Defense Acquisitions. Measuring the Value of DOD's Weapon Programs Requires Starting with Realistic Baselines

摘要

We have conducted a body of work that examines weapon acquisition issues from a perspective that draws upon lessons learned from best practices in product development. Collectively, these practices comprise a process that is anchored in knowledge. Achieving the right knowledge at the right time enables leadership to make informed decisions about when and how best to move into various expensive acquisition phases. In essence, knowledge supplants risk over time. This building of knowledge consists of gathering information about technology, design, and manufacturing at three critical points over the course of a weapon system program (Figure 1). We have developed valuable 'knowledge metrics' that measure this knowledge build and allow us to identify potential problems that could lead to cost, schedule, or performance shortfalls and their likely causes. The metrics can be described as 'Knowledge' Metrics Identify Potential Problems and Their Likely Causes Knowledge Point 1, evidenced by the balance between a product's required capabilities and the resources available to meet them. Focus should be on understanding technological and design implications and achieving a high level of technology maturity at the start of system development. This means that the critical technologies needed to meet essential product requirements must be demonstrated to work in theirs intended environment. The technology readiness level for each critical technology is the metric we use to measure technology maturity. Knowledge point 2, evidenced by the development of engineering prototypes and the completion of engineering drawings for an integrated product at the system design review. This metric provides tangible evidence that the product's design is stable, meaning it has a high probability of meeting customer requirements, as well as cost, schedule, and reliability targets.