Reliability: Policy Versus Implementation.

The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding and appreciation of the reliability management factors that influence a shipboard weapon system acquisition manager. The results of a Naval Material Command Reliability Improvements Study Group are summarized. This summary and the current Navy reliability policies were then used as a basis for interviewing seven acquisition managers, covering ten shipboard weapon system programs of the Naval Sea systems Command. Results of the interviews indicated two significant areas: (1) Inadequate reliability requirements in the Operational Requirement, and (2) Management judgment in tailoring the reliability requirements. This report should enable better management planning and implementation of reliability program requirements which must be integrated and balanced with other acquisition requirements during the early phases of a weapon system's life cycle.