Which of the following best defines "sustainment" in systems acquisition?

The definition of "sustainment" in systems acquisition is best captured by the support and maintenance of systems throughout their operational life. This concept emphasizes the ongoing responsibility to ensure that a system remains effective and operational after it has been deployed. Sustainment encompasses activities such as logistics, management of resources, training, maintenance, and continuous improvement to keep the system functioning effectively while meeting user needs.

This understanding is critical in acquisition management because effective sustainment contributes to the overall lifecycle cost of a system and its continued effectiveness in fulfilling its operational requirements. It also highlights the importance of planning for sustainment during the early phases of the acquisition process to ensure that adequate support mechanisms are established from the beginning.