Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com MIL-HDBK-502: A MIL-HDBK-502: A CQUISITION CQUISITION L OGISTICS OGISTICS supportability. Other terms used to express similar assessments are equipment readiness and affordability. Discussions regarding open system supportability approaches, methodologies, and recommendations address the unique aspects of an open system interface standard acquisition. When using open system interface standards, a best value approach should be pursued to balance cost, performance, schedule, operational readiness, and supportability.
The use of open system interface standards promotes an environment in which interface conformant products from multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can be integrated to form functional systems. Supportability issues must be part of the criteria evaluated during the selection of the system architecture. When a total system demonstrates its operational suitability and affordability, the total system element designs are generally considered complete, but most characteristics of a total system are subject to change over time.
The rapid turnover in design and software technologies not only creates obsolescence through increased performance capabilities, but also reduces available sources of supply and invalidates repair concepts. So the systems engineering process is used to monitor and assess changes in total system requirements that may lead to new requirements or opportunities for improvement.
The systems engineering approach to design of total systems and their major elements (hardware, software, and support) allows good supportability to be effectively “designed-in.” While poor supportability of a system element can be mitigated through the design of the remaining elements, it can only be improved by a change in design. 4.3.2 Major Supportability Criteria Every acquisition program is different, and specific criteria and emphasis will vary from one program to another.
However, three issues— cost, equipment readiness, and manpower and personnel constraints—should always be considered as part of the total system design process because of their ability to affect system supportability. Cost Cost constraints are an inescapable economic reality. Obtaining high quality, capable, and affordable systems which meet user needs is the goal of all defense acquisition programs. Evaluating the affordability of a product requires consideration of support investment and operations and support (O&S) costs, as well as other acquisition costs. Life cycle cost estimates compare the investment and recurring ownership costs for different system alternatives.
The cost analysis methodology used should 4-15