§4321 Development of Major Defense Acquisition Programs: Sustainment of System to Be Replaced

Summary

When a new major defense acquisition program begins development, the Department of Defense must have the responsible acquisition leader create a sustainment plan for the older system the new one will replace. The responsible leader is the Secretary of a military department or the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. The plan must show the program milestone dates (including low-rate initial production, initial and full operational capability, and full-rate production) and the date when the new system will take on most of the old system’s mission. The plan must also estimate funding needed to keep the old system reliable and able to meet threats, and say whether moving mature technology to the old system or making the two systems work together is needed. This rule does not apply if the new program reached initial operational capability before October 1, 2008, or if the Secretary of Defense finds the old system or mission is no longer needed, is merged with another mission that can be handled, or will be replaced so quickly that requirements remain met. The Secretary may waive the rule if needed for national security, but must tell the congressional defense committees in writing and explain why.