The C-17 Program: a model supportability/sustainability

The C-17 acquisition strategy requires the contractor to demonstrate successful achievement of key supportability parameters before system acceptance by the government. To implement this strategy, the C-17 full-scale development, production, spares, and Interim Contractor Support contract requirements were negotiated and definitized, placing the responsibility of providing an integrated, comprehensive effort to field and initially support the C-17 with defined supportability criteria on the contractor. In addition, the C-17 program has been structured with major emphasis on utilizing advancing computer data systems technologies to truly integrate logistics support requirements. These logistics initiatives can serve as a model for development of future computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (CALS) tools for other programs. The elements of this supportability/sustainability strategy for the C-17 program are described