Naval Sustainment Engineering

Low Impact Engineering Solutions for Life Cycle Sustainment

/media/2752/engineering_pic_01-600x600.jpg

COTS based systems have three primary drivers for change: technology insertion, obsolescence replacement, and deficiency corrections. The DRS approach to product support ensures that throughout the system’s lifecycle events are monitored across all program elements to anticipate these drivers and prepare a timely solution that will not impact mission readiness.

We adhere to the Open Architecture initiatives while integrating COTS and Non Development Items throughout the system lifecycle. Key aspects include:

Meet Evolving Requirements through the Technology Insertion Program.
Leverage other systems by monitoring requirements and evaluating architectural convergence.
Support definition of evolving requirements and associated testing requirements through IPTs.
Optimize production while continually providing the latest commercial component technology that yields long-term servicing of equipment.

Sustainment Engineering activities encompass the analysis and trade-off activities to validate the outcome and recommendations of the Design Analysis prior to tech refresh design. Sustainment Engineering identifies the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) that support the Decision Analysis and Resolution (DAR) Process. Compliance with the existing footprint of the equipment or system, thus avoiding impacts to the mechanical structure, is an example of a KPP. These activities culminate with a System Functional Review (SFR) to validate the outcome and recommendations of the Design Analysis.

Supported by vendor technology roadmaps and Leonardo DRS’s Continuous COTS Improvement Process (CCIP), we proactively look at End of Life (EOL) forecasts, supplier issues, and other risks that could affect potential replacement parts, material and components. This also enables us to look at life cycle costs of the proposed replacement items.

Leonardo DRS’s extensive domain experience delivering thousands of COTS-based products has driven the development of our CCIP. The proven process provides a comprehensive assessment of the COTS market to anticipate potential Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)/EOL issues well in advance of their impact to the program. It also drives risk mitigation plans developed by suppliers, design agents and customers.

With our System Integration Lab (SIL) to ensure performance requirements are met, EOL and life cycle cost factors considered, and our knowledge of Navy systems, we can ensure the lifecycle evaluation of COTS components is efficiently completed and the best solution is chosen.