Defense Acquisition: DoD Should Clarify Requirements for Assessing and Documenting Technical-Data Needs

Book excerpt: Some DoD weapon systems remain in the inventory for decades. Therefore, decisions that program officials make during the acquisition process to acquire or not acquire rights to technical data (TD) can have far-reaching implications for DoD's ability to sustain and competitively procure parts and services for those systems. DoD needs access to TD to control costs, maintain flexibility in acquisition and sustainment, and maintain and operate systems. This report reviews the extent to which: (1) DoD has updated its acquisition and procurement policies; (2) selected acquisition programs adhered to requirements to document TD needs; and (3) DoD took actions to improve TD decisions by program managers. Illus. This is a print on demand report.