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This task group investigated iterative processes for software development, especially those (called Evolutionary Software Development) that span many cycles of software implementation, release, fielding of the product, learning from the field experience, then updating the requirements for subsequent releases. This goes beyond the Spiral Model or Agile Methods when they are only used prior to initial delivery, and also beyond incremental delivery. The methodology followed was to review the literature, examine case studies, sponsor a public symposium (IST-034/RSY-010) to collect external input, and then within the task group resolve the best way to present our findings. The group itself did not have the resources to undertake any original research. The principal findings were that iterative processes have been used successfully in military software projects since the 1950's and continue to be viable and exhibit advantages over strictly sequential processes such as the Waterfall Model or the V-Model. Nevertheless, there remain outstanding research questions to be resolved with potential to improve the process., Final Report of the Task Group IST-026/RTG-008. ISBN 978-92-837-0042-5. See also ADM002127.

ELECTRONIC FILE CHARACTERISTICS: 28 files; Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) and HTML. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1 CD-ROM; 4 3/4 in.; 8.90 MB. ABSTRACT: This task group investigated iterative processes for software development, especially those (called Evolutionary Software Development) that span many cycles of software implementation, release, fielding of the product, learning from the field experience, then updating the requirements for subsequent releases. This goes beyond the Spiral Model or Agile Methods when they are only used prior to initial delivery, and also beyond incremental delivery. The methodology followed was to review the literature, examine case studies, sponsor a public symposium (IST-034/RSY-010) to collect external input, and then within the task group resolve the best way to present our findings. The group itself did not have the resources to undertake any original research. The principal findings were that iterative processes have been used successfully in military software projects since the 1950's and continue to be viable and exhibit advantages over strictly sequential processes such as the Waterfall Model or the V- Model. Nevertheless, there remain outstanding research questions to be resolved with potential to improve the process., Final Report of the Task Group IST-026/RTG-008. ISBN 978-92-837-0042-5

In recent months, leasing has been prominent in the press in connection with the Air Force's ill-fated attempt to obtain the use of Boeing re-fueling tankers without buying them. Gone from memory is the early 1980's controversial Navy leasing program of Maritime Pre-positioned Ships that had a different result. This paper presents an analysis of the various issues and parties to the very creative and innovative financing on behalf of the Navy's Military Sealift Command. Still in existence today, the 1983 contracts for thirteen TAKX ships were valued at approximately $2.6 billion. While the decision is often framed as a lease versus purchase choice, the facts indicate that the option to purchase was not seen as viable at the time. In hindsight, the TAKX leasing program was successful and cost effective, despite the whirlwind of political commentary and intrigue and the dueling quantitative analyses surrounding it. However, as an unintended (or, perhaps, intended) consequence, laws and policies have since been changed so that leasing is no longer viable for financing military assets. The case presented here considers altering existing laws and regulations to once again permit leasing of military resources.

Developing a methodology and a tool for estimating the operational availability (Ao) of a weapon system based on the component-level reliability and maintainability data is the goal of this research. Specifically, we present two spreadsheet models and one discrete-event simulation model using Arena simulation language. The first two models support lifecycle cost calculations and are static in nature. The third model incorporates the interactions among reliability, time to repair and operational availability into a discrete-event simulation model that can support a weapon-system-level risk analysis. These models are developed as proof-of-concept to demonstrate the potential methodology using hypothetical, yet realistic data.

In recent months, leasing has been prominent in the press in connection with the Air Force's ill-fated attempt to obtain the use of Boeing re-fueling tankers without buying them. Gone from memory is the early 1980's controversial Navy leasing program of Maritime Pre-positioned Ships that had a different result. This paper presents an analysis of the various issues and parties to the very creative and innovative financing on behalf of the Navy's Military Sealift Command. Still in existence today, the 1983 contracts for thirteen TAKX ships were valued at approximately $2.6 billion. While the decision is often framed as a lease versus purchase choice, the facts indicate that the option to purchase was not seen as viable at the time. In hindsight, the TAKX leasing program was successful and cost effective, despite the whirlwind of political commentary and intrigue and the dueling quantitative analyses surrounding it. However, as an unintended (or, perhaps, intended) consequence, laws and policies have since been changed so that leasing is no longer viable for financing military assets. The case presented here considers altering existing laws and regulations to once again permit leasing of military resources., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

This research report discusses the transformation occurring in the procurement and purchasing function, specifically as it applies to developing procurement strategies and the implementation of commodity strategies as an application of strategic sourcing. The literature review presents the theoretical framework surrounding the transformation of purchasing to supply management along with its major developments such as integrated supplier relationships, total ownership costs, cross-functional teams, supply chains, e-procurement systems, and strategic sourcing strategies. Strategic sourcing and developing sourcing strategies are discussed and include the Kraljic model for determining the best type of procurement strategy for specific products or services. Commodity sourcing strategies are discussed in conjunction with Lasseter's seven-step process for developing commodity sourcing strategies. The application of strategic sourcing in the commercial sector is discussed using examples from industry, along with applications within the Department of Defense. Some challenges to strategic sourcing identified in the report include access to the required spend data, highly fragmented supply base, and government procurement goals. The report also identifies best practices such as establishing common processes and tools, using cross-functional teams, ensuring adequate team sponsorship and authority, and aggressively managing purchasing requirements. The report concludes that strategic sourcing initiatives have resulted in significant cost reductions, increases in productivity, quality improvement, and return on investment. DoD's strategic sourcing initiatives have also resulted in significant savings, albeit with some obstacles and barriers yet to overcome., Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Cost, not limited to acquisition costs but all costs involved in the use and disposal of systems, has become a major issue in military systems analysis. In order to harmonize the most important aspects of Life Cycle Cost (LCC) a study was carried out by Technical Team SAS-028 covering three concurrent aspects: the cost breakdown structure that defines and organises all cost elements to be considered, the boundaries of those cost elements defined by LCC, TOC, COO and WLC and the uses of those concepts (economic or financial analysis, optimisation, etc.) by decision makers. Following this study, a symposium entitled "Cost Structure and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) for Military Systems" was held in Paris from 24 to 25 October 2001. Twenty-two papers, focusing on concepts such as Life Cycle Cost (LCC), Whole Life Cost (WLC), Cost of Ownership (COO) or Total Ownership Cost (TOC), were presented., Also See ADM001496 Symposium held in Paris, France, 24-25 Oct 2001, The original document contains color images.

ELECTRONIC FILE CHARACTERISTICS: 53 files; Adobe Acrobat (.PDF), MS PowerPoint (.PPT), MS Word (.DOC), and Audio Video Interleave (.AVI). PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1 computer laser optical disc (CD-ROM); 4 3/4 in.; 34.8 MB. SYSTEMS DETAIL NOTE: IBM-clone PC-compatible; Adobe Acrobat Reader and PowerPoint Viewer 97 are included on disc. ABSTRACT: Cost, not limited to acquisition costs but all costs involved in the use and disposal of systems, has become a major issue in military systems analysis. In order to harmonize the most important aspects of Life Cycle Cost (LCC) a study was carried out by Technical Team SAS-028 covering three concurrent aspects: the cost breakdown structure that defines and organizes all cost elements to be considered, the boundaries of those cost elements defined by LCC, TOC, COO and WLC and the uses of those concepts (economic or financial analysis, optimization, etc.) by decision makers. Following this study, a symposium entitled "Cost Structure and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) for Military Systems" was held in Paris from 24 to 25 October 2001. Twenty-two papers, focusing on concepts such as Life Cycle Cost (LCC), Whole Life Cost (WLC), Cost of Ownership (COO) or Total Ownership Cost (TOC), were presented., Presented at the RTO Studies, Analysis and Simulation Panel (SAS) Symposium held in Paris, France on 24-25 Oct 2001.