Interview with Michael Wynne, acting under secretary of defense : unique identification now mandatory on all new solicitations - acquisition, technology & logistics - UID - Acquisition Process Improvement - Cover Story

Defense AT&L, Jan-Feb, 2004

We will also accept existing equivalent unique identifiers used in the commercial marketplace, provided that they meet our criteria for uniqueness. Thus far, we have identified three such identifiers for our use: the global individual asset identifier (GIAI), the global returnable asset identifier (GRAI) and the vehicle identification number (VIN). In addition to these equivalents, the data requirements of Title 14 CFR Part 45, Identification and Registration Marking, for aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and propeller blades and hubs are consistent with our UID constructs. Although it is not yet in widespread use, we do anticipate that the newly developed electronic product code (EPC) will provide us with another equivalent.

While items currently in use and in our inventories are not immediately affected by the policy, I have encouraged the component acquisition executives (CAEs) to identify, promote, and fund pilot programs to apply UID to legacy equipment and the supporting automated information systems. One notable example of legacy application of UID is the Army's effort in marking flight and maintenance critical parts on the CH-47 Chinook helicopter. I realize it will be a long road to implementation, but the sooner program managers (PMs) begin to plan for UID implementation and its effects on business processes, the smoother the transition will be.

Q. In the policy memo, you impress upon the CAEs the need to ensure that program managers understand the criticality of requiring UID. What do you feel will be the impact for PMs and their related functional support disciplines?

A. We should all understand that the UID policy is intentionally broad in reach and will affect stakeholders throughout the supply chain. As I see it, the principal stakeholders are program and item managers and their supporting functional disciplines of engineering; acquisition; financial management; property, plant and equipment accountability; and logistics. Further, we have our industry counterparts in these areas to consider as well.

We expect UID to have the following outcomes:

* Engineering will provide for the seamless transfer of product data (specifications or bills of material) into the supply chain to allow for faster production ramp-up and to speed up engineering change processes.

* Acquisition will provide for establishment of requirements and the efficient capture of the UID data elements through the contracting process.

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* Financial Management will provide clean audit opinions on item portions of DoD financial statements.

* Property, Plant and Equipment Accountability will provide physical controls and accountability over tangible items to reduce the risk of undetected theft and loss, unexpected shortages of critical items, and unnecessary purchases of items already on hand.

* Logistics will provide improved asset visibility and life cycle management.

* The industry supply chain will provide enhanced ability to supply innovative, tailored products and to strengthen customer relationships, fostering better buyer-vendor partnerships.