Intelligence Support to Supply Chain Risk Management

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this research was to improve defense supply chain risk management processes through better intelligence integration. To this end, this research sought to capture the present state of academic and Department of Defense (DoD) thought regarding supply chain resiliency and risk management through an extensive review of current academic and DoD literature regarding supply chain risk management and intelligence doctrine. This review established the importance of supply chain risk analysis to ensuring supply chain resiliency and identified a significant gap in DoD acquisitions policy and guidance regarding intelligence support to supply chain risk analysis. This research culminated in the development of a methodology for intelligence professionals to use to support supply chain risk management processes. Specifically, this paper provides analysts a methodology to provide intelligence support to risk analysis for United States Air Force (USAF) weapon system supply chains based on the Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment process established in Joint doctrine. While the methodology developed in this paper is targeted at USAF weapon system supply chains, it is readily adaptable to other DoD acquisitions program supply chains. Additionally, this paper provides recommendations for future research to further improve intelligence support to supply chain risk management.