Major system acquisition reform in the United States Coast Guard : a case for the application of Lean Enterprise principles

Abstract

During any time of reorganization, it is important to look to processes and practices that have been used and proven effective by other organizations whether those organizations are similar in structure or similar in the transitory environment in which they are operating. For this reason, applying Lean Enterprise principles and practices that have been proven in both industry and governmental organizations can be of great benefit to the Acquisition Directorate of the United States Coast Guard as it reorganizes to improve mission execution. Notwithstanding that when most people hear the words "Lean Enterprise" they immediately think of enterprises involved in manufacturing or supply chain effectiveness, the principles of Lean Enterprise thinking can also be applied in the service and support environments. Therefore, the Coast Guard Acquisition Directorate, a service enterprise, can apply these same principles and practices in an effort to transform the directorate into a Lean Enterprise. In this thesis, the Coast Guard's Rescue 21 project was used as an example for the entire Coast Guard Acquisition Directorate. The Rescue 21 project consists of the acquisition of a new advanced command, control and communications system to replace the antiquated National Distress and Response System (NDRS). From the application of Lean Enterprise evaluation approaches to the Rescue 21 project, it was evident that:

(cont.) * The Rescue 21 project provides low value to its various stakeholders; * This low value is a direct result of cost overruns and schedule delays; * Misalignment exists among Strategic Objectives, Stakeholder Values, Key Processes and Metrics; * The Rescue 21 enterprise architecture has a solid foundation to improve value delivery; * The Rescue 21 project leadership desires to improve in the area of value delivery to stakeholders.