Best Practices: DOD Can Achieve Better Outcomes by Standardizing the Way Manufacturing Risks are Managed

Abstract

Cost growth and schedule delays are prevalent problems in acquiring defense weapon systems. Manufacturing systems has proven difficult, particularly as programs transition to production. In December 2008, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued an updated version of its acquisition policy that reflects earlier consideration of manufacturing risks. A joint defense and industry group developed manufacturing readiness levels (MRL) to support assessments of manufacturing risks. Use of MRLs on all weapon acquisition programs has been proposed. In response to a congressional request, this report assesses the manufacturing problems faced by DOD, how MRLs can address manufacturing problems, how MRLs compare to manufacturing best practices of leading commercial firms, and challenges and barriers to implementing MRLs at DOD. In conducting our work, we contacted DOD, military services, and contractors; held interviews with leading commercial firms; reviewed program documents and policy proposals; and spoke with manufacturing experts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA518940

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Aircrafts
  • Best Practices
  • Business Administration
  • Contracts
  • Engineers
  • Environment
  • Governments
  • Manufacturing
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Military Procurement
  • Supply Chain
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Naval Personnel Management