Appendix A Definitions/Descriptions

Alpha Contracting. An innovative contracting technique, typically used in satisfying sole source requirements, that transforms the acquisition process from a consecutive (and sometimes iterative) process into a more efficient and streamlined concurrent process. From solicitation development, through proposal preparation, to evaluation, negotiation, and award, Alpha contracting relies on a team approach to concurrently develop a requirement through award and implementation. Information on Alpha contracting can be found from a wide variety of sources through the search function of the DoD Acquisition Deskbook, accessible from the OSD AcqWeb homepage or http://www.dau.mil.

Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). Abbreviated evaluation of potential sourcing strategies in support of a PBL.

Acquisition Business Case Analysis (BCA). Document that identifies viable functional alternatives and presents economic and technical arguments for carrying out alternatives over an acquisition life cycle to achieve stated business objectives.  The Acquisition BCA is designed to identify costs and benefits that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) will realize through the initiation of supply and services acquisition strategies.  This analysis will help determine the alternative that is in the Government's best interest.  The BCA process compares DLA's current "as-is" (status quo) benefits and costs of doing business to the benefit and costs of viable acquisition alternatives.

Integrated Acquisition Review Board (I-ARB). The I-ARB is the decision making authority for PBL acquisitions. It has the ability to continue the acquisition, modify the strategy, terminate the process, or determine how next phases should proceed. (See Subpart 7.1; 7.104-90).

Integrated Product Team (IPT). Team composed of representatives from appropriate functional disciplines working together to build successful programs, identify and resolve issues, and make sound and timely recommendations to facilitate decision-making. There are three types of IPTs:

●  Overarching IPTs (OIPTs) that focus on strategic guidance, program assessment, and issue resolution.

●  Working level IPTs (WIPTs) that identify and resolve program issues, determine program status, and seek opportunities for acquisition reform.

●  Program level IPTs that focus on program execution and may include representatives from both government and use input from industry.

Performance Based Logistics (PBL) acquisition. A package of logistics support functions acquired from commercial and/or organic sources to maintain/improve readiness and affordability of a system, subsystem or component. The acquisition procures performance outcomes (versus only products and services), has clear lines of delegated or retained authority and responsibility, and the support functions procured may include one or more of the following logistics support elements:

1.  Maintenance planning

2.  Supply support

3.  Support and Test Equipment/Equipment support

4.  Manpower and personnel

5.  Training and training support

6.  Technical data

7.  Computer Resources support

8.  Facilities

9.  Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation (PHS&T)

10.  Design interface

The performance procured should be measured in terms of improving one or more of the following total life cycle systems management metrics:

Material Availability

Material Reliability

Mean Down Time

Ownership Cost

Service Partnerships. An arrangement between a Military Service and DLA to award or modify a single performance based logistics contract consisting of both DLA NSNs and Service NSNs.