4.2.7. Operations and Support Phase

DEFENSE ACQUISITION GUIDEBOOK
Chapter 4 -- Systems Engineering

4.2.7. Operations and Support Phase

4.2.7. Operations and Support Phase

The objective of the Operations and Support (O&S) phase is to execute a support program that meets operational support performance requirements and sustains the system in the most cost-effective manner over its total life cycle. Planning for this phase begins in the Materiel Solution Analysis (MSA) phase, matures through the Technology Development (TD) and Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phases, and is documented in the Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan (LCSP). Systems engineering (SE) in the O&S phase assesses whether the fielded system and enabling system elements continue to provide the needed capability in a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. SE efforts consist of data collection, assessment, and corrective action cycles to maintain a system’s operational suitability and operational effectiveness.

Sustainment activities supporting system operations begin in this phase and should address two major efforts: life-cycle sustainment and disposal. SE efforts during life-cycle sustainment include Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) assessments, technology refresh, functionality modification, and life-extension modifications.

When the system no longer provides an effective or efficient capability to the warfighter, the Department should make an informed decision to either modify or dispose of it. However, a related proactive aspect in the Production and Deployment and O&S phases is engineering analysis to identify potential obsolescence impacts (i.e., Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)). DMSMS problems are an increasing concern as the service lives of DoD weapon systems are extended and the product life cycle for high-technology system elements decreases (see DAG section 4.3.18.8 Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages).

Roles and Responsibilities

In addition to the general responsibilities identified in DAG section 4.1.4. Engineering Resources, the Program Manager focuses on the following O&S activities, which rely on and support SE efforts:

• Work with the user to document performance and sustainment requirements in performance agreements specifying objective outcomes, measures, resource commitments, and stakeholder responsibilities
• Employ effective Performance-Based Life-Cycle Product Support implementation and management
• Maintain operational readiness
• Follow acquisition program practices for major modifications or Service Life Extension Program (SLEP)

In addition to the general responsibilities identified in DAG section 4.1.4. Engineering Resources, the Systems Engineer is responsible for the following tasks:

• Refine the maintenance program to minimize total life-cycle cost while achieving readiness and sustainability objectives
• Assess end-user feedback and conduct engineering investigations as required
• Lead teams to translate end-user feedback into corrective action plans and recommend technical changes
• Develop and implement approved system proposed changes to ensure end-user needs continue to be met
• Conduct ESOH risk assessments and maintain oversight of critical safety item supply chain management
• Conduct analysis to identify and mitigate potential obsolescence impacts (i.e., Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS))
• Support implementation of follow-on development efforts in response to formal decisions to extend the weapon system’s service life (SLEP) or to initiate a major modification (may be treated as a stand-alone acquisition program)
• Update and maintain system certifications and external SoS interfaces

Inputs

Table 4.2.7.T1 summarizes the primary inputs associated with this sustainment part of the life cycle.

Table 4.2.7.T1. Inputs Associated with O&S Phase

Activities

The O&S phase overlaps with the Production and Deployment phase, since O&S activities begin when the first system is fielded. O&S ends when a system is demilitarized and disposed of. Figure 4.2.7.F1 provides the end-to-end perspective and the integration of SE technical reviews and audits across the acquisition life cycle.

Figure 4.2.7.F1. Weapon System Development Life Cycle

SE activities should be integrated with O&S phase-specific test and evaluation and logistics and sustainment activities identified in DAG Chapter 9 Test and Evaluation and Chapter 5 Life-Cycle Logistics, respectively. The O&S activities in which the Systems Engineer should participate include:

• Determine root cause of problems, identify corrective actions, and manage to completion
• Address problem/failure reports through the use of a comprehensive data collection approach such as a Failure Reporting, Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS)
• Process and analyze mission data
• Manage preplanned product improvements (P3I)
• Develop and implement technology refresh schedules
• Conduct technology insertion efforts as needed to maintain or improve system performance
• Update system safety assessments
• Perform engineering analysis to investigate the impact of DMSMS issues
• Work with vendors and the general technical community to determine opportunities for technology incursion to increase reliability and affordability

The disposal activities in which the Systems Engineer should participate include:

• Support demilitarizing and disposing of the system; in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements and policy relating to safety (including explosives safety), security, and the environment
• Document lessons learned
• Archive data

The technical review conducted in O&S is the In-Service Review (ISR) (see DAG section 4.2.17. In-Service Review). ISRs are typically used to track, monitor, and assess system performance from the time an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is reached until retirement or disposal of the system. They are often used to prioritize system modifications due to deficiencies or integration of additional capability, or to respond to external needs associated with SoS implementations.

Outputs and Products

The technical outputs and products identified in Table 4.2.7.T2 are necessary to support SE processes to sustain the system, including modifications. Technical outputs associated with technical reviews in this phase are addressed later in this chapter.

Table 4.2.7.T2. Technical Outputs Associated with O&S Phase

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