11.2. International Programs
11.2.1. International Cooperative Programs
An international cooperative program is any acquisition program or technology project that includes participation by one or more foreign nations, through an international agreement, during any phase of a system's life cycle. The key objectives of international cooperative programs are to reduce weapons system acquisition costs through cooperative development, production, and support; and to enhance interoperability with coalition partners.
11.2.1.1. International Considerations and Program Strategy
Title 10 U.S.C. 2350a(e) as amended by Section 1251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 requires an analysis of potential opportunities for international cooperation for all Acquisition Category I programs before the first milestone or decision point. DoD Directive 5000.01, Enclosure 1, and DoD Instruction 5000.02, Enclosure 10, paragraph 5, specify the requirements for international cooperative program management; amplifying guidance and information appears in this Guidebook. DoD Directive 5000.01 requires International Armaments Cooperation; requires interoperability with U.S. coalition partners; and establishes the preference for a cooperative development program with one or more Allied nations over a new, joint, or DoD Component-unique development program.
During the development of the Technology Development Strategy (TDS) for Milestone A or the initial Acquisition Strategy for Milestone B for a new program, the potential for international cooperative research, development, production, and logistic support should be addressed, and thereafter, the potential for international cooperation should be considered in every phase of the acquisition process. DoD Components should periodically review their programs to determine the potential for international cooperation. Milestone Decision Authorities may recommend forming international cooperative programs based on the TDS or Acquisition Strategy considerations; DoD Component Heads may also recommend forming international cooperative programs. The Milestone Decision Authority should make the decision to establish an international cooperative program as early as possible in the Defense Acquisition Management System.
The Milestone Decision Authority, with the advice and counsel of the DoD Components and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, makes the decision to pursue an international cooperative program. The decision process should consider the following:
- Demonstrated best business practices, including a plan for effective, economical, and efficient management of the international cooperative program;
- Demonstrated DoD Component willingness to fully fund their share of international cooperative program needs;
- The long-term interoperability and political-military benefits that may accrue from international cooperation; and
- The international program's management structure as documented in the international agreement. The designated program manager (U.S. or foreign) is fully responsible and accountable for the cost, schedule, and performance of the resulting system.
The DoD Component remains responsible for preparation and approval of most statutory, regulatory, and contracting reports and milestone requirements, as listed in DoD Instruction 5000.02, Enclosure 4. Documentation for decision reviews and periodic reports flow through the DoD Component acquisition chain, supported by the participating nation(s).
International cooperation can add stability to the program. DoD Instruction 5000.02 prevents DoD Components from terminating or substantially reducing participation in international cooperative programs under signed international agreements without Milestone Decision Authority notification, and in some cases, Milestone Decision Authority approval.
Additional information may be found in the Director, International Cooperation, International Cooperation in Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Handbook.
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