Supportability as an Affordability Enabler: A Critical Fourth Element of Acquisition Success Across the System Life Cycle
Abstract
Acquisition professionals have long recognized achieving program cost, schedule, and performance requirements are essential elements of a successful acquisition program. Often overlooked, however, is a fourth, and in some respects, most critical element on that list. DoD Directive 5000.01, Enclosure 1, Paragraph E1.1.29 states, "The Program Manager (PM) shall be the single point of accountability for accomplishing program objectives for total life-cycle systems management, including sustainment, survivability, safety, and affordability. PMs shall consider supportability, life cycle costs, performance, and schedule comparable in making program decisions [emphasis added]. Planning for Operation and Support and the estimation of total ownership costs shall begin as early as possible. Supportability, a key component of performance, shall be considered throughout the system life cycle." The foundational DoD acquisition directive thus identifies supportability co-equal to cost, schedule, and performance. And not just system acquisition cost either, but life-cycle cost. Note, too, the last sentence: "Supportability, key component of performance, shall be considered throughout the system life cycle." Not just a one-time thing. Not just during system design, development, or acquisition, but after fielding. In sustainment. During combat operations. When upgrade, modification, service life extension, and yes, system retirement and disposal decisions are being made. In short, throughout the system life cycle! Because operations and sustainment costs generally comprise between 65-80 percent of life cycle costs, any credible affordability strategy must tackle these costs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA564402
Entities
People
- Bill Kobren
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University