Wanted to call to your attention an excellent resource available from the Defense Standardization Program Office (DSPO). Specifically, the SD-2 DoD Acquisitions: Buying Commercial Items and Non-developmental Items “…offers guidance on acquisitions involving all types of commercial and non-developmental items: systems, subsystems, assemblies, parts, and items of supply. Commercial services are also addressed. This document does not present a “cookbook” approach to the acquisition of commercial and non-developmental items; such an approach could not accommodate the vast array of potential applications. It does offer lessons learned and things to consider when participating on an integrated product team.”

In addition, the SD-2 also provides a range of key definitions, rationale, and mitigation approaches, as well as key insights into product support considerations including planning for life-cycle supportability (logistics support methods, integrated product support elements, product enhancements and upgrades) and acquisition strategies (technical data and intellectual property).

Moreover, the guidebook also does a deep dive into issues requiring special attention, including:

• Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)
• Counterfeit Parts and Components
• Checklist of Best Practices for Mitigating the Risk of Counterfeits
• Components without Leaded Solder and Finishes
• Regulation Affecting the Supply Chain

And just in case you were wondering…yes, your colleagues at DAU do in fact offer training on each of these topics. Visit our iCatalog for details and registration information, including:

• DMSMS (CLL 200, CLL 201, CLL 202, CLL 207)
• Counterfeit Parts (CLL 032, CLL 062)
• Leaded Solder (CLL 007)
• Supply Chain (LOG 102, CLL 037, CLL 038)