Issue 201 - 11 Jan 99
Issue 201 - 11 January 1999
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NAVSEA PROGRAM FOSTERS LEARNING ORGANIZATION AT SUPSHIP NEW ORLEANS
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)'s Acquisition Reform Office strives for continued acquisition reform through their Field Integration Program (FIP). This most recent FIP, held 9-10 December at the Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) New Orleans, was a two-day training event that included discussion and workshops on Competitive Sourcing, Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting (CPARS), Single Process Initiative, Measurements/Metrics, and the Interrelationship of SUPSHIPs as it relates to the LPD 17.
The event was kicked off by Tom Eden, NAVSEA Special Assistant for Acquisition Reform. He discussed how NAVSEA is institutionalizing Acquisition Reform (AR) and what steps are being taken to ensure the successful integration of all AR initiatives. The agenda also included a general AR panel discussion moderated by Capt. Michael H. Jaggard, NAVSEA Deputy Commander for Contracts. Radm. Joseph Carnevale, Program Executive Officer for DD 21, provided a dynamic presentation that provided the attendees with an understanding of the current drivers that are causing the SUPSHIPs' need for change; where SUPSHIPs' are heading in the future, and how SUPSHIP New Orleans can lead the way to a better organization in the 21st century.
Started back in March 1997, the FIP facilitates field activity education in AR initiatives and their application at the local workforce level. NAVSEA has held FIP events in SUPSHIP facilities in Newport News, SUPSHIP San Diego, SUPSHIP Groton, SUPSHIP Bath, and most recently at New Orleans.
The FIP capitalizes on organizational learning by having the acquisition team address and solve issues relating to the field application of AR initiatives. The program builds upon learning and human capital principles of the National Performance Review's "Learning Organization" thrust. The goal of this program is to provide just-in-time education to field organizations, with maximum flexibility to tailor training to each activity while also addressing specific deck plate issues and applications.
Each of the FIPs sponsored by NAVSEA has been unique. The coordinating field activity identifies the AR initiatives most effective to their business and each initiative is then tailored to specific employee needs and ultimately the Fleet. These FIPs are essential in fostering mutual dialogue and exchange between NAVSEA Headquarters and Field Activities in identifying AR education and learning opportunities.
