Parts Management

Parts Management

The DoW Parts, Materials, and Process Management Program establishes parts management best practices across DoW to increase weapon system availability and reduce total ownership costs. Effective parts management is an important contributor to the long-term success of any program because the end-item’s reliability, maintainability, and supportability is dependent on the parts the comprise it.

DoDM 4120.24 Defense Standardization Program Procedures states, “Program offices must apply standardization processes to improve parts commonality” and “should ensure that a parts management process is used to reduce the proliferation of parts and associated documentation.”

Additionally, DoDI 5000.88, Engineering of Defense Systems, states, “The Program Manager (PM) will ensure that a parts management process is used for the selection of parts during design to consider the life cycle application stresses, standardization, technology (e.g., new and ageing), reliability, maintainability, supportability, life cycle cost, and diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages.”

To accomplish these goals set in these policies, we

• review and revise DoW parts management policy and guidance;
• assess the effectiveness of DoD parts, materials and process activities across DoW;
• research, find, and promote parts, materials and process management best practices across DoW and industry;
• prepare and publish SD-19, Parts, Materials and Process Management Guide;
• promote parts, materials and process management education and engagement; and
• establish and pursue DoD-wide parts, materials and process management strategic objectives.

Parts, Materials and Process Management Training

The Defense Acquisition University offers a continuous learning module course, LOG 0630, “Introduction to Parts Management.” The course is designed to be self-taught and should take about 1.5 hours to complete. Prospective students may apply for this course.

Parts and Material Management Proven Processes - This monthly series provides a cross-functional forum for promoting, shaping, and coordinating government and industry approaches to effective DMSMS and parts management. The series leverages subject matter experts to increase your knowledge, awareness and ability to support your program effectively.