Description
Organization: NAVSUP, NAVICP
Team Name: Replacement Inertial Navigation Unit Acquisition Team
Related Acquisition Topic(s): Commercial Practices, Contract Logistics Support (CLS), Cycle Time Reduction (CTR), Logistics Engineering Change Proposal, Performance Specs and Standards, Risk Management
Description:
The RINU team embraced acquisition reform through its implementation of a team designed Logistics Engineering Change Proposal structured to replace the old, unreliable, expensive to maintain LTN-72 INU system with a lower cost system incorporating the latest technological advances developed by industry. The team reduced acquisition costs and accelerated acquisition cycle time by formulating a solicitation which established performance based specifications and Best Value criteria to ensure industry would offer commercial non-development items that had proven records of high performance and reliability. The resultant long term award provided for a guaranteed 9000 hours mean-time-between-failure (MTBF) vice the 200 hour MTBF experienced on the current system. The benefits of the increased reliability will be realized through lower fleet operation costs and improved readiness.
The team also obtained life cycle support for the new system through the incorporation of an innovative Reliability Improvement Warranty which requires the contractor to repair and/or replace, free of charge, any failed system throughout a 20 year period. These extraordinary accomplishments were achieved through a management approach which encouraged teaming among activities and commands to obtain the highest level of fleet support.
Because the RINU replaced an entire system not just a component, there was significant risk involved with regard to the program. An important aspect of the RINU acquisition was the approach that the team took to manage rather than avoid risk. Through the submission of contractor technical samples and contractor questions during the solicitation period, the team determined the viability of the contractors, disseminated all pertinent information and promoted a free flow of information and ideas. Contractors routinely provided recommendations and ideas during the solicitation period that proved to be extremely valuable. This approach eliminated or lessened concerns and misconceptions of both the RINU Acquisition Team and the contractors.
