An analysis of the acquisition process of the Joint Fires Network/Tactical Exploitation System-Navy

Abstract

There is a growing movement throughout the Department of Defense (DoD) towards the implementation of Network Centric Warfare (NCW). In an effort to transition to NCW, the Navy has fielded many different technologies. One system exploiting new technologies in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) domain is the Joint Fires Network/Tactical Exploitation System-Navy (JFN/TES-N), which was developed from the Army Tactical Exploitation System, (TES-A). This system was developed rapidly and uniquely for fleet deployment in accordance with the interim acquisition guidance signed by the Honorable Paul Wolfowitz. This guidance authorized Evolutionary Acquisition following a Spiral Development process in lieu of the "traditional" cold war process described in the DoD 5000 series publications. Assuming that (JFN/TES-N) will be viewed as a successful acquisition, several Navy personnel have stated that it may become the model for future C4I (and other) system acquisitions. This thesis seeks to help develop that model. The objectives of this thesis are: ʺ To examine whether the TES-N acquisition process is an appropriate model of Evolutionary Acquisition following a Spiral Development. ʺ To identify and make recommendations for changes or improvements to the TES-N acquisition program, so it can be used as a more appropriate model for Evolutionary Acquisition following a Spiral Development. This thesis concludes that Evolutionary Acquisition following a Spiral Development shown with the JFN/TES-N system is an acquisition policy that is appropriate for programs of the same size and scope, but larger more complex programs will not have as much success. Yet, in order for the JFN/TES-N program and future programs using Evolutionary Acquisition following a Spiral Development to succeed, changes have to be made in policies such as budgetary submissions, test and evaluation, policy, process, and training.