Page 16 - Williams Foundation Integrated Force Design Seminar

Designing the Integrated Force: How to Define and Meet the Challenge?

Acqusition and Sustainment of the Integrated Force

Proposed Contracting Approach

• Use of Collaborative Contracting
– Joint decision making
– Target cost not fixed cost
– Transparency and open book
– Executive involvement of the
capability sponsor
– Dispute resolution framework
• Scope and cost certainty not locked
down at project approval
• Cost as an Independent Variable (CAIV)

In the partnership phase, one establishes the steering group and the stakeholders to be involved in program
definition. The focus is upon the vision or the wish list of the capability, which is the target of the effort.

In the appraisal phase, there are funded studies, which allow education about what is realistic to achieve for
the target funding and to shape choice and determine how to reduce risk.
In the execution phase, the core decisions have been taken and the target objectives defined and pursued.
The execution phase adjusts the vision to realistic outcomes within the targeted budget. It is not about
requirements it is about outcomes driven by the partnership as a procurement force.

The final presentation addressed the challenges of the digital nature of the joint force: How to leverage IT
and communication systems to deliver a force able to leverage a diversity of networks and to deliver a joint
effect.

In his presentation, BG Wainwright defined how he saw this challenge: “The range, array and potential of
next generation sensor technologies – matched to long range, precision fires – will demand low signature land
forces capable of operating well below an adversary’s detection and discrimination thresholds.”

“Which leads me to offer a note of caution: A highly networked and integrated joint force is one that may on
one hand draw great strengths, but equally exposes real and rich targetable vulnerabilities to our
adversaries. It is here that the lessons of the past also hold the key to preparing for our future.”

In Air Vice Marshal Andrew Dowse, Head of Information Communications Technology Operations, a diversity
of challenges facing the development of a proper set of glues for evolving force integration was the focus of
attention.

Second Line of Defense

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