Integrated Product Support (IPS) Element Guidebook

The Integrated Product Support (IPS) Element Guidebook is a Defense Acquisition University learning asset intended to augment product support policy outlined in DoD Instruction 5000.91 Product Support Management for the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF). This IPS Element Guidebook also augments Appendix A of the DoD Product Support Manager (PSM) Guidebook in describing each of the 12 IPS Elements. In addition to LOG 0460 The Twelve Integrated Product Support Elements online training course, IPS Element-Based Life Cycle Logistics Credentials, and the Integrated Product Support Implementation Roadmap Tool, the information in this guidebook is supported by separate ACQuipedia articles for each of the individual IPS Elements along with an IPS Element Overview article:

• Product Support Management 
• Supply Support
• Sustaining Engineering 
• Maintenance Planning and Management
• Design Interface
• Support Equipment
• Manpower & Personnel
• IT Systems Continuous Support
• Facilities & Infrastructure
• Packaging, Handling, Storage & Transportation
• Technical Data
• Training & Training Support

 This guidebook is intended to: 

• Serve as a "one-stop shop" for detailed information about each of the twelve Integrated Product Support (IPS) Elements
• Provide standard definitions for each of the IPS elements and sub-elements
• Identify key activities and products for each IPS element
• Provide information on who, what, why, how, where and when these activities and products are accomplished during a system's life cycle
• Be used in conjunction with the DoD Instruction 5000.91 Product Support Management for the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), the DoD Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), and the DoD Product Support Manager (PSM) Guidebook
• Be updated again in FY26 to reflect the most current DoD product support management policy and guidance

 What's new in the March 2024 Update:

• Following a major revision in March 2021, this update primarily focused on a fact-of-life changes related to the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF), the OUSD (A&S) and OUSD(R&E) organizations, and other content updates. 
• Alignment to the DoD Product Support Manager's (PSM) Guidebook Appendix A outline.
• Reflect the transition from the former Computer Resources IPS Element to the IT Systems Continuous Support Element      
   

This document is part of an Integrated Product Support Guidebook Suite and serves as an important resource for defense acquisition workforce members to use in crafting and successfully executing life cycle product support and sustainment strategies.