What does "sustainment" refer to in the context of systems acquisition?

In the context of systems acquisition, "sustainment" refers specifically to the activities required to maintain and support a system throughout its operational life. This encompasses a wide range of tasks, including logistics, maintenance, training, and system upgrades, all aimed at ensuring that the system continues to function effectively and efficiently after its initial development and deployment.

Sustainment is crucial as it directly impacts the longevity and performance of a system, ensuring that it meets the ongoing needs of its users. This phase often involves planning for resource allocation, personnel training, and repair protocols that can extend the operational capability of the system and adapt to any changes in operational requirements or technological advancements.

The focus on sustainment highlights the importance of thinking beyond just the initial development and deployment phases of a system. It emphasizes the need for continuous support and improvement, which is vital for maximizing the return on investment and fulfilling the strategic objectives associated with the system.