NDIA division teams with Naval Warfare Center.

• Author: Rassa, Bob
• Position: NDIA News

Rear Adm. Michael Mathis, commander of NAVSEA's Naval Surface Warfare Center, recently asked NDIA's Systems Engineering Division to bold a workshop series to look at the specific roles and responsibilities of the NSWC divisions and the defense industry representatives who are engaged in NAVSEA business.

The series was established to more effectively and efficiently support current and future fleet readiness for combat and ship systems by addressing and improving the relationship, including roles and responsibilities, between industry and NSWC.

The first of several conferences was attended by 100 senior representatives from industry and NSWC. It started a needed open and frank dialogue. The four major topics discussed were technical authority, business models, mission area capability and professional relationships.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the universal acknowledgement that both NSWC and industry have important roles in supporting the fleet, at all levels, from components to systems of systems.

The workshop did the following:

* Identify attributes of a good working relationship between industry and NSWC.

* Mutually develop a course of action to address issues that lead to a uniform set of respective roles, responsibilities and interdependencies that will improve current and future fleet readiness.

* Set the stage for follow-on meetings and discussions with the assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition; program executive officers; fleet representatives; resource sponsors, and industry to seek pilot programs or other mechanisms implementing the agreed-to roles and responsibilities.

Comments from workshop attendees suggest that there is much common ground. Candid discussion, a willingness to listen and a determination to take positive action from both Navy and industry participants were critical to establishing a solid framework from which stronger relationships can be forged.

On one point there is strong agreement: the fleet must have the best weapons systems to meet any threat, anywhere and at any time. NSWC and industry will continue to dialogue and work together to improve the...