Logistics support for a nondevelopmental item: a case study of the Portable Hydraulic Access Rescue System (PHARS

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to compare the cost effectiveness of alternative methods of providing logistics support for commercially available products purchased by the Government. These products will be referred to under the generic title of nondevelopmental items. The thesis focuses on the acquisition and support strategies for the Portable Hydraulic Access Rescue System (PHARS) as a means of addressing this issue. The effectiveness of alternative methods used to provide logistic support for the PHARS is examined via a cost-benefit analysis. The analysis indicates that nondevelopmental items with system wide applications, low failure rates, high urgency of need, mid-range cost, and well established geographically diverse contractors may best be supported via a mix of contractor and organic support. This analysis may be of value to future program managers in assisting their decision on types and levels of support to be provided other nondevelopmental items.