Evaluating Foreign-Source Dependencies in the U.S. Army's M1 Abrams Tank.
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to inform the acquisition community of the growing concerns related to foreign-source dependencies for parts and components of the United States Army's M1 Tank. The overall extent of foreign-source use in the production and support of the Ml tank are unknown, due to the lack of data. The M1 program management office has little awareness of the extent of foreign-source use in the weapon systems, particularly beyond the prime contractor and their immediate subcontractors. Failing to gain accurate and timely data concerning foreign-source dependencies at the sub-tier levels of production and support of the weapon systems, may present risks to the program. Failing to manage foreign-source dependencies can cause production stoppages in an emergency. Although there are directives and instructions to program managers indicating their responsibilities to monitor foreign-source dependencies within their weapon systems, there is little guidance and resources provided to conduct this task. The foreign-dependency issue was examined from the point of view of the Government, economists, and industry. Interviews of the PM, the prime contractor, and sub-tier producers were conducted. Proposed evaluation methodologies, foreign-dependency, and solutions were reviewed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA303237
Entities
People
- Bradley N. Mcdonald
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School