The Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Acquisition Process: A Summary of Phase I Experience,
Abstract
There is a long history of efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the weapon acquisition process. The purpose of this case study is to understand how one such program, the High Altitude Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (HAE UAV), has benefited from certain changes in established acquisition procedures. It is hoped that conclusions can then be drawn regarding the suitability of these measures for the wider Department of Defense acquisition environment. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in conjunction with the Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO), is embarking on development of two unmanned air vehicles (UAVs): Tier II+ and Tier III. UAV and tactical surveillance/reconnaissance programs have a history of failure due to inadequate integration of sensor, platform, and ground elements, together with unit costs far exceeding what the operator has been willing to pay. To overcome these historical problems, DARPA, with congressional support, is undertaking an innovative acquisition program that is different from normal DoD acquisition efforts in several important ways: The approach gives flexibility to depart from acquisition specific law and related regulations. Contractors do not have to meet a wide range of performance requirements. Instead, a firm cap of $10 million has been placed on unit flyaway price, and the firms can trade all other performance goals as necessary to stay within that cap. The program has been designated an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD), i.e., a program intended to demonstrate mature or maturing technologies to warfighters in an accelerated fashion. Contractors, in collaboration with the government, must institute the forms and functions of integrated product and process development (IPPD), an approach intended to streamline program management within functional areas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA321482
Entities
People
- Geoffrey Sommer
- Giles K. Smith
- James R. Chiesa
- John L. Birkler
Organizations
- RAND Corporation