The use of the integrated product team in the Naval Tomahawk Cruise Missile program at the Defense Contracting Management Agency Raytheon

Abstract

This thesis examines the use of the Integrated Product Team (IPT) concept within the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program at the Defense Contracting Management Agency (DCMA) Raytheon. The study presents a literature review of the IPT philosophy and concepts and an overview of the Tomahawk Cruise Missile Program IPTs. Surveys and interviews focus on the following areas: 1) PT dynamics; 2) IPT performance; 3) IPT training; and 4) the working relationship between contractor and Government personnel on lPTs. Overall, team members who have participated in or managed an IPT agree that PT has added value to the acquisition process by bringing functional disciplines from Government and industry together to exchange ideas and build a successful Tomahawk Program. Only a few team members reported that the IPT process led to problems in the decision-making process, alignment of team objectives, and contractor and Government working relationships. Although both contractor and Government team members have some misunderstandings and preconceived notions about each other, both organizations realize that an effective Government and contractor interface provided by the PT process is crucial to the success of the Tomahawk Program.