Space-Based Infrared System-Supportability Engineering and Acquisition Reform in an Existing Acquisition Environment

摘要

The Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) is a consolidated, cost- effective, flexible system designed to meet US infrared global surveillance needs through the next several decades. It uses a streamlined acquisition approach to develop and field an integrated system of systems including multiple space constellations and an evolving reparable and redundant ground segment. SBIRS is being developed in three increments. This article discusses supportability requirements definition and the implementation of supportability engineering in SBIRS evolution from an Integrated Product Team (IPT) aspect. The discussion includes experience and lessons learned from the logistics infrastructure acquisition during the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase. SBIRS supportability acquisition is occurring under the umbrella of the Department of Defense new acquisition reform, IPTs and Total System Performance Responsibility (TSPR). IPTs are the key management, issue resolution and interaction avenues between the user (Air Force Space Command AFSPC), the System Program Office (SPO) (Space and Missile Center SMC) and the contractor (Lockheed Martin). This article details the actual roles and responsibilities of the user, program office and contractor with the intent to demonstrate how supportability engineering in an existing acquisition reform environment really functions. SBIRS is the first program to be acquired under this trinity of government initiatives. It is, therefore, in a pathfinding mode with respect to discovering what these initiatives really mean on a day-to-day basis and how they affect the working relationships among the SBIRS community-SMC; AFSPC; government System Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractors and the SBIRS Ground Segment contractor, Lockheed Martin.