Strategies to Mitigate Obsolescence Risks for U.S. Army Precision Guided Missiles
Abstract
Exponential technology growth comes with an undesirable consequence known as obsolescence. Given the advanced technology used in weapon systems, the Department of Defense (DoD) inevitably faces obsolescence challenges. A single obsolescence event can cost programs on average up to ~$11.7 million (BY 2021) (Defense Standardization Program Office, 2021). Obsolescence is found across the life cycle to include development where 70 of electronic parts are obsolete before the system is even fielded (Sandborn, 2013).The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore strategies to mitigate obsolescence risks for U.S. Army Precision Guided Missiles (PGM). A literature review was performed on obsolescence to include definitions, associated risks and available mitigation strategies for PGM. The term obsolescence is often interchanged with Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS), as most DMSMS issues are caused by obsolescence (Defense Standardization Program Office, 2021). Different definitions of obsolescence exists in the literature which may lead to different interpretations among stakeholders. PGM systems were found to include a wide range of electronic and non-electronic items which carry associated obsolescence risk. Other factors identified that increased obsolescence risks for PGM included a diminishing industrial base and limited Government visibility into sub-tier suppliers (OSD A and S Industrial Policy, 2020). To mitigate these risks, an obsolescence management strategy framework was identified to include reactive, proactive, and strategic strategies (Sandborn, 2008). Available reactive and proactive strategies are presented (Romero Rojo, Roy, and Shehab, 2010), and strategic strategies described (Sandborn, 2008; Mandelbaum and Patterson, 2021). Concluding recommendations are proposed to improve PGM obsolescence management.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 27, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1180884
Entities
People
- William R English
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University