Description
Organization: DRPM Strategic Systems Programs, SPAWARSYSCOM
Team Name: MTRE Mk 11 Acquisition Team
Related Acquisition Topic(s): Commercial Practices, Commercial and Non Developmental Items (CANDI), Integrated Product Teams (IPT), Integrated Product and Process Development (IPPD), Open Systems, Partnering
Description:
The Missile Test and Readiness Equipment (MTRE) Mk 11 acquisition team brought together SSP, the design talents of Space and Naval Warfare Command (SPAWAR) with the systems and production expertise of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Sunnyvale Operations (LMSSC-SO). This team embarked on a development program that cost less than 10% of the original D5 MTRE development in FY83-FY86. The team also reduced the unit cost of the new MTRE by 90% of the original D5 MTRE program.
The team worked together in all aspects of the program. SPAWAR developed an initial design and while finalizing that design, LMSSC-SO started their initial systems testing phase. After design finalization, the program transitioned to a LMSSC-SO accepted design with LMSSC-SO providing both a production and support role.
The team utilized Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components to the maximum extent possible. The use of COTS yielded a total system component reduction. The old MTRE system used 525 Standard Electronics Modules (SEMs) that are 70’s/80’s technology and a militarized display that had 580 Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and 250+ control wires with the SEMs and LEDs replacable by the fleet. The new design incorporates 24 Versa Module Eurocard (VME) circuit cards and two (redundant) COTs displays. Both of these are replaceable at the component level and thus the required number of spares to be carried onboard has been significantly reduced. This allows the sailor to better operate and maintain the system.
In addition, the team worked with another program to develop an open systems architecture design that allows a great deal of flexibility for future program growth. By integrating software and hardware proofing efforts with the other program, utilizing the same power source and the same VME backplane, significant time and money was saved.
The MTRE Mk 11 program team streamlined their design, development, production and support efforts by using the best practices available coupled with the maximum use of COTS hardware and software. Their innovative process of utilizing the expertise of each organization in conjunction with their integration with other programs aided in a program that yielded a 90% program cost reduction over previous systems. The team was able to develop the MTRE Mk11 for approximately $5M, where the original development effort cost $50M. The team reduced the unit cost from $6M/unit to approximately $500K/unit for this program. In addition to the cost savings, the team was able to reduce the development time by 50% over previous systems. The original MTRE system took 4 years to develop and this team cut that to 2 years.
Their professionalism, streamlined acquisition processes and vision for the future allowed SSP to develop and field a system that will take the FBM fleet well into the 21st century and at the same time provided the flexibility for quick and affordable upgrades.
