Standard Hardware Acquisition and Reliability Program: Concepts, Benefits, and Potential

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Standard Hardware Acquisition and Reliability Program (SHARP) includes three major categories of hardware standards. They are Standard Electronic Modules (SEM), Standard Power Supplies (SPS), and Standard Electronic Enclosures (SES). SHARP responsibilities include development and testing of these standards and their integration into electronic systems. The purpose of SHARP is to reduce development, production, and logistics support costs of electronic systems; to improve system operational availability; and to shorten the system acquisition cycle. The basic concepts applied towards this purpose are: functional standardization; functional specification; a disciplined quality program; design flexibility; and emphasis on design for maintenance and repair. The paper describes the application of these concepts in the SHARP program and how they result in:— improved performance and supportability;— multisystem application of functional standards:— standard interfaces between system elements;— competitive procurement of hardware;— improved system readiness;— interchangeability of spares;— introduction of new technology into deployed systems;— improved testability; and— reduced cost to the Department of Defense (DoD).SHARP experience and benefits to the user are described, including specific applications of SHARP hardware in DoD systems and examples of multimillion dollar cost savings to these systems. The status of current SHARP initiatives and potential savings through broader application of SHARP in system developments are then discussed.