Backgrounder

Optimized Weapon System Management for CC-130 Hercules Fleet Airframe

BG–05.032 - October 25, 2005

Optimized Weapon System Management (OWSM) is a strategic contract framework that ensures maintenance and support remain at the highest level of effectiveness and efficiency for the life of the aircraft.

The benefits of the OWSM program are many and are a product of its logical aim. The essence of the program lies in its focus on service and the reduction in number of contracts required to support the fleet by bundling them under broader, multi-year contracts. Major benefits of the OWSM program include increases in:

• contractor responsibility and accountability – longer term contracts hold industry accountable to the levels of performance and service promised in the bid and contract development phases.

• focus on required performance and operational outputs – The Department of National Defence (DND) receives a better service through regular evaluation of the companies' performance standards and by providing them with incentives to optimize their performance as well as penalties for failing to meet requirements.

• cost-savings to the Canadian Forces – potential reduction in aircraft fleet support costs of 15 per cent.

• aircraft operational availability – optimized maintenance and support performance leads to faster turn-around times for aircraft, directly resulting in an increase in operational fleet availability.

• availability of DND manpower – by transferring the management of a large number of maintenance and support contracts to industry, DND members will be available to focus on new and future projects.

• Canadian defence industry global competitiveness – foreign nations will be interested in how DND can maintain and support aircraft faster and at less cost and potentially seek business with those same companies.

• the level of cooperation between DND and defence industry – fostering a relationship based on collaboration and teamwork.

What has evolved into the OWSM program first began in 1994 when the Minister of National Defence directed DND to look at alternate ways of doing business to ensure DND was operating efficiently and effectively. As a result of this direction the Prime Weapon System Support (PWSS) program was initiated in 1999. This later became System Support Contracting (SSC) and eventually the OWSM program in summer 2002.

Industry has had an extensive role throughout each OWSM procurement process, and the response to this initiative has been positive.

The OWSM programs consist of three maintenance and support services contracts covering the lifespan of the fleet: the airframe and its related components; the avionics system; and the propulsion system.

The first step in introducing OWSM for the Hercules fleet, is the award of a contract totalling approximately $423 million over the initial six-year period. Cascade Aerospace, of Abbotsford, B.C., has been awarded the maintenance and service support for the Hercules airframe and related components. The Hercules OWSM program is designed to achieve a best value support solution, increasing operational capability while decreasing support costs.

Cascade Aerospace will provide engineering services, integrated logistics support, equipment repair and overhaul services, and major third line inspection and repair for the aircraft structure and its ancillary systems.

The remaining Hercules OWSM projects planned for the avionics and propulsion systems will be awarded at a later date.

By implementing this highly responsive, long-term maintenance and support program, OWSM allows National Defence to leverage the best of both military and Canadian aerospace resources while meeting the demands of Canada's Air Force.

For more information on the Hercules visit http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/equip/cc-130/intro_e.asp.