Study of using excess stock to reduce Naval Aviation Depot-Level Repairable piece part backorders

Abstract

Naval Aviation Depot Level Repairables (AVDLRs) are repairable subassemblies for Naval aircraft weapon systems. The Fleet Readiness Centers' primary task is to repair non-functional AVDLRs. Such repairs usually require replacement of components, known as bit-piece parts or consumables. Technicians requisition any bit-piece parts not on hand through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). As weapon systems age, sources for bit-piece parts become more difficult to identify. As a result, as of July 2016, DLA has approximately 15,000 bit-piece part requisitions backordered. Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support (WSS), the organization responsible for managing AVDLRs, is concerned that the significant quantity of bit-piece part backorders is negatively affecting aviation operational readiness. A potential alternative source for acquiring bit-piece parts is Navy excess material. Excess material is inventory designated by Navy organizations as meeting excess classification criteria. Since the Navy has already purchased the excess material, it represents a cost-effective sourcing option. The goals of this project are to determine if existing excess material can fulfill any current bit-piece part backorders, and if excess material represents a sustainable source of bit-piece parts for future requisitions.