Lessons Learned from Minuteman Production - An Executive Summary

Abstract

The production phase is a critical part of the systems acquisition process due to the high level of funding required and the fact that the operational effectiveness of forces using the weapon system depend on the quality and reliability of the hardware produced. The purpose of this study paper is to review the trials and tribulations of the Minuteman weapon system which has been in production for over 12 years. The lessons learned from the Minuteman production program are translated into general terms which can be used by other system acquisition programs entering the production phase. An important consideration is the importance of day-to-day contact with the contractors. How information flows between the government and the contractor is important as well as early identification of problems. The government must also insist in close control of the subcontractors through the efforts of the prime contractor and joint Program Office/prime contractor vendor visits. Proper planning is required to be prepared for chances in the qualified system components and union strikes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA028657

Entities

People

  • Clyde W. Mclaughlin

Organizations

  • Defense Systems Management College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Commerce
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Engineering
  • Engineers
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Lessons Learned
  • Management Personnel
  • Manufacturing
  • Production
  • Program Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Management

Readers

  • Government Contracting/Procurement.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design