For regular life cycle logistics and product support manager (PSM) readers of this blog, wanted to let you know that not only does DAU offer a comprehensive web-based Program Manager’s e-Toolkit, but that as part of a broader strategic interdisciplinary integration effort, we recently updated the life cycle logistics section under "Chapter 1 - Acquisition Management", adding extensive new references, information, and material related to the life cycle logistician, including product support strategy development and implementation.
So what exactly is the PM e-Toolkit? According to the “DAU Program Managers e-Tool Kit” overview, “the Program Managers e-Tool Kit was developed to web-enable the popular Tool Kit book and enrich it with links to related resources. The e-Tool Kit is a collection of helpful DoD program management information, including graphical summaries of acquisition policies and managerial skills. It evolved from a collection of class handouts developed by (a former student in) the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Program Management Course 92-1. It links to related DAU resources and includes Performance Learning Tools (PLTs) to help program managers do their jobs.
How do I use the e-Tool Kit? The e-Tool Kit gateway at https://pmtoolkit.dau.mil lets you access all e-Tool Kit resources easily. You can use the search bar to search within e-Tool Kit only, or click on the Table of Contents to view contents grouped by topic. Each e-Tool Kit page has an expandable menu in the left-hand side that lets you jump to whatever topic you choose.
The e-Tool Kit features various Performance Learning Tools that include downloadable checklists, on-screen calculators, and diagrams with clickable boxes that take you to helpful definitions and explanations from ACQuipedia, your online Acquisition encyclopedia.
Future direction: We're collaborating with OSD and Joint programs to find, adapt, and create helpful tools for the PM workforce, and we'd like your help! Please suggest new tools and other resources by emailing pmtoolkit@dau.mil or clicking the Feedback link. Also contact us if you already use or know of a tool that you think other PMs might benefit from - these can range from an Excel spreadsheet to a diagram or template, to existing computer applications. We'll give credit to the creators or originators of the tool, and you'll be helping fellow Acquisition professionals to do their jobs better.”
Encourage you to check it out.
