Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com MIL-HDBK-502: A MIL-HDBK-502: A CQUISITION CQUISITION L OGISTICS OGISTICS knowledge of the design element is known. The result is always an increase in risk. 4.2.7 Phase Considerations Each of the acquisition phases is generally characterized by issues and objectives associated with a particular level or state of a design (e.g., conceptual, functional, allocated, physical). These issues and objectives must be satisfied through the milestone review procedures in order for a program to proceed. When permitted by regulation, the phase definitions should be redefined to fit the particular requirements of the program.
Phase activities can be combined between two phases or a phase may be eliminated altogether. A supportability analysis effort evaluating existing support structure in conjunction with force/fleet analysis, threat analysis, and doctrine development must be conducted prior to entry into any acquisition phase. This effort is critical in developing supportable system requirements. Focus of the effort should be on a macro level and should identify the impacts on sustainment any requirement may have.
The results should provide a basis for tradeoffs in system capabilities during the actual acquisition phases (which may or may not follow), as well as ensuring that developed requirements are actually achievable at affordable cost. Concept exploration phase The concept exploration phase, Phase 0, is the first phase of a DoD system’s life cycle. If it occurs at all, it typically consists of competitive, parallel short-term concept studies performed to investigate alternative operations and design concepts. The purpose is to identify, define, and evaluate the advantages/disadvantages, risks, costs, etc. of promising operational concepts and system design alternatives.
The studies project characteristics and costs of total systems as reflected by their conceptual designs. The results are reviewed at the Milestone I decision point where promising candidates may be selected for further definition and development. The design characteristics of the selected alternatives generally provide a functional baseline of the system. These baselines define design performance characteristics required to meet operational needs. The functional baseline serves as the basis for establishing initial design thresholds and objectives.
The resulting design requirements support preparation of total system design cost estimates and schedule projections and identification of trade-off opportunities. The system objectives are also the foundation for the acquisition strategy and the test and evaluation strategy. 4-10