General gives stinging rebuke to contractors

The Hill ^ | 2/9/2011 | John T Bennett

[XRdsRev]

I don’t disagree with you. Design changes after a prototype has been decided upon should be discouraged. However sometimes they are neccessary because of changes to subassemblies or for new interoperability issues. Sometimes a contractors product simply does not perform well in LRIP (Limited Rate Initial Production) and needs redesign and additional testing before Full rate Production, this is not uncommon.

One of the problems DOD has that the private sector does not, is that DOD must have a fielded product that stays current for years. The private sector often (not always) can upgrade a product in the next model run or year but that is difficult for DOD to do in many cases. DOD really doesn’t want 20 very different versions of the same platform out in the field at the same time.....that becomes a logistical and training nightmare.

[SZonian]

True, all you have to do is look at the F-35B STOVL.

They’re finding out the design wasn’t as robust as they believed.

Redesign, manufacture new parts, testing delayed, retest the new design, schedule slip, extra $$$$’s, etc.

We’re in agreement, I think we’re just coming at it from slightly different angles.

FRegards,
SZ