Contracting for Operational Availability: An Impossible Goal
Abstract
The purpose of this study project is to examine the feasibility of contracting for system operational availability as the ultimate means of achieving system readiness at reduced support costs. The study was conducted based upon the author's experience in the field of establishing reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) requirements for inclusion in systems requirements documents. Review of DoD guidance pertaining to RAM and cost effectiveness was accomplished to provide the basic data for analysis. All the parameters which comprise RAM were examined in detail with emphasis on their interrelationship among themselves and logistics. Operational availability was identified as a most meaningful parameter in that it had a direct impact on system effectiveness. The study concluded that increased operational readiness at reduced life cycle cost can only be achieved by stating RAM/logistics requirements in terms of reliability and operational availability. It was further concluded that a systems effectiveness approach is required in order for the system design to be influenced by RAM/logistics requirements. The study recommends that DoD implement the concept of contracting for operational availability and a plan for implementation is presented. The implication of the study is that DoD is incorrectly emphasizing reliability and maintainability in an effort to reduce life cycle costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA026383
Entities
People
- Lawrence B. Residori
Organizations
- Defense Systems Management College