The Leader/Follower Concept in Systems Acquisition

摘要

The objectives of this study were to: assess the experience in DOD with use of the Leader/Follower concept, evaluate views of acquisition and contracting managers in both industry and government about the concept, and to develop guidance for acquisition manager's use of the concept for complex products and systems. To meet the objectives of this study, the researchers conducted an extensive review of policies, regulations and legal documentation both directly and indirectly related to the Leader/Follower Concept and 'Leader Company Procurement.' The researcher also interviewed government and industry managers about their experience with the concept and their viewpoints toward its use for complex systems requiring high investment in front-end research and development. While Leader/Follower has been used at least since World War II, current use appears to center on two related decisions. The first is a decision to develop a second source usually to reduce and control cost or assure supply. Cost objectives are usually achieved when production lasts for an extensive time. Assurance of supply arises as an objective due to known or anticipated characteristics of the developer/producer.