International Acquisition Programs: Variables Beyond Cost, Schedule and Performance

Due to rising fighter aircraft acquisition costs and constrained defense budgets, the Department of Defense is looking for effective and efficient acquisition practices that will deliver the necessary capability to the armed forces within the fiscal constraints. One acquisition practice directed to combat the rising cost is international acquisition programs. Cost, schedule, and performance are the traditional variables used when measuring program success and managing acquisition program risk. However, measuring international acquisition programs with only the traditional variables of cost, schedule and performance would be an incomplete analysis. Leaders of international acquisition programs must consider the additional variables of international economic impact, industrial base, technology transfer, and international relations. These variables should be considered when measuring risk throughout the life cycle of the program and a consideration when evaluating the program performance.