Impacts and Consequences of Non-Standard COTS C4I System Acquisition Upon Associated Programs of Record

Abstract

In response to the Global War on Terror's data communication demands, Navy commands acquired COTS C4I Tactical Data Link equipment outside standard acquisition practices. This thesis analyzes the circumstance of the non-standard acquisition and fielding of COTS Data Link equipment impact upon similar capability Programs of Record using a case study of the Navy's acquisition of the Air Defense System Integrator (ADSI). Additionally, this thesis analyzes practices and philosophies that could be implemented to prevent future occurrences. Despite years of reform, DoD acquisition system does not field capabilities quickly enough to meet warfighter requirements. DoD acquisition can not keep pace with the rate of C4I technology growth and is encumbered by layers of procedural bureaucracy. Subsequently existing Programs of Record were harmed by the resulting non-standard acquisitions. More reform is neither necessary nor the panacea. Adequate processes and programs exist to expedite the fielding of new capabilities. Optimization of existing processes and programs combined with greater warfighter involvement are necessary to prevent future occurrences of non-standard acquisition. Adherence to existing rules and regulations when combined with reduction of bureaucracy will reduce future occurrences of non-standard COTS C4I equipment acquisition and speed the fielding of new capabilities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA474044

Entities

People

  • Ted W. Huskey

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Command And Control
  • Data Links
  • Defense Systems
  • Information Systems
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Acquisition
  • Multiple Access
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Situational Awareness
  • Systems Engineering
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
  • Strategic Security Studies