Adequate Technical Data for Mechanical Products in a New Defense Acquisition Era
Abstract
IDA was tasked to develop strategies and requirements for the technical content of product data packages needed to maintain and upgrade weapon systems after the initial production phase. An IDA study team analyzed mechanical-based post-production technical data needs and practices that resulted from recent acquisition reform initiatives and advances in computer-aided technologies. Focusing on mechanical sub-systems, the team assessed how technical data content, form, and media were changing, and if the technical data for mechanical systems and parts would be adequate in the new acquisition era. Information was collected from three principal sources: literature and online data searches; defense systems acquisition, support, and logistics managers; and computer-aided design tool developers, suppliers, and users. The team's observations and discussions became the basis of its recommendation that DoD should incorporate in its reference and guidance material the mechanisms that will assist DoD programs in trading off near- and long-term technical data needs, and in identifying the best technical data life cycle strategy to accommodate changing conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA381189
Entities
People
- Brian S. Cohen
- Herbert R. Brown
- Michael B. Marks
- Robert M. Rolfe
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses