Acquisition Program Lead Systems Integration/Lead Capabilities Integration Decision Support Methodology and Tool

Abstract

Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) wants to ensure that program offices derive the best value for their resources. These program offices need to understand their most effective cost, schedule, and performance-based solutions when faced with an acquisition requirement. Comparisons for sourcing are complex and require extensive decision support analysis to understand the solution space and foresight between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and government entities performing the Lead System Integrator (LSI) role. The research focused on the question, how can program managers best determine their acquisition source solutions in a timely and cost-effective manner? The method used was to develop a simulation tool to assist program offices in evaluating the relative risks of utilizing NAWCAD and commercial OEMs for various LSI roles and responsibilities. Lone Star Aerospace Inc. was tasked to develop a simulation tool to address highly complex issues for customers in NAVAIR. Eleven NAVAIR program managers (PMs) and 16 competency leads were interviewed, and other stakeholders were surveyed online. Risk drivers were codified into a model based on lessons learned from PMs experience. A prototype LSI directional tool was developed and demonstrated. Four beta tests were conducted on NAVAIR programs to stress the model's capability and to identify potential improvements.