Second Sourcing in the Acquisition of Major Weapon Systems.

This study was undertaken for two basic reasons. It was recognized that no generally accepted definition for second sourcing existed either in the literature or in general use within the acquisition community. The formulation of a working definition of second sourcing was thus the first objective of this research. The main thrust of the study, on the other hand, was an attempt to formulate an evaluative model that could be used by the decision maker in determining 1 whether or not second sourcing should be attempted in the acquisition of a major system, and, 2 which second sourcing methodology would be most suitable for the acquisition in question. Both the advantages and disadvantages of second sourcing have been outlined so that the decision maker will not be misled. Second sourcing, then, is found to be an acquisition strategy that can result in significant benefit to the government. If attempted in a random or haphazard manner, the cost to the government can be astronomical.