Which statement about life cycle logistics metrics in acquisition is true?

• A. They should be included in the acquisition strategy to address life cycle logistics
• B. They are optional
• C. They should be identical for all programs
• D. They ignore maintainability

Answer: (A)

Life cycle logistics metrics define how a system will be supported throughout its life, from deployment to retirement, and they guide decisions about sustainment, cost, and performance. In acquisition, they should be included in the acquisition strategy to address life cycle logistics because embedding these metrics early ensures that sustainment needs influence requirements, source selection, and incentives. This alignment helps balance upfront investments with long-term support outcomes, enables meaningful tradeoffs, and provides a clear basis for measuring performance under a performance-based logistics approach. They are not optional; treating logistics metrics as an afterthought can lead to higher life cycle costs and weaker support. Metrics should be tailored to each program, reflecting its unique design, supply chains, and maintenance concept rather than being identical across all programs. They also do not ignore maintainability—maintainability and related metrics (like MTTR, availability, reliability, and support response) are essential components of life cycle logistics.