The Product Support Manager: Achieving Success in Executing Life Cycle Management Responsibilities

In October 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation (Pub. L. 111-84) contained a provision in Section 805 entitled, Life Cycle Management and Product Support requiring: (1) that the Secretary of Defense issue comprehensive guidance on Life Cycle Management (LCM), and the development and implementation of product support strategies for major weapon systems; (2) that each major weapon system be supported by a Product Support Manager (PSM); and (3) that each PSM position be performed by a properly qualified member of the armed forces or full-time employee of the Department of Defense. This article examines the intent, importance, and implications of this provision, and offers recommendations for implementation. Published in the journal of the Defense Acquisition University, p182-204, 2010.