Manufacturing Lead Time—A Factor to Consider During Planning and Acquisition of Navy Ships

Abstract

Philadelphia's NAVSEA Shipbuilding Support Office provides current Manufacturing Lead Time information to Navy planners, designers and acquisition managers responsible for the timely procurement of the latest design Navy ships. Lead time information is critical to effective budgeting and on-time delivery of basic material, hull, mechanical and electrical components and combat systems. This paper addresses the methodology for solicitation, statistical consolidation and final assessment of information provided by over 1300 domestic primary and secondary manufacturers. Early detection of lead time change provides a basis for remedial action whereby critical paths may be selected, schedules altered, or substitutions provided. The paper further addresses the status of the U.S. industrial base capacity to provide these materials, components and systems and compares the current industrial base with its status five and ten years ago. Loss of domestic capacity has resulted in sole or single-source procurement and in some cases sole dependence upon a foreign source for critical subcomponents. The ability of U.S. manufacturers to respond to peacetime programs and potential surge or mobilization requirements is also examined.