NAWCTSD and NDIA Re-Ramp IPT Meetings

By Terri Bernhardt

NAWCTSD in partnership with the Central Florida Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) have reorganized and restarted the Navy’s Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings. In addition, NDIA established a Charter for the IPT to help collectively address issues of mutual interest and benefit to the Government-Industry Navy Team and hold IPT sessions in this new format.

The goal is to hold IPT sessions on an “as needed” basis, with a tentative plan objective of two meetings per calendar year, in September and April. Both Government and Industry can nominate potential issues as desired and the IPT will work together to help refine, prioritize, and placed them onto an IPT agenda when and as appropriate.

The session that was held on September 6 was very well attended. TSD’s information exchange commenced with the introduction of principals (VIPS, PMS, PCOs/CS, Legal), followed by a “Panel Format” where the facilitator fielded questions. NAWCTSD addressed the following items: Navy Progress to Make Section L&M Information Available Early, Navy PALT Planning, Status, Schedule and Panel Discussion & Q&A of IPT Issues related to Navy Proposal Requirements, Potential Efficiencies, Possible Cost Savings, and Shaping and Preferences of Program Teams.

In a “no agenda” format, industry had full opportunity to ask questions about acquisition processes, regulations and best practices. NDIA served the role as moderator during these IPTs and helps keep the discussion flowing on the subject being addressed. NDIA also works to ensure these sessions stay within the bounds of the allotted time (one to two hours). Additionally, NDIA provide guidelines to keep attendance within the constraints of the meeting area. Important to note: NDIA representatives will distribute any related materials and results through their membership listing/web site as well as through the CPAG.

While the IPT sessions are not intended to discuss any current or future business opportunities, the space is limited and it is requested that a maximum of two representatives per company be in attendance. For industry, it makes sense to send only personnel that are experienced in the specific session issues the IPT session will address. (These are not business development meetings.)

NAWCTSD and CFL-NDIA have succeeded in their first three meetings as made evident by the continued increase in the number of industry reps attending these meetings. The meetings offered a good exchange of information and insight on how better to posture when working with the government. The panel assembly by NAWCTSD included a cross representation of functional representatives that helped illustrate how functional perspectives and concerns on risk and other items help shape and focus a given program’s acquisition strategy.