Rapid acquisition of manufactured parts: methods of contracting and incentives for industry

Abstract

This thesis discusses the Navy's Rapid Acquisition of Manufactured Parts (RAMP) program and several procurement related issues. The objective of RAMP is to reduce the Navy's spare parts supply, stocking and procurement problems by fabricating spare parts on demand, in small quantities, and at a reasonable cost. RAMP embodies such new technologies as computer-aided design and manufacturing and flexible manufacturing systems. This study examines RAMP's technology transfer process, incentives available to induce industry investment in RAMP technology, implications of RAMP on competitive procurement, and methodologies to be utilized in making RAMP procurements.