Materiel Life Cycle
The life cycle phases are:
- Needs
- Requirements
- Acquisition
- In-Service
- Disposal
The Needs Phase
The Materiel Life Cycle (MLC) starts when the capability gap is identified and a materiel solution is required.
The Requirements Phase
Proposals are developed for Government consideration.
This is generally a Two pass approval system:
- 1st Pass Approval to investigate possible solutions
- 2nd Pass Approval given to acquire (money is usually assigned at this point)
The Acquisition Phase
Acquisition is the process of procuring an appropriate materiel system:
- to meet the identified requirements
- value for money over the life of system
- includes the Mission and Support Systems
Transition Into Service
Transition Plan – addresses transfer of:
- ILS procedures & resources
- management responsibility
From:
Acquisition ILS Manager to In-Service Support providers and the Project Office
In-Service Phase
The In-Service phase generally starts when the supplier delivers a materiel system.
In-Service support aims to:
- Optimise cost of ownership
- Ensure the capability remains fit for purpose
The Disposal Phase
Disposal is to be carefully considered, taking into account:
- financial, environmental, security, archival, safety, and
third-party transfer issues, e.g. - Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARS)