4.3.4.3. Program Support Review
4.3.4.3. Program Support Review
The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Systems Engineering (ODASD(SE)) conducts PSRs on ACAT ID and IAM programs to help shape the program’s technical planning and management approaches. Like any independent review, the PSR is a technical assessment tool intended to prevent problems by early recognition of risks and identification of proposed mitigation activities. PSR requirements appear in DoDI 5000.02.
Early conduct of PSRs should help the Program Manager identify and resolve any program planning or execution issues well before major program decisions. Table 4.3.4.3.T1 lists important PSR attributes.
Table 4.3.4.3.T1 PSR Attributes
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Cross-functional
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- No “stovepipes”
- All reviewers look at multiple areas
- All observations and comments are adjudicated with the entire team and program office
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Multidisciplinary
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- Wide range of functional representation (internal ODASD(SE), AT&L, consultants)
- Wide range of reviewer expertise
- Multiple reviews look at each area
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Independent
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- Minimize “program experts”
- No Government or contractor competitors
- No program advocates or antagonists
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Consistent
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- Essential to identify and understand common issues
- Ensure all potential risks are considered
- Treat all programs equally and fairly
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Tailorable
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- Adapt to type of review
- Adapt focus on identified issues
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Activities and Products
When practical, the initial PSR occurs nine to twelve months before a milestone decision review; a follow-up review (two to three months prior to the milestone) assesses the implementation of key recommendations and mitigation of risks in order to improve program planning and execution. The PSR typically consists of two- to three-day visits to the program office (and developer(s) as applicable).
PSRs focus on all SE processes appropriate to the life-cycle phase but are broader in scope to consider all aspects of acquisition management, including resource planning, management methods and tools, earned value management, logistics, and other areas. The Defense Acquisition Program Support (DAPS) Methodology is a source for tailorable criteria and review questions and helps ensure consistency in reviews. The DAPS Methodology includes:
- Mission capabilities / requirements generation
- Resources
- Management
- Technical planning and process
- Program performance
Insights from PSRs aid the development of the Systems Engineering Plan (SEP) (see DAG section 4.1.2. Systems Engineering Plan) and the Request for Proposals (RFPs), and ensure that the program has adequately addressed SE equities in these documents. After its engagement with the program in preparation for the pre-Milestone A PSR, the ODASD(SE) staff maintains continuous engagement with the program to monitor its execution of the planning reflected in the SEP. PSRs prior to Milestones B, C, and the Full-Rate Production decision can make use of information already vetted during SE WIPT meetings, various technical reviews (see DAG sections 4.2.8. through 4.2.14.), and program management reviews in order to help reduce the PSR burden on the program office and developer staff. PSR action items are documented in the milestone review's Acquisition Decision Memorandum.
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