Increasing the utilization of commercial items in Acquisition Programs problems, issues and best practices

Abstract

Department of Defense policies mandate an increase in the utilization of commercial items. A great deal of study, writing and analysis has gone into the utilization of commercial item software products but not a great deal of study or analysis has gone into the utilization of commercial item equipment, which this thesis will primarily address. It is generally accepted that the utilization of commercial equipment will substantially reduce cost and lead times necessary to get major acquisition program systems fielded. However, there may be significant downsides and drawbacks to the utilization of commercial items that should be recognized, analyzed and for which corrective actions should be planned in order to mitigate commercial item implementation risks. This thesis identifies many of the Program Manager and industry βissuesγ associated with implementing and integrating commercial items into a DoD program. It also proposes methods and process solutions that will alleviate many of the implementation problems, thereby mitigating the implementation risks.