Jungly
“As the only part of the acquisition process that actually works is the UOR route we now have so many fleets within fleets, across all types, that only certain aircraft are fit for certain purposes”.
I know what you mean, but if UORs are causing fleets within fleets, then the UOR process is flawed and not fit for purpose. And the IPT is not using the mandated procedures to their own benefit compounded, in your case, by many UORs being fitted under NSM. In my experience, many UORs are only necessary because of poor staffing in the first place. The reason they seem to work, but only in the short term, is because the requirement for through life, end-to-end support is omitted. There is less staffing required in an area (ILS) which is barely understood by MB and mostly carried out (or ignored as the case may be) in DPA/DLO by people who are untrained for the job. The financial shortfall this causes is often a stumbling block for “ordinary” projects. Therefore, the initial procurement is simplified, but look at how many problems are thrown up a couple of years later when kit starts to fail. I recall, on your a/c, being asked to buy some kit under UOR. I asked MB why, given you already had the kit in greater quantity than the UOR sought. They said, because most of it was unserviceable. I asked, so why not repair it at minimal cost (2 or 3 weeks) instead of buying complete replacements (12 months). The answer? Because the original buy was under UOR and so no repair money had been sought. (If you don’t ask, you don’t get). From his viewpoint, it was easier to buy new than repair. (In fact, much of it was “No Fault Found” precisely because ILS had been omitted under that UOR and no servicing instructions, spares or test equipment was available for 1st or 2nd Line). Am I describing a process that is fit for purpose? Of course, the PM is then faced with a choice. Follow orders and knowingly waste money (which is not an offence in MoD), or risk the wrath of God by spending less and delivering something you desperately needed 11 months early. I did the latter and took my bollocking like a man. Did you prophet from my decision?