ABSTRACT
Preface Depot maintenance production requires all types of parts that are requisitioned from depot supply. When a part is required, is not available, and a back order is placed in the supply system for the required asset, an awaiting parts (AWP) condition exists. In AWP situations the maintenance shop may be forced to postpone the current repair operation and work on something else, or stop repair action completely. Among the adverse impacts resulting from the lack of adequate and timely piece-part and subassembly support is failure to meet depot overhaul schedules and to provide a timely supply of serviceable reparable items. AWP also increases the cost of depot level maintenance because of disruptions to production (i.e., work stoppages and rescheduling), the introduction of workarounds, such as cannibalization and rob-backs, and increased facility requirements (AFMC 2000). Having spare parts available when needed to perform required maintenance is critical to the Department of Defense’s accomplishment of its missions. Shortages of spare parts are a key indicator of supply chain system problems that can result in the unavailability of weapon systems to meet mission requirements. Despite additional funding provided by the U.S. Congress to address this issue, the military sustainment system is still reporting concerns about spare parts shortages (GAO 2001a, 2001b).
