Nonmilitary Specification Requirements in Department of Defense Aviation Avionics Acquisition Programs

This study investigates the barriers to adopting commercial products relating to aircraft avionics with the Department of Defense after the passage of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994. There has been a strong emphasis from both the federal government and industry for the Department of Defense to adopt commercial products and practices. The focus of this study is to identify the barriers that exist to accomplish this goal, in the aircraft related avionics systems market, after the passage of FASA. This study concludes that the barriers to procuring NON-MILSPEC aviation avionics in the DOD, after FASA, fall into three general categories: specifications, logistics, and management training. Research also supports the conclusion that while FASA may eliminate some logistics barriers, it will not likely effect barriers related to specifications, or management, and training.