A study on component obsolescence mitigation strategies and their impact on R&M

This paper discusses the insights obtained from managing obsolescence mitigation strategies within the Department of Defense (DoD) during the last two decades. The numerous solutions investigated, from alternative or substitute components to complete system redesign can affect reliability and maintainability (R&M) as well as cost. However, with careful implementation of design practices many of the effects can be mitigated. In addition to presenting the common practices that mitigate the effect and risk of DMSMS, this paper also addresses the nonrecurring engineering (NRE) costs impacts associated with ensuring that solutions meet the original product's system performance and R&M requirements.