How is the Coast Guards acquisition approach for the Integrated Deepwater System transformational?
A. Rather than use the traditional acquisition model of a “one-for-one” asset replacement, the program?s Mission Needs Statement captures the Coast Guard’s requirement for a systems solution for this recapitalization: “The goal of this effort is not to replace ships, aircraft, and sensors with more ships, aircraft, and sensors, but to provide the Coast Guard with the functional capabilities required to achieve mission success safely.” This compelling emphasis on a focused “end in mind” obliged industry to view the Integrated Deepwater System in its entirety in order to develop an integrated strategic plan that ensured asset comparability and interoperability, while providing high levels of operational effectiveness and the most affordable solution for U.S. taxpayers. The competing industry teams were provided with the performance specifications needed to achieve system-wide capabilities – the system end in mind. This approach allows industry to leverage state-of-the-market technologies
