NSLC Develops an Innovative “System of Systems” Readiness Based Sparing (RBS) Approach to the Ballistic Mission Defense (BMD) Capability.
From: NSLC Public Affairs


The Navy’s renewed focus on "AEGIS Wholeness" coupled with the SPY Task Force goal to improve ship self-sufficiency highlighted the requirement to explore improving/establishing optimum Supply Support of the AEGIS Weapon System (AWS) and the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability.

Beginning in the early 1990s, all AWS sparing-related modeling efforts had been performed by a contractor employing a unique COTS software package. Unfortunately, in some cases, these AWS allowancing determinations had not been revised since FY 1998. Revising the AWS models via the contractor analysis application, coupled with the development of an innovative integrated modeling approach for BMD proved cost prohibitive.

In response to this opportunity, the NAVSEALOGCEN Readiness Based Sparing (RBS) Team converted the legacy AWS models to the Navy RBS model methodology and developed a “system of systems” sparing approach to BMD while working with BMD system In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) technical leads. The NAVSEALOGCEN “system of systems” RBS approach focuses on providing optimized sparing to achieve maximum operational availability (Ao) across all seven discrete BMD systems. Previously these systems were spared separately rather than as an integrated weapon system.

The RBS Team performed a series of complicated iterative trade-off analyses which aimed to establish an overarching optimized AWS/BMD readiness level and associated per-ship onboard sparing cost. The team then presented their ground-breaking findings in an easy to follow sparing “Courses of Action” (COA) matrix. Each COA permitted a simple side-by-side comparison of achievable maximum Ao for a given dollar amount and associated fiscal risk. Presented in this understandable manner, the RBS Team made senior-level decision making a straightforward process and established a precedent for all future AEGIS Wholeness evolutions.

As a result, their recommended COA was reviewed and approved by Fleet leadership and submitted as an AEGIS Onboard Sparing AEGIS Wholeness Initiative for CNO approval (POM), and earned the team a nomination for the 2012 Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence.

In developing a cost-effective, innovative “system of systems” Readiness Based Sparing (RBS) approach to the Ballistic Mission Defense (BMD) capability, NAVSEALOGCEN marked a significant advancement in improving readiness of a critical Fleet capability!

Naval Sea Logistics Center 5450 Carlisle Pike P.O. Box 2060 Building #307 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0795 Public Affairs Office:  717-605-2711 DSN:  430-2711 Webmaster