In October of 2009 I authored an article in the Defense Acquisition Research Journal titled “What Performance Based Logistics Is and What It Is Not--And What It Can and Cannot Do,” which laid to rest some PBL misperceptions and highlighted how the product support strategy is an enabler for an effective end-to-end supply chain, public private partnership initiatives, and performance based outcomes.   Nevertheless, barriers, whether perceived or real, to PBL implementation persist. 

An earlier 2004 research study by a senior logistics colleague here at DAU examined issues the Components were encountering at the time, both for new and existing programs, in implementing PBL product support and sustainment strategies  The study, entitled “Performance Based Logistics – Barriers and Enablers to Effective Implementation”, was published in the Dec 2004 - Mar 2005 issue of the Defense Acquisition Review Journal (ARJ) Magazine. Existing cultural and structural barriers were identified in the research as inhibiting effective implementation along with several other factors. 

A current DAU sponsored research project by two life cycle logistics faculty from our DAU West Region is gathering data to attempt to answer this critical question of whether and how the PBL implementation landscape has changed since the earlier 2004 research study. Our faculty will be examining several factors regarding PBL implementation to include: 1) What are the current barriers and enablers that inhibit effective PBL implementation?  2) How do they compare with the results gathered in the 2004 study?  3) What strategies or actions would lead to more effective PBL implementation? 

The intent of this research study is to compare and contrast both cultural and structural barriers and enablers to effective PBL implementation within DoD that were identified in the 2004 study.  The research will highlight what has changed and recommend strategies which will facilitate more effective PBL implementation for new and legacy programs. 

How can you help?  If you have the opportunity, would encourage you to take a few minutes to participate in a very short online survey.  If you have been involved with the consideration of PBL implementation for DoD, our faculty would like to collect your thoughts on the product support strategy.  This research should provide meaningful insights into current factors that affect PBL implementation but in order for this to occur they need your data and feedback on what your experiences have been during your consideration and/or implementation of PBL on a DoD program.  Both industry and government feedback is sought. The following URL https://mdc.dau.mil/opinio/s?s=1703 will take you to the survey. Should you have questions or would like to provide more specific inputs to the study, please feel free to contact Dr. Andre Murphy at [email protected]  and/or Dr. Tom Edison at [email protected].