Low-volume terminal and joint tactical radio system used on warfighters
Problem
The existing Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) product support value chain consistently maintains the existing fleet of ~500 MIDS at or above the 90% availability target. This level of performance fully supports warfighter requirements. However, the existing sustainment value chain does not have the capacity to execute the increased demand for repair, maintenance, and overhaul services that will be required as the MIDS fleet population increases by ~600% between today and 2024.
Objective
The objective of the project was to help structure a comprehensive, well-crafted product support strategy needed to drive industry and government behaviors that create and maintain robust commercial and organic depot-level repair capabilities that deliver targeted warfighter readiness outcomes at an affordable cost. The goal is to support the weapons systems as follows: F/A-18, EA-18G, E-2D, MH-60, F-15, F-16, F-22, MIDS-on-Ship, Patriot, THAAD, and several other platforms.
Technical Approach
The development and implementation (D&I) team helped the Navy and Air Force MIDS product support managers (PSMs) and their integrated product team (IPT) develop and deploy an optimized product support strategy (PSS) arrangement – that drives supplier behaviors to deliver the Navy and Air Force’s targeted levels of MIDS readiness while simultaneously forging a robust organic depot-level repair capability. Specific objectives and tasks included PSS development and implementation, evaluation of all the quantitative and qualitative benefits, and costs and risks associated with the details contained in each of the fully developed COAs that remain under consideration. Other tasks included addressing the direct connections between the PPP arrangement(s) and the OEM’s R&R contracts, and analysis of alternative organic sources of repair.
Accomplishments
Many accomplishments were realized at the conclusion of the project. A product support assessment was completed which included value stream mapping, stakeholder reviews, data collection, and gap analysis. An organic depot facilities review was done by the utilization of on-site audits at Navy FRC Southeast (FL), Air Force LCMC (TX), and Navy FRC (CA). A course of action framework was initiated, and biweekly telecons with the project team, MIDS, and Air Force stakeholders were conducted. Cost model methods were also developed with the MIDS program office. The project team was also able to successfully meet their goal of completing and delivering an implementation roadmap. The delivery of these materials satisfied the program’s deliverable requirements. These resulting accomplishments will aid in driving manufacturing innovation throughout the defense industrial base to ensure the U.S. warfighter always has a superior advantage.
AMERICAMAKES
Project Participants
Project Principal
Other Project Participants
- NCDMM/America Makes
Public Participants
- U.S. Department of Defense