In relation to TLCM, DACP initially focused on embedding TLCM principles in each stage of the acquisition process. A fuller implementation of TLCM envisaged significant changes both to the way the Department planned for the future and in its organisation. As at mid 2009 it can clearly be said that most (if not all) of the EAC report's "tangible" recommendations in respect of TLCM have been implemented by the Department, including the merger in April 2007 of the DPA and the DLO into a single organisation, DE&S.
However, there remains considerable room for progress on some of the report's less tangible recommendations (e.g., increase the realism in planning defence capability). The introduction of TLCM across the MoD is, therefore, widely considered "work in progress".
The Department is now in the early stages of "Phase 4" of TLCM deployment. A key objective of this phase of work is to aggregate related projects into coherent Through Life Capability programmes.
To achieve the programme based approach envisioned for Phase 4, a number of organisational actions have been taken in 2009:
• the MoD Centre requirements organisation (previously the ECC) has been restructured into the MoD Capability Sponsor;
• Capability Planning Groups ("CPG") and Capability Management Groups ("CMG") have been established to formulate approved Strategies and Plans for their capability areas (i.e., translation of policy into plan);
• Programme Boards ("PB") for c.40 programmes have been established in order to "ensure delivery of an agreed and coherent combination of DLoDs and projects, within programme approvals and available resources, in order to enable the User to generate Force Elements at Readiness and Sustainability"89. The PBs are typically chaired by the MoD Heads of Capability (broadly the old DEC posts), with representation from all DLoD Owners (normally drawn from the User), SIT, Defence Resources (as required), Sub-Group leads (as required), Industry where required and Programme Support Function Leaders; and
• Programme Support Functions ("PSF") have been designated, comprising a standing team provided by DE&S to deliver information, analysis, options and recommendations along with a secretariat function to the Programme Board.
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89 Programme Board Generic Terms of Reference, Acquisition Operating Framework