The Air Force has issued two important new resources of benefit to the life cycle logistics workforce, Product Support Managers (PSM), and other defense acquisition and sustainment workforce members involved in any facet of life cycle management of Air Force weapon systems.

The first is a new Air Force Product Support Tool Kit (PSTK), a resource formerly known as the Acquisition Sustainment Tool Kit (ASTK).  According to the Air Force, the new Product Support Tool Kit (PSTK) was developed as a quick reference tool for personnel working life cycle logistics tasks throughout a weapon system’s life cycle. Effective as of April 1, 2014, the new PSTK consolidates, updates, and replaces the old Acquisition Sustainment Tool Kit (ASTK) Process Matrix, Acquisition Sustainment Toolkit Checklists, and Acquisition Sustainment Kneepad Checklist.

According to Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) logistics leadership, the new “PSTK provides standardized, repeatable product support processes for program and logistics managers as well as other disciplines.  The application of this tool will enable the life cycle management communities to field products and services with complete cradle to grave support that are affordable, reliable and sustainable.  The PSTK's approach to up front supportability planning aligns with AFPD 63‑1/20‑1, Integrated Lifecycle Management, which directs an ILCM approach to recapitalize Air Force capabilities by maximizing efficiencies in  acquisition cycle time.  In addition, the PSTK facilitates providing product support that will optimize fielded capabilities and the supply chain, minimize the logistics footprint, and reduce total ownership cost.  The PSTK can be used by anyone performing daily lifecycle management tasks on any weapon system or commodity.”

The second new Air Force product support resource (closely aligned with the PSTK, as you would expect), is the recently updated February 2014 Air Force Logistics Health Assessment (LHA) process.

We have posted copies of the new PSTK, LHA User Guide, and LHA Criteria on the DAU Logistics Community of Practice (LOG CoP) at the links above, and encourage you to check out these important new resources.