Assessing the Impact of Low Rate Initial Production on Army Missile System Procurement
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to provide an analysis of the impact that Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) has upon Army missile system development. It focuses on: (1) regulatory guidance on the use of LRIP in the acquisition process, (2) the reasons programs include LRIP in their acquisition strategy, and (3) the rationale used to determine the number of systems to produce in LRIP. An indepth analysis of how four current Army tactical missile programs have incorporated LRIP into their acquisition strategies is provided. The resulting lessons learned by these program offices is also provided. The thesis concludes that LRIP is essential to the successful transition from development to full-rate production. The current guidelines regarding the use of LRIP are vague, particularly those involved in quantity decisions. This ambiguity, however, provides the PM with flexibility to tailor his acquisition strategy. The thesis recommends that DOD promote greater contractor involvement in LRIP quantity decisions; consider ways to foster better concurrent engineering in development programs; and establish a dedicated configuration management position in each major program office. Low rate initial production, LRIP, Army missile systems, Army tactical missile system, ATACMS, Multiple launch rocket system, MLRS, Longbow HELLFIRE, Javelin, Acquisition strategy, Acquisition lessons learned.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279828
Entities
People
- Stanley M. Lewis
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School