As part of a comprehensive strategy to continue its vitality as the aviation acquisition arm to the fleet, the Naval Air Systems Command introduced plans to implement its “Smart Sourcing” initiative.

Smart Sourcing is an integrated team approach to arrive at smart business decisions for obtaining technical and managerial support services for the products we deliver to our fleet customers. Key to the success of this strategy is launching the command-wide Smart Sourcing process, using a Web-based means of providing a team-wide view of NAVAIR’s needs for technical and managerial support Services.

“The system will increase the visibility of the support services needed across NAVAIR and afford the command the opportunity to respond with the best approach toward meeting those needs,” said Bob Prine, executive director for Research and Engineering and co-leader of the NAVAIR Business Strategy Focus Group, which developed the strategy and Web-based tool.

The Smart Sourcing database will also document the final outcome of each requirement for services, capturing the type of support needed, who was selected to provide that support, and the associated cost and content of the effort. This information will aid the command in making smart business decisions to better prepare for the future.

“The Smart Sourcing process will facilitate informed decision-making; not dictate a specific solution,” Prine added. He also reiterated that Smart Sourcing is one part of a broader goal that will enable us to better address the financial challenges to help secure NAVAIR’s capability and relevance in naval aviation.

While many leaders have voiced strong support for a process to promote communication, awareness and integration of resourcing across the Team, NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. Joe Dyer urges that the process is also essential for NAVAIR to remain the supplier of choice for its customers. “Smart Sourcing will enable NAVAIR to deliver more effective products and services to the fleet, both now and in the future, by making ‘smart’ choices on how we get the support necessary to provide those products,” he said. The admiral believes this process will facilitate the best use of NAVAIR’s core capabilities, provide insight to ensure the command’s future vitality and further strengthen the demand for products from NAVAIR and its industry partners.

“A strong NAVAIR will ensure that we and our industry partners continue to effectively meet the challenging and growing needs of the fleet,” Dyer said.

The Smart Sourcing process has been presented to and approved by the NAVAIR Executive Leadership Council, and implementation details have been cooperatively developed with each of the competencies and program executive officers.

To find out more about Smart Sourcing, including the NAVAIR instruction and handbook, competency points of contact and the latest training material, log onto the Smart Sourcing Web site at https://smartsourcing.navair.navy.mil.