Acquisition of out of production ATE Test Program Sets-A DoD perspective

Abstract

This paper is a discussion of the highs and lows related to procurement of Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Operational Test Program Sets (OTPSs) that have been out of production for any length of time as seen from a Department of Defense viewpoint (as opposed to a private industry viewpoint). Focus is on procurement strategies, Technical Data Package development, and issues with how to overcome component obsolescence and “minimum buy” requirements. Payment of assets would be completed as part of an Foreign Military Sale (FMS)/Direct Commercial Sale case with Dept of Defense or Dept of State. These procurements tend to be from FMS customers due to changes in their preferred support postures and dependence on failing legacy ATE.