Accession Number:

ADP002759

Title:

Skunkworks 81 Revisited - An Update on Acquisition Strategy,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Longhouser,J. E.

Report Date:

1983-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

4.0

Abstract:

A paper on competitive prototyping was presented by Mr. William Stansberry, Deputy Product Manager for Armor Training Devices, at the Interservice Industry Conference in December 1981. That paper coined the phrase Skunkworks 81, meaning a combination of the Skunkworks applied to earlier Air Force projects and competitive prototyping in full-scale development. The paper was well received and accurately reported the Conduct of Fire Trainer COFT development at that time. The promulgation of the well-trodden DOD Acquisition Initiatives and the much needed emphasis on streamlining the acquisition cycle provide reason for updating Skunkworks 81. The author of this update, recently assigned as Product Manager for Armor Training Devices assesses the results of the COFT application of competitive prototyping and discusses the impact this acquisition strategy has had on transition from development to production for the largest procurement of a training simulator ever negotiated. Author

Descriptors:

• *GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT
• *CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
• *MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND CONTROL
• ACQUISITION
• RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
• STRATEGY
• PROCUREMENT
• MILITARY REQUIREMENTS
• TRAINING DEVICES
• OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
• GUNNERY TRAINERS
• SYMPOSIA

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE