Product support and the integrated product support (IPS) elements are an integral and foundational aspect of our business as life cycle logisticians and product support managers (PSM). Product Support and PSMs are specifically called out in statute (10 USC 4324 Life-Cycle Management and Product Support). The 12 interdisciplinary IPS Elements are captured not only in statute, but in DoD policy and guidance as well, including Section 574 of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), paragraph 4.1.a. of DoD Instruction 5000.91 Product Support Management for the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, and Appendix A of the DoD Product Support Manager (PSM) Guidebook.

Paragraph 4.1.a. of DoD Instruction 5000.91 Product Support Management for the Adaptive Acquisition Framework” for example, specifies that “Product support management includes planning, cost estimating and budgeting, developing, implementing, and managing an effective PSS that addresses all 12 integrated product support (IPS) elements (emphasis added) to accomplish materiel and system readiness for systems covered by Section (4324) of Title 10, U.S.C. (covered systems), major systems, sub systems, components, and embedded software.” This policy goes on in paragraph 4.1.c. to state that “The 12 IPS elements that comprise the PSS (product support strategy) are: (1) Product support management. (2) Design interface. (3) Sustaining engineering. (4) Maintenance planning and management. (5) Supply support. (6) Support equipment. (7) Technical data. (8) Training and training support. (9) IT systems continuous support. (10) Facilities and infrastructure. (11) Packaging, handling, storage, and transportation. (12) Manpower and personnel.” (emphasis added)

As I’ve shared before, there is a lot to be said for a common standard lexicon and a powerfully aligned, integrated product support ecosystem. Not to mention that the term ‘product support’ is quite deliberate; it's not only integrated across the logistics domain, but across the multi-disciplinary defense acquisition domain as well. Food for thought. In case you happen to be looking for additional insights into the twelve interdisciplinary IPS Elements, look no further than Appendix A of the DoD Product Support Manager’s Guidebook and the thirteen ACQuipedia articles , with one for each element entitled “Integrated Product Support (IPS) Element – (element name)” plus an overview article entitled “Integrated Product Support Elements.”

As I shared several years ago in a DAU LOG Blog post entitled “Touring Product Support, Element By Element”, the 12 Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements have been an integral part of DoD product support for many years. It’s not lost on many of us, nor should it be surprising in the least to long-time life cycle logisticians that IPS and the IPS Elements form the backbone of, and is woven throughout DoD life cycle product support, as well as our DAU logistics learning asset portfolio. Just a few that come immediately to mind include:

• DoDI 5000.91 Product Support Management for the AAF, Para 4.1.a.
• DoD Life Cycle Logistics Competencies
• ​DoD Life Cycle Logistics Position Category Description (PCD)
• DoD Weapon System Acquisition Reform: Product Support Assessment (Nov 2009)
• DoD Product Support Manager (PSM) Guidebook (Appendix A)
• DoD Logistics Assessment Guidebook
• DAU Integrated Product Support (IPS) Element Guidebook
• DAU IPS Element-Based Life Cycle Logistics Credentials
• DAU Integrated Product Support Implementation Roadmap Tool (in revision)
• DAU LOG 0460 The Twelve Integrated Product Support Elements Online Training Course
• DAU Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements Overview (ACQuipedia Article)
• DAU ACQuipedia Articles for each Individual IPS Element