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life cycle logistics

Benchmarking Independent Logistics Assessments (ILA)

Independent Logistics Assessments are required by statute (10 U.S.C. §2337a. Assessment, management, and control of operating and support costs for major weapon systems) as well as in policy and…

Benchmarking Independent Logistics Assessments (ILA)

  1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. Benchmarking Independent Logistics Assessments (ILA)
Bill Kobren
Independent Logistics Assessments are required by statute (10 U.S.C. §2337a. Assessment, management, and control of operating and support costs for major weapon systems) as well as in policy and guidance:
  • DoD
  • Army:
  • Navy/Marine Corps:
  • Air Force:

For those who may not have participated in an ILA before, you might be wondering when and why there is such a requirement. According to DoDI 5000.02, Enclosure 6, "the DoD Components will conduct independent logistics assessments (ILAs) for all weapon system MDAPs prior to Milestones B and C and the Full-Rate Production Decision…”. The reason is simple: “….to assess the adequacy of the product support strategy, and to identify features that are likely to drive future operating and support costs, changes to system design that could reduce costs, and effective strategies for managing such costs."

Given its broadly-base application across the Department, a few suggestions for more effective implementation:

  • Benchmark. Get out and visit programs that have recently completed an ILA to discover proven practices, lessons learned, or ideas to better prepare.
  • Identify Strengths and Weaknesses of your Program
  • Leverage subject matter experts (SME) for Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements your program may be lacking
  • Examine results of previous ILAs for your program, and ensure previously identified issues have been satisfactorily resolved.
  • Leverage the excellent checklists contained in the DoD Logistics Assessment Guidebook or NAVSO P-3692 as internally-facing “self-inspection” checklists well before the ILA assessors arrive. This will not only help you identify issues prior to the team’s arrival, but more importantly, address and resolve them.
  • Beware of “wet ink”. ILA assessors are astute enough to recognize last minute documentation that was implemented or put in place just prior to their arrival.

DAU Resources on the topic include: