Improving the U.S. Navy's execution of technical authority through a common risk management and technical assessment process

TLDR: This thesis defines the relationship between program authority and technical authority, and improves the state of technical authority through common policy development and implementation, to reduce exposure to risks and costs.

Abstract: : The focus of this paper is on improving the U.S. Navy's execution of technical authority. Technical authority targets compliance with technical criteria and standards. This targeting must be done at the earliest stages of program development and addressed during development of the program acquisition strategy. An executable acquisition strategy must take into consideration the Navy's technical authority responsibility. A successful strategy needs to provide the defense industry sufficient time to fully develop plans and deliver products, especially in high-risk program areas, and incorporate a systems engineering process in which the technical authorities can perform their mission. History has shown that costs will increase if technical risks are not adequately addressed. The purpose of improving the execution of technical authority is to reduce exposure to risks and costs. This thesis defines the relationship between program authority and technical authority, and improves the state of technical authority through common policy development and implementation.