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KNOXVILLE — The National Defense Business Institute (NDBI) in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Business Administration is partnering with Monitor Government Venture Services to research “Time as an Independent Variable” or TAIV™ as a tool to help constrain weapon systems cost.

The U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics has identified the setting and managing of shorter program timelines as one of his key acquisition efficiency initiatives.

The question NBDI is addressing is just how much time is the right amount of time that should be allocated for a particular defense program. This study will establish a methodology for making that determination through a process that uses TAIV™ in a way similar to the approach that uses “cost” as an independent variable (CAIV).

“It is crucial to have a reliable way of establishing a defense program that produces the most capability at a predictable cost and fielded in time to make a difference on the battlefield,” said David Patterson, NDBI executive director.

Results of this study will be submitted for review at the Journal of Aviation and Aerospace Perspectives Meeting on Oct. 20 in Atlanta, Ga.

The executive summary of the study can be seen at http://ndbi.utk.edu/ or by emailing NDBI@utk.edu.

C O N T A C T :

Cindy Raines, (865-974-4359, craines1@utk.edu)