International Programs Contribute to Affordability
Abstract
The United States has long benefited both economically and operationally from international acquisition programs. As the Department faces an increasingly challenging economic outlook, it is time to view these activities through a new lens. Whether initiating a new program or managing an ongoing acquisition effort, there are opportunities to enhance program affordability through international cooperation and/or sales. If program managers embrace international programs and plan for them, rather than avoiding them as too difficult or as too risky, we can significantly impact program affordability. International programs represent a major element of the work performed by the Defense Acquisition Workforce, and we have long benefited economically and operationally from international acquisition programs. However, in today's challenging economic environment, if we view international programs through an affordability lens and plan for them, we can achieve even greater benefits for the DoD and enhance the affordability of our defense systems. There are specific actions that program managers can take to promote and facilitate international programs and opportunities for international participation exist in every acquisition phase. Assistance in identifying and pursuing international programs can be obtained from the MILDEP IPOs. OUSD (AT&L) created the International Acquisition Career Path (IACP) with mandatory training requirements to ensure that program managers have the proper skills to capitalize on the benefits of international programs and manage these important undertakings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA564460
Entities
People
- Craig J. Mallory
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University