The MoD Acquisition organisation is undergoing a further stage of transformation to incorporate a broader base of resources in its management of defence capabilities.
The fundamental principles of Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) extend back to those of Smart Acquisition, of which they were key element. Initially the Department sought to introduce Through-Life Management ("TLM") as a series of individual initiatives. In mid-2002, TLM was identified as a corporate change programme in its own right and the NAO undertook a review of TLM in 200388.
The implementation of Through Life Capability Management (TLCM) principles, which incorporates the management of military capability across all DLoDs, was the rationale for commissioning the 2006 Enabling Acquisition Change report ("EAC report") and implementation of TLCM formed a core component of the Defence Acquisition Change Plan ("DACP"). The recommendations contained in the EAC report pertaining to the adoption of TLCM aim to:
• take account of full life costs; and
• consider the implications in delivering the desired capability across all eight Defence Lines of Development (DLoDs).
Key perceived benefits of TLCM include:
• ability to reduce cost / improve capability delivery through synchronisation of planning assumptions, resources, etc. across all of the DLoDs;
• improved coherency between both new and in-service equipment in related capability areas; and
• more effective management of capability through life (equipment upgrade vs. new, investment timing, user needs, etc.).
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88 'Through-Life Management', NAO (May 2003)