Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS): Doing It Right

In the twenty-first century, the United States will likely encounter a wide-range of threats, such as those posed by terrorists, rogue states and other non-state actors—all of whom are taking full advantage of globally available, high-tech commercial systems (e.g., from night vision devices, through secure cell phones, to satellite photos). At the same time, technology is changing more rapidly than ever before, and the DoD must learn to embrace the fact that it no longer holds a monopoly on all military-relevant technology (many of the information-intensive innovations result from commercial activities). Furthermore, the rising costs of domestic commitments, such as Social Security and Medicare, coupled with the growing budget deficits, will create an inevitable downward pressure on the DoD budget. These changes have created an urgency for transformation within the defense establishment. We believe this necessary defense transformation will be heavily dependent upon the development of net-centric systems-of-systems; the determination to achieve lower costs, faster fielding and better performance; and a realization of the potential benefits of globalization and use of commercial technology. Greater use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) systems and components is one strategy that can enable achieving the required DoD transformation, and help to ensure American military success in the twenty-first century. Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) is a term for software or hardware that is commercially made and available for sale, lease, or license to the general public and that requires little or no unique government modifications to meet the needs of the procuring agency. Because of their rapid availability, lower costs, and low risk, COTS products must be considered as alternatives to in-house, government-funded developments.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramThis research was partially sponsored by a grant from The Naval Postgraduate Schoo

Downsizing the Navy: Privatization of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Indianapolis--A Case Study

Proceedings Paper (for Acquisition Research Program)Abstract: Case Objectives - Strategic: When faced with a BRAC decision (1) identify and analyze the stakeholders; (2) develop top level guidance with an overarching process framework; and, (3) develop and evaluate alternative courses of action, completing ''customer satisfaction,'' business case, and risk analyses. Tactical: Once an alternative is selected, develop a detailed implementation plan to address (1) transition issues; (2) economic development and agreement terms and conditions from City and business perspectives; and, (3) contract terms and conditions from the business and Navy perspectives. Lesson Learned/Reflections: Identify potential risks and mitigations, barriers to implementation, success factors, and best practices; and make recommendations for future privatizations.Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research ProgramApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Rethinking the Lease vs. Buy Decision

Annual Acquisition Research SymposiumNaval Postgraduate School Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Progra

A Strategy for Defense Acquisition Research

Fifteen years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the world is again experiencing a major shift in the geopolitical landscape. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of theCold War have profoundly changed the nation’s security environment. However, as theSeptember 11th attacks demonstrated, new deadly challenges have emerged from terrorist networks and rogue states. Although none of these threats equal the destructivecapabilities of the Soviet Union, their determination to obtain, and the greater likelihood that they will use, weapons of mass destruction, creates a more complex and dangerous security environment. The Department of Defense (DoD) has also entered a transformative period—leveraging emerging technologies to develop a net-centric warfare capability—whileactively conducting military operations, throughout the spectrum of conflict, in support of the global war on terror. As a result, DoD is struggling to meet these competingrequirements and reconcile the spending between traditional and new programs.Therefore, creating a more efficient acquisition system is a top priority. High-qualityresearch in the area of acquisitions is necessary to catalyze positive and lasting changes to improve performance, reduce acquisition cycle times, and reduce the costs of DoD acquisitions, even as the Department confronts rapidly changing external and internalenvironments. This report highlights some the forces that are acting to change theenvironment including: budget constraints, a changing threat environment, technological innovations, force transformation, human capital management, a shrinking industrialbase, and ethics; and then develops a strategy for acquisition research.Acquisition Chair, Naval Postgraduate Schoo

Competition in Defense Acquisitions

Symposium Presentation (for Acquisition Research Program)Symposium PresentationNaval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Progra

DU Undergraduate Showcase: Research, Scholarship, and Creative Works

DU Undergraduate Showcase: Research, Scholarship, and Creative Work

Performance-Based Logistics: Examining the Successes and Challenges When Operating in Stressful Environments

Naval Postgraduate School Acquisition Research Progra