Reliability Survey of Military Acquisition Systems
Abstract
Improving the reliability of military systems within the Department of Defense (DoD) is a key priority. Test results from the last few decades indicate that the DoD has not yet realized significant statistical improvements in the reliability of many systems. However, there is evidence that those systems that implemented a comprehensive reliability growth program are more likely to meet their development goals. Reliable systems cost less overall, are more likely to be available when called upon, and enable a longer system lifespan. Reliability is more effectively and efficiently designed in early (design for reliability) vice being tested in late. While more upfront effort is required to build reliable systems, the future savings potential is too great to ignore. At the request of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) has conducted annual reliability surveys of DoD programs under DOT&E oversight since 2009 to provide a continuing understanding of the extent to which military programs are implementing reliability-focused DoD policy guidance and assess whether the implementation of this guidance is leading to improved reliability. This paper provides an assessment of the survey results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA608985
Entities
People
- Jonathan L. Bell
- Matthew R. Avery
- Michael C. Wells
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses