ACQUISITION LOGISTICS

capabilities

LMI offers a range of consulting and training services in acquisition logistics, the field that designs and implements the strategy to materially sustain a product throughout its operational life. Part of the systems engineering process, acquisition logistics strives to ensure sustainment is an integral part of a system’s design requirements, the system can be efficiently supported once fielded, and any infrastructure necessary for ongoing support is developed and acquired.

We base our work on the guidelines of MIL-HDBK-502, Acquisition Logistics, and MIL-PRF-49506, Logistics Management Information, as well as commercial practices. We provide thorough and fair comparisons of a broad range of alternatives, ranging from total organic (or "in-house") performance to full contractor logistics support (outsourcing). We are well versed in performance-based logistics concepts, both theoretical and practical. For each alternative, we prepare detailed life-cycle operations and support cost assessments. We provide acquisition logistics services to major programs of the military services and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Clients and Solutions

OSD—Performance-Based Logistics

For the Office of the Secretary of Defense, we helped write Product Support for the 21st Century: A Program Manager’s Guide to Buying Performance. This watershed document helped launch the performance-based logistics (PBL) movement. 

DHS—BioWatch

We are the logistics support lead for the BioWatch program office. BioWatch, a DHS program, warns first responders of biological attacks on U.S. metropolitan areas. In our lead role, we are developing and overseeing implementation of supply and maintenance strategies for the BioWatch system elements.

DHS—Non-Intrusive Inspection at Ports of Entry

The Customs and Border Protection Technology Solutions Program Office contracted with LMI to provide capital planning and investment assistance for its non-intrusive inspection (NII) and radiation monitoring programs. We developed the equipment requirements for large-scale and small-scale NII, prepared business cases and all supporting documentation for the NII and radiation monitoring equipment, assessed logistics support for recommended equipment, and prepared acquisition documents. Also, LMI continues to support the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program. Our agency-wide support includes Customs, Border Patrol, and the Container Security Initiative.

Military Services—Logistics Sustainment Costs

LMI helped the U.S. Coast Guard with its Deepwater source selection by compiling and organizing projected logistics support cost data, and we developed the life-cycle cost estimate for the Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability program. We are working on-site at the Pentagon to assist the Air Force Cost Analysis Agency (AFCAA) as it updates and streamlines its annual flying hour cost program. We also are supporting AFCAA in its weapon system operations and sustainment cost studies, including those for the C-17, Global Hawk, and F/A-22.

Army—PBL Training

Performance-based logistics is a relatively new concept, and program managers require training in its benefits and pitfalls. The Army engaged LMI to provide PBL training to the Communications-Electronics Command. Read more about the PBL course here.