Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com MIL-HDBK-502: A MIL-HDBK-502: A CQUISITION CQUISITION L OGISTICS OGISTICS Section 6: How To Develop Measurable and Testable Supportability Requirements 6.1 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS Supportability requirements grow directly from the concept of operations. If a clear line from the operational concept to a specific supportability requirement cannot be traced, that requirement should be regarded with suspicion. The beginning point for each supportability requirement should be found in an operational requirement.
6.1.1 Operational Requirements Document A mandatory format for the Operational Requirements Document (ORD) is presented in DoD Regulation 5000.2R, Appendix II. In it, DoD commitment to addressing supportability issues as an integral part of the procurement process is made clear. Except for the section defining the threat, every paragraph of the regulation addresses logistic issues. The following paragraphs address the logistic implications of each section of that document. 1. General Description of Operational Capability.
The description of the overall mission area and type of system is accompanied by the anticipated operational and support concepts—sufficiently detailed to allow for program and logistics support planning . Notice that “logistics support” is integral to the planning process. The intent to mesh supportability requirements with operational requirements from the beginning of a program is clear. 2. Threat. This section does not address logistics. 3. Shortcomings of Existing Systems . This section must address any supportability problems that have arisen over the life of the current system or shortcomings that were built in at the program’s inception.
Since life- cycle costs are a major factor in any system, the difficulty (or impossibility) of supporting a current system may be its major shortcoming. Increased or improved operational capability may be only a byproduct. 6-1