesis is to provide an assessment of the life-cycle logistics support contract for Airborne Reconnaissance Low (ARL). The ARL performs a reconnaissance mission in support of other than military missions. This is not gbswargcs in the traditional sense of the word; however, every deployment presents unique problems associated with the location and the mission. Based on the developmental nature and unique missions of the ARL, support contracts were originally awarded as gbstime and materialgcs efforts. However, in December 1999, the Fixed Wing Product Management Office (FWPMO), Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), assumed responsibility for the aircraft and awarded a firm-fixed price contract for logistics support. The contract was awarded to Avtel Services, who was the subcontractor on the previous time and material contract. Avtel transitioned into the role of the prime contractor on 1 March 2000. This thesis analyzes the Acquisition Strategy and Contracting Strategy issues encountered when contracting life-cycle logistics support for aging low-density aircraft regularly deployed to austere remote areas. The conclusions and recommendations of this thesis should benefit government and industry personnel currently operating in or planning to operate in hostile environments. v., http://archive.org/details/contractorsonbat109459710

This thesis focuses on the development of a spreadsheet model that can be used by acquisition personnel to forecast the life-cycle costs of a weapon system under consideration for acquisition, helicopters for Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons, which provides the basis for the model. The life-cycle costs used are limited to the cost of operating and supporting the system once it has been deployed and represent the most significant costs incurred during the system's life-cycle. In an effort to assist the Program Manager in the decision-making process, decision analysis techniques are introduced An 'add-in' simulation software package allows the assumptions upon which the cost-estimates are based to take on a more realistic stochastic nature. From the simulation trial runs, distribution frequencies are generated which enable the cost analyst to establish future cost with a higher probability of occurrence. Cost sensitivity analysis is also used to provide the Program Manager with a mechanism for establishing which assumptions have the greatest impact on costs and what happens when those assumptions are varied. The major finding of the theses is that these decision analysis techniques can significantly aid the Program Manager in the decision-making process., http://archive.org/details/costnalysisofrec1094531281, NA, U.S. Marine Corps (U.S.M.C.) author.

MBA Professional Report, The purpose of this project is to survey the acquisition workforce regarding recent GAO reports and statements made on Award and Incentive Fees. The reports entitled, "DOD Has Paid Billions in Award and Incentive Fees regardless of Outcomes" and 'DOD Wastes Billions of Dollars through Poorly Structured Incentive Fees" have questioned the acquisition methods' effectiveness. In order to analyze the reports, the researchers conducted background research on the proper use and facilitation of Award and Incentive Fees in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) standards, DoD 5000 policy, and other applicable policies. The research team surveyed a sample size of contracting managers at the 45th Annual Aerospace and Defense Contract Management Conference. The focus of the Conference, "Rules, Risks, and Rewards: The Changing Outlook for Aerospace and Defense Contracting," presented an opportunity for the researchers to survey participants who felt strongly about the GAO reports. Because the survey was conducted in anonymity, the research team was able to gather both positive and negative feedback., http://archive.org/details/analysisofcquisi1094510204, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Reissued 6 Jul 2015 to clarify citations, include authors' acknowledgements, and identify a key data collection tool., The objective of this project was to investigate the impact that a wind turbine can have on the electromagnetic environment that affects communication systems. The power generation process in a wind turbine has the potential of creating radio frequency (RF) emissions and the tower/blades can reflect RF signals that can have a negative impact upon RF communication systems. This project involved measuring the RF environment before and after the wind turbine was constructed. RF signals between 2 MHz and 18 GHz were transmitted towards the location of the wind turbine using directional antennas and taking receive signal level measurements at different distances from the turbine. This was done after the wind turbine was fully operational. The effects of the wind turbine on the RF environment were based upon measurements taken before and after the turbine was constructed. Methods to mitigate effects encountered were explored. The effects that wind turbines have on the electromagnetic environment and referenced communication systems were documented in detail, along with suggestions on how to mitigate the effects., http://archive.org/details/theelectromagnet1094532896, U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Extremely high weapon system Operation and Support (OandS) costs have become one of the central issues within the Department of Defense. Historically, OandS Costs represent 60% to 80% of the total life-cycle cost of weapon systems. Consequently, minor increases in OandS Costs across many systems can have major impacts to the efficient execution of the defense budget, restrict the ability to maintain readiness, and deplete funding needed for modernization. The principal finding of this research is that the Chief Logistician of a developmental project office can radically reduce future OandS Costs by fulfilling several key roles during a short timeframe in the system life-cycle. These key roles include a number of strategic imperatives, a half-dozen unique activities related to both the design of the weapon system and the logistics plans for supporting the system, and a full understanding of the techniques to overcome existing inhibitors. Finally, suggestions are presented for over-hauling the Chief Logistician's status in a typical project office to more effectively deal with these difficult challenges of system development., http://archive.org/details/theprojectmanage1094511012

The end of the Cold War has had a tremendous impact on the structure, size, and capabilities of the United States Armed Forces. The Defense buildup period of the early 1980's in which new programs flourished, is over. At a time when Defense dollars and resources are waning, both successful and unsuccessful acquisition programs must be closely scrutinized to learn how to most efficiently utilize current technology, private industry, and the existing industrial base. One highly-successful acquisition program worthy of study and review is the United States Army's Ml Abrams Tank Program. This program's acquisition strategy was well-planned and executed, efficiently managed, and amply supported by all constituents involved in the acquisition process. This analysis of the M1 Abrams acquisition strategy has provided numerous lessons-learned that can be practically applied to future major weapon system procurements. This study concludes that program advocacy, continuous interface between the program office and the end-user community, and continuity of key program personnel are but a few of the many reasons why the Ml Abrams family of vehicles is the most lethal, survivable, and technologically advanced main battle tank in the world today., http://archive.org/details/themabramstankca1094531470, NA, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author

The purpose of this Joint Applied Project (JAP) was to determine, through data collection, any life-cycle cost savings of a synchronous training approach versus the more traditional on-site new equipment training (NET) approach. With Army units and equipment deployed throughout the world, the cost of providing on-site training can be prohibitive. The Army has made effective use of distance learning approaches to meet both career training objectives (e.g. Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)) and workplace training requirements (e.g. ethics and security). Similar approaches to replace on-site training for equipment, especially NET, could result in not only cost savings, but also result in better use of training personnel due to reduced travel time. The primary concern with this synchronous training approach is the quality and effectiveness of training. By drawing on expertise of both Program Management Offices as well as other life-long learning-based institutions (i.e. DAU, Naval Postgraduate School personnel for expertise in distance learning, the Army acquisition programs could be able to replace a significant portion of on-site training with synchronous training., http://archive.org/details/analyzingrelativ109456854, Department of the Army Civilian, Army

Joint Applied Project, It is critical that the Department of Navy (DON) acquisition personnel and Department of Defense (DoD) support contractors understand the impact to naval ships' weapons systems Total Ownership Cost (TOC) when procuring outfitting equipage and test equipment supporting the maintenance concept. This project focuses on reducing the logistics footprint of U.S. Naval ships through the optimization of weapon system Allowance Equipage Lists (AELs). After reviewing Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) data utilized to support and certify logistically the new construction ships' outfitting, it became apparent that there were many redundancies and other problems associated with the ILS data. The problems within the weapon system AELs include numerous redundancies, Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and items that should be on separate outfitting documents. Correcting these problems would circumvent unnecessary costs and would reduce the logistics footprint in the ships' outfitting. The intent of this project is to provide guidance and recommendations for the optimization in the outfitting of equipage, tools, consumables, and test equipment for ships' weapon systems, which will lead to a reduced logistics footprint and reduce TOC during ships' outfitting., http://archive.org/details/reducinglogistic1094510511

MBA Professional Report, "Project management has passed through various stages over time, evolving in order to better meet the needs of particular projects. At present, the scope of project management covers a significant number of situational and sequential activiities. This necessitates a series of specific project manager competencies in order to implement projects successfully in terms of cost, schedule and performance. Several studies have been made in this field, resulting in various outcomes. Among them Dr. Owen Gadeken's research, published in 1997 in the Army RandD magazine, summarizes the competencies of outstanding program managers based upon preceding studies analyzing successful defence program managers. The present report uses the case of the Land Reserve Modernization Program (LRMP) at Meaford, Ontario, Canada, in order to explore the competencies identified in the aforementioned research. The LRMP was a large infrastructure program consisting of four projects, the first of which was the implementation of a militia training support center at Meaford. This report analyzes the LRMP project in terms of the program manager's comptencies and explores them by highlighting the events that necessitated those comptencies." -- p. v., http://archive.org/details/programmanagersc1094510161, Hellenic Air Force author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

MBA Professional Report, The end of the Cold War signaled hard times ahead for both public and private manufacturers in the Nation's Defense Industry. Army-controlled manufacturing Arsenals, subject to Governmental control and requirements to maintain excess mobilization capacity, found themselves increasingly unable to compete with private industry on cost. Set-aside protectionist legislation, especially the Army Arsenal Act and the Stratton Amendments, played an increasing role in the ability of the Arsenals to obtain work. The Army Arsenal Act applies to "make or buy" decisions and the Stratton Amendment restricts the transfer of large-caliber cannon technology to foreign nations. The LW155 Joint Program Office has dealt with both statutes because it manages a multi-national weapon system with a large-caliber cannon and is scheduled for production by the Army. This report uses the LW155 Program as a case study to examine three areas of importance to a Program Manager: the application of the Army Arsenal Act to joint service programs; the prime contractor's ability to control the origin of component parts; and the constraints upon multi-national production caused by the Stratton Amendment., http://archive.org/details/thexmjointlightw109459877, Captain, United States Army, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The remediation contracting process for Hazardous, Toxic, and Radiological Wastes (HTRW) is inherently risky. The Government must mitigate cost, schedule, and performance risks that are a result of HTRW complexities. When Fort Ord, California, was designated for closure in 1991 by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, the U.S. Army became responsible for the total remediation of Fort Ord's properties. The effort represents a large-scale, complex remediation project to remove both surface and sub-surface hazardous and toxic wastes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Sacramento District is in charge of Fort Ord's ultimate cleanup. The Corps is using the Total Environmental Restoration Contracts (TERC) method as the principal tool to facilitate the required remediation; This thesis identifies and analyzes the risk mitigation efforts, from acquisition planning through contract administration, employed by the Corps in its contracting efforts. The objective of this thesis is to identify the unique risk mitigation strengths and weaknesses of the Corps efforts and to recommend future risk mitigation efforts for large-scale HTRW remediation efforts. jg p2, http://archive.org/details/riskmitigationte1094531375, NA, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author

With the implementation of the Defense Management Review, and publications of DoD Directive 5000.1 and DoD 5OOO.2-R, the Army was mandated to restructure program offices with the intent of cutting waste and fraud within the defense acquisition process. The goal was to establish an organizational structure which could operate efficiently in an environment of shrinking budgets and increasing technical specialization. To address this challenge, the Army followed the aerospace industry's lead, and adopted the matrix management structure. Since its implementation, the matrix structure remains as the management structure of choice within acquisition program offices throughout the Army. While the structure has remained effective, its efficiency remains a point of contention with many program managers. This thesis focuses on evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the matrix structure within acquisition program offices. In addition, the comments of 18 program managers will be offered regarding some possible methods and organizational variants which can be used to improve the matrix structure within acquisition program management offices., http://archive.org/details/matrixorganizati1094532111, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This purpose of this thesis is to present a cost/benefit analysis of different Interactive Courseware (ICW) packages available for use at Fleet Anti- Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN), San Diego, CA. Data was gathered from interviews with the current users of ICW software at FLEASWTRACEN and at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas, interviews with companies that develop authoring systems, and information available on the Internet. Data was also gathered from information received from software companies and reports and memorandums available at FLEASWTRACEN. The goal of this thesis was to identify a cost effective product that not only met the current training requirements at FLEASWTRACEN, but also one that would be able to expand and grow to meet their future requirements. The nature of the pricing of the ICW software did not allow for a 'strict' cost vs. benefit analysis. Since the costs vary depending on both the capabilities of the software package and the economic benefits received by the customer (which are 'soft' and difficult to measure), the analysis focused on identifying a product that required minimal investment in additional hardware and/or software requirements. Based on evaluation of the research data, recommendations are presented for future acquisition of ICW software., http://archive.org/details/costbenefitnalys1094531988, NA, U.S. Navy (U.S.N.) author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Government interest has increased in recent years regarding the viability of contracting out for the Life-Cycle Support of military weapon systems. This thesis addresses the legal ramifications and possible contracting avenues that Program Managers could use to obtain support for Army tactical missile systems. Congress has enacted numerous statutes that the Program Manager must adhere to regarding depot maintenance activities when considering Life-Cycle Contractor Support. Within the Program Executive Office (PEO), Tactical Missiles, two programs have received approval for contracting out support efforts. One program awarded a contract in 2000 and the second is in the planning stages. The potential exists for numerous programs to pursue this avenue for supporting DoD weapon systems., http://archive.org/details/contractingforli109453948, Civilian, Department of the Army, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Joint Applied Project, The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is the U.S. Army's ambitious attempt to modernize its forces in a systematic way, so that everything interoperates properly. This "system of systems" approach contrasts with the "stove-pipe" solutions of the past in which individual systems were designed to meet specific requirements, but with much less thought about how they would interact in the overall force. The "stove-pipe" approach has worked well enough in the past because the self-contained requirements were more important than how well a platform could interact with other platforms. But as we move further in the digital age where information superiority and speed of action are such key enablers of the force, it has become increasingly critical to tie the entire force together. The Army has gambled that the best way to do this is to design the future force holistically, fielding a sum that is greater than its parts. However, the enormity of the task was not originally apparent to its designers. This fact is becoming increasingly clear to Congress as the Army has been forced to increase funding requests and extend timelines several times. In reaction, Congress is considering a number of actions including the cancellation of the program. This paper examines the status of the FCS program and provides several recommendations on how the FCS program office could reduce risk while still bringing critical new technology to the U.S. Army in a timely manner., http://archive.org/details/improvingfutureo1094510445, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

MBA Professional Report, The purpose of this study is to outline and analyze the acquisition and sustainment process for the current U.S. Marine Corps RQ-11B Raven Digital Data Link small unmanned aerial system program. The current sustainment of the Marine Corps Raven evolved from the support employed for its predecessor analog variant in 2008, which was originally supported by Marine organic assets below depot-level maintenance requirements. The Ravens manufacturer, AeroVironment Inc., now stations a field service representative in theater and has been since around June 2011 under a contractor logistics support contract after the Marine Corps struggled to implement organic support and sustain its Ravens at the organizational and intermediate levels. This report serves as a case study for insights into the acquisition strategies for future unmanned systems. I explore the advantages and limitations of organic versus contractor support options in the form of monetary, organizational, and logistical resource allocation by analyzing the spectrum of solutions throughout the supply and maintenance constructs. The analysis covers both operational and sustainment perspectives through the lens of doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities implications., http://archive.org/details/analysisofsustai109456883, Captain, United States Marine Corps, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This thesis identifies and offers solutions to many common issues and challenges facing a U.S. Government weapon system developer conducting a Test and Evaluation program using the Major Range and Test Facility Base. White Sands Missile Range was used as an example. Common requirements were addressed from the perspective of a first-time U.S. Government user. The Test and Evaluation process is complicated and requires a good understanding of the Major Range and Test Facility Base structure and basic procedures. This is particularly important for the manager of a relatively small developmental program which does not have an extensive test support infrastructure. Some topics include the Major Range and Test Facility Base organization and responsibilities, White Sands Missile Range organization and capabilities, and the Universal Documentation System. In addition, a presentation of practical lessons-learned from both Major Range and Test Facility Base users and operators provides a valuable resource base for all test program managers., http://archive.org/details/agovernmentusers109459689

The Marine Corps' purpose of reporting equipment readiness ratings is to reflect both the portion of equipment possessed by an organization and the ability to perform its wartime mission. Supply ratings generated by the current methodology do an adequate job of reflecting the portion of equipment available for use, but the readiness ratings fall short of representing the unit's true war-fighting ability. The current method used to compute readiness ratings reflects the readiness reportable items rated that are on-hand and in an operational condition. Under this method, any reportable item that is declared as being in a deadlined maintenance condition will impact the readiness rating with an equal weight, regardless of the critical nature of the item. This thesis proposes a better way of computing the readiness rating in order to ensure it represents the true war-fighting capability of the unit instead of a mere perce., http://archive.org/details/assigningcommuni1094532036, NA, U.S. Marine Corps (U.S.M.C.) author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

MBA Professional Report, With defense budgets shrinking throughout the world and coalition forces facing interoperability issues while conducting asymmetric warfare in a post Cold-War environment, many nations are seeking ways to acquire economical weapon systems that are interoperable with allies and coalition members. One method of addressing these concerns is International Cooperative Research and Development (ICRandD). This MBA Project will evaluate the current ICRandD process and make recommendations to enhance the ICRandD process by examining ICRandD between the U.S. and NATO Members, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Case studies were used for comparisons in order to determine the advantages and concerns pertaining to ICRandD and to recommend appropriate ICRandD strategies., http://archive.org/details/internationalcoo109459921, Lieutenant, United States Navy, Major, Hellenic Air Force, Lieutenant Commander, Venezuelan Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

As the Department of Defense continues to face force and budget reductions, the Army must rise to the occasion and explore opportunities that will improve its level of wartime readiness within resource constraints. Senior Army leadership realized that one area needing substantial changes was the Army's maintenance procedures. This thesis examines the Army's Integrated Sustainment Maintenance (ISM) program. As with any program, there is a certain amount of managerial control necessary to implement and execute the program. The primary focus of this thesis is to identify what agencies, within the Army, are capable of providing the centralized management of ISM at the national level and what functions/responsibilities the National Sustainment Maintenance Manager (NSMM) should perform. ISM allows centralized management and decentralized execution of the Army's sustainment maintenance requirements through the consolidation of all sustainment maintenance activities under an integrated management structure. The goal of the concept is to maximize repair capabilities while providing high levels of operational availability for assigned weapon systems at a reduced cost. By balancing resource allocations, workload distributions, and decentralizing the execution of sustainment maintenance, ISM seeks to maximize repair capabilities and optimize the use of available resources., http://archive.org/details/managerialcontro1094531344, NA, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author

This thesis examines the issues surrounding the potential closure of the sole tank engine production facility in the United States. The analysis will describe the impact of the production facility's closure on both the United States Army's tank fleet readiness and the industrial base. The analysis is based on the FY95 DoD budget which appropriated funds for a service life extension program for existing AGT 1500 gas turbine engines through 1998. This thesis presents three possible alternatives to preserving the tank engine industrial base. The three alternatives are: (1) terminate production, mothball the production facility and develop an alternate source to provide support of existing engines, (2) terminate production, mothball the production facility, while retaining the original contractor for support of existing engines, and (3) terminate production, downsize the current facility, maintain production capability while retaining the original contractor for support of existing engines. The following factors were utilized to analyze each course of action: (1) workforce issues, (2) costs, (3) mobilization and surge capabilities, (4) spare parts requirements and (5) operational effectiveness., http://archive.org/details/analysisofarmysd1094535080, NA, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author

Since the birth of the republic, the United States has relied on contractors on the battlefield to meet logistical shortfalls. The use of contractors has proven to be an integral part of the militarygass warfighting capability. Americagass forces are now deployed in greater frequency and length, than at the height of the Cold War. As a result of this phenomenon and other related factors, the military is now more reliant than ever on contractors. This thesis analyzes the legal issues associated with using Contracted Logistics Support in operational environments. These issues are: that the military does not possess the authority to discipline contractors, that the military can not command and control contractors, that commanders must ensure contractors maintain their noncombatant status, and commanders must consider the risk of contractor nonb1sperformance. This thesis also analyzes the decision process of employing contractors using the Recognitionb1sPrimed Decision Model. This research offers recommendations and conclusions on improving the use of Contracted Logistics Support from a legal standpoint. Recommendations include revising U.S. law to address the current jurisdictional gap, redefining contractors that accompany the force as combatants, and revising doctrine to reflect the recommended changes to U.S. law and the Law of War., http://archive.org/details/contractedlogist109459699

The technological advances of the last decade have resulted in the commercial market leading the military market in many areas of technological development. As a result, the military depends on the commercial sector for increased capabilities in many systems. The Commercial Item and Non- Developmental item procurement strategy has been utilized to capitalize on this development. Using pre-existing systems to provide additional capabilities for military weapon systems results in a shorter procurement time and enables new technology to be used sooner. However, the logistics support of these items suffers since there is less time to test and plan for spare parts, training facilities, and support equipment. More assets are needed during the initial planning stages for these items to identify and produce the support structures needed for the life of the system. Finally, the shift of logistics support from an organic, military support system to a commercial support system has certain cost savings that are realized early in the program, but may have long-term effects in terms of security risk and overall life-cycle cost., http://archive.org/details/logisticssupport109458632, Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This purpose of this thesis is to inform the acquisition community of the growing concern about the dependence upon foreign sources for both components and technologies used to produce Army missile systems. The extent of foreign-source use is unknown, due to the lack of data. In spite of America's recent economic gains, foreign-source dependencies may be increasing. Research suggests that the foreign-dependency issue receives lower-priority attention at both the national and the program management levels. The new threat environment and the rise of industrial globalization increase the risks associated with foreign-source dependencies. Failing to manage foreign-source dependencies can cause production stoppages in an emergency, and the loss of the technological superiority of U.S. weaponry. Program Managers are required to manage their systems' foreign-source dependencies, but they are often unaware of foreign-source use until problems occur, nor are they provided with adequate resources to manage this area. The foreign- dependency issue was examined from the points of view of economists, the Government and industry. Interviews of program management officials and a survey of lower-tier vendors were conducted to substantiate trends noted in the literature review. Proposed evaluation methodologies, foreign-dependency causes, and solutions were reviewed., http://archive.org/details/evaluatingforeig1094535070, NA, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author

MBA Professional Report, One of the foundations of military command and control is that authority must match responsibility. Yet in weapon system acquisition, a program manager is responsible to deliver capabilities to the warfighter without full control of the resources he needs to carry out this task. Successful program managers recognize their dependencies upon other actors and execute their programs using a network with a common goal of enhancing a specific warfighting capability. A hierarchical chain of command still exists, but the network enables the actors to carry out their objectives in an efficient and effective manner. This report describes how acquisition process purportedly works in hierarchical terms. It also introduces a process model to describe the set of activities actually used and the actors who are required to collaborate to deliver capabilities to the warfighter. The analysis of those activities between actors reveals that weapon system acquisition behaves like a network. Describing acquisition in network terms allows those involved in weapon system acquisition oversight, policy, and practice to have a new insights and measurement tools to understand how to improve the weapon systems acquisition process., http://archive.org/details/applicationofnet1094510088, US Air Force (USAF) author., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Joint Applied Project, Test and Evaluation (TandE) is an integral part of every acquisition program, as such, it consumes considerable program resources. The Department of Defense (DoD) TandE program management requirements are written to meet the risk reduction needs of large acquisition programs, but do not provide the details needed to consistently scale TandE management efforts for smaller programs across DoD. This research study investigates ways that the TandE burden to programs differs based upon the Acquisition Category (ACAT), application of TandE oversight, and materiel commodity area. The primary data source for the study was each program's Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP). The majority of the programs evaluated are part of the DoD Chemical Biological Defense Program (CBDP). This research effort found ACAT-based patterns in requirements definitions and ACAT-induced variability in test site usage. The study also determined that the TEMP documentation burden was similar across all ACATs, and consistently higher than Service guidance. Future studies using this analysis methodology are required to determine whether the TandE burden to CBDP programs is typical or unique within DoD., http://archive.org/details/acomparativenaly1094510210, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The role of leadership in the international community has taken on a new meaning for the United States in the post Cold-War Era. American engagement and leadership are just as important today as they were during the Cold-War Era because we confront an interdependent world in which the line between our concerns at home and our interests abroad is increasingly blurred. The United States offers Security Assistance to strengthen the national security of friendly nations, support existing or prospective democratic institutions, and market-oriented economies. In some instances, we can leverage our power and resources through alliances and multinational institutions. We have a stake in helping our allies to strengthen their own defenses so that they can share the common defense burden. Even in times of shrinking domestic defense budgets, and a 'downsizing' defense industrial base, the U.S. will continue to be the world leader in the transfer of defense articles and services to meet our foreign policy objectives. An examination of the role of the Project Manager is critical to increasing the efficiency of the Foreign Military Sales process. The functional management role of the Project Manager is vital to the success of FMS transactions. By closely examining the FMS case of the MLRS to Israel, we can further develop and refine the FMS process. Adoption of the recommendations of this thesis will help to improve future FMS transactions., http://archive.org/details/casestudynexamin1094532107, NA, U.S. Army (USA) author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

The Major Weapon Systems Acquisition Process requires the acquiring organizations to make long term resource commitments, whereas the defense budgets of many nations have declined over the past decade. Therefore, it is imperative for program managers and acquisition practitioners to make informed decisions not only considering the up-front costs, which are related to fielding of the system, but considering all the costs expected to be incurred throughout the system's planned life. In this study, the major systems acquisition process, and its underlying concepts, life cycle costing, and cost estimation techniques have been discussed, and the strategies that enable the PMO to optimize the life cycle cost of the system are studied in a case study approach. The ATACMS IA missile system has been chosen as the study case. The life cycle cost of the ATACMS IA missile system has been estimated; sensitivity and uncertainty analyses have been conducted by utilizing the Cost Analysis Strategy Assessment (CASA) estimating model in order to develop strategies which will eventually reduce the life-cycle cost of the system. The performance and cost figures used in the model are assumed by the author, due to sensitivity of the actual data. However, the model and the analysis results provide valuable guidance for the PMO, and the analysis methodology is applicable to any weapon systems acquisition program., http://archive.org/details/majorweaponsyste1094510885

This thesis is a case study into the development of a unique prototyping concept to support aviation and missile weapon system requirements. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command has an electrical and mechanical prototyping capability that has existed for twenty-five years, but has been geographically and functionally separated. These capabilities have been integrated both functionally and geographically, into the Prototype Integration Facility, Building 5405, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Aviation and missile program managers are faced with the increased challenge to acquire materiel in a in a more cost effective, timely manner. The Prototype Integration Facility (PIF) concept builds off the foundation of the existing base of prototyping experience, but integrates unique business principles to form a creative, powerful concept to assist aviation and missile program managers in their quest to rapidly provide materiel to the warfighter. The primary tenants of the PIF concept include the leveraging of existing Governmental and industrial capabilities to provide a cost effective alternative for program managers to utilize. The PIF concept utilizes a ten-year, $1 .1 billion contract, to leverage the capabilities of original equipment manufacturers, capability-specific companies and small businesses. Since implementation of the PIF concept in June 2002, an influx of $1 8 million of aviation and missile prototyping business has been achieved., http://archive.org/details/auniqueprototypi109459754, DB-4, United States Army, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Test and Evaluation of ballistic missile defense systems under development is required to assess system technical performance, design specifications, and maturity, and to determine if the defense systems are operationally effective, suitable, and survivable against the threat(s) identified in the System Threat Assessment Report (STAR). Acquisition of threat-representative ballistic missile targets that emulate threat systems, as detailed in the STARs, are required to test and evaluate defense systems under realistic operational environments. The evolving ballistic missile threat and the increased proliferation of ballistic missile systems have increased the urgency to develop and field missile defense systems capable of defeating all of these threats. Threat-representative ballistic missile targets and Foreign Military Acquisition targets play a critical role in assessing performance capabilities, system maturity, operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability during developmental and operational test and evaluation of missile defense systems. This research identifies key management challenges experienced since 1990 by current and former target Product Managers and Project Managers. Recommendations are also included concerning how to manage these challenges based upon the lessons learned provided by experienced Product Managers and Project Managers., http://archive.org/details/acquisitionofthr109454014, Civilian, Department of the Army, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This thesis presents an analysis of how the United States Army can revolutionize the passage of critical chemical defense information on the battlefield. The current process for passage of this critical information is heavily dependent on short-range and stand-alone chemical detection systems, transmitted over secure radio vertically throughout the chain of command. These factors result in inaccurate, time-lagged information reaching command decision- makers, increasing the risk of contaminating additional soldiers and equipment. Through the insertion of new products, with integrated software to automate the passage of this hazard information, the Army is changing this process for the flow of chemical contamination information. The resulting new process is expected to increase battlefield awareness thereby decreasing the probability of spreading the contamination across the battlefield, maintaining the ability for soldiers to accomplish their missions. Analyzing this change using Davenport's model for large-scale innovation, the revised chemical process still requires additional equipment and cultural changes to maximize the effectiveness of the Army XXI soldier., http://archive.org/details/revolutionizingu1094513731, U.S. Army (USA) author, Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.